Nicholls State University Women's Soccer

Nicholls State University Athletics Director Jonathan Terrell announced on Friday, May 10 the hiring of Kristy Helmers as head coach for Colonel women’s soccer.   Helmers returns to Thibodaux after spending four years as an assistant coach and graduate assistant for Friends University. While there she helped the Falcons reach the NAIA National Tournament in 2021 and 2023. Additionally, Helmers served as the Director of Soccer Operations and coach for Wichita United Football Club.   Helmers gave her thoughts on the homecoming.     “It is truly an honor to be named the head coach and to be returning home to Nicholls,” Helmers stated. “I am beyond thankful to the Director of Athletics, Jonathan Terrell and his staff for believing in me to lead this program.”    The Canberra, Australia native assisted with clinics and camps in Australia and spent time as the head coach for the Tuggeranog United in 17s national premier league team.   Prior to coaching at Friends, Helmers was a four-year starter and captain for the Colonels. While dawning the Red & Gray, she racked up 32 points including 17 in her freshman campaign. She finished with 12 goals and eight assists in 70 games on the pitch.   “Like many other coaches at Nicholls, I am excited to take this team to new heights, and continue to do great things,” Helmers said.  “It is going to take a lot of hard work from myself, my staff, and our ladies, but I am confident with the continued support of our administration, support staff, alumni, and fans that we will get there together!”   Helmers earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Nicholls in 2019. After that she earned a Master of Business Administration in 2022 and a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership in 2023.    

Brady Schlesman joined the Nicholls women's soccer program as an assistant coach in July 2024. Schlesman came to Nicholls after serving as an analytics assistant for the women's soccer program at Virginia Tech during the 2022 season. He was the assistant women’s soccer coach at Averett University in the 2023 season, later as the interim head coach in the Spring of 2024. A native of Richmond, Virginia, playing for the Richmond Kickers academy system, Schlesman graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications (sports media and analytics).