Freshman Kaitlyn Helm Earns Preseason All-WCC Honors as Cougars Gear Up for Spring
Washington State freshman Kaitlyn Helm is already turning heads before the spring season even tees off. The standout newcomer was named to the Preseason All-West Coast Conference Team, one of just three freshmen to earn the honor in a vote by league coaches.
And make no mistake - Helm’s inclusion isn’t just about potential. She’s already proven she can compete with the best in the conference.
The Phoenix native led the Cougars in the fall with three Top-15 finishes, including two inside the Top 8. Her game has been sharp, consistent, and, at times, electric.
At the Badger Invitational, Helm came out firing with an opening-round 66 - a score that tied the Washington State single-round record for a freshman and ranks as the second-lowest round in program history. She stayed in contention all tournament before ultimately finishing tied for third. That kind of early poise under pressure is rare, especially for a freshman still getting her feet wet in college golf.
She backed that up with a T-13 finish at The Blessings Collegiate in Arkansas, then wrapped up the fall strong with a T-8 showing at the Rainbow Wahine Invitational in Hawaii, where she opened with a 68. Helm’s ability to go low early and stay in the mix has been a key storyline for the Cougars, and it’s clear the WCC coaches have taken notice.
As a team, Washington State was picked to finish fourth in the eight-team West Coast Conference this season. Pepperdine, a perennial powerhouse in the league, was the top pick, followed by Oregon State and Santa Clara. WSU slots in just behind that trio, with Gonzaga and Seattle U tied for fifth, San Francisco in seventh, and Augusta rounding out the preseason poll in eighth.
The Cougars will look to build on a solid fall when they open their spring slate at the Mountain Classic Matchplay, held February 9-11 at The Classic Club in Palm Desert, California. With Helm leading the way and momentum on their side, Washington State could be a team to watch as the WCC season unfolds.
Keep an eye on this squad - and especially on Helm. If her fall form is any indication, she’s just getting started.