Central College announced this week that Helen Staley will serve as its new varsity assistant women's basketball coach, bringing a blend of playing experience and coaching acumen to the program.
A Fresh Face on the Coaching Bench
Staley’s coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Dakota Wesleyan University, where she helped guide the Tigers to a 29‑7 season and a run to the NAIA semifinals.
Before that, she served as head coach of the junior varsity team at Dakota Wesleyan and, over three seasons with the Peacocks, appeared in 56 games, starting 42, while scoring 337 points and grabbing 194 rebounds.
Her playing career includes a freshman season at Oakland University, a stint at Upper Iowa University, and participation in the 22nd “So You Want To Be A Coach” program hosted by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association in April 2025, which covered administration, recruiting, skill development and work‑life balance.
Staley will join a Central program that finished last season 12‑14 and placed sixth in the American Rivers Conference, a group she hopes to help lift back toward championship contention.