Paul Helsel joined the FGCU Strength & Conditioning staff in September 2022. Prior to FGCU, Helsel served as the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York from 2013-2021. While at Colgate, Helsel was responsible for the design and implementation of Strength & Conditioning programs for Football (FCS), Men’s Basketball, Volleyball, Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s Golf, and Women’s Rowing. During his tenure, Helsel also worked with Men’s & Women’s Lacrosse, Women’s Basketball, Softball, Men’s & Women’s Tennis, and Men’s & Women’s Track & Field.

While at Colgate, the Raiders won Patriot League championships in Football (2015, 2017, and 2018) and participated in the NCAA Football FCS Playoffs in 2015 and 2018, while advancing to the quarterfinals and having upset wins over James Madison University in both years. Helsel was also the Strength & Conditioning Coach for two Men’s Basketball Patriot League championship teams (2018-19 and 2020-21), advancing to the NCAA Tournament both years. While at Colgate, Men’s Basketball became the first team in Patriot League history to appear in four consecutive Patriot League championship games.

Prior to Colgate, Helsel was the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia from 2007-13. At ODU, Helsel worked with Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s & Women’s Sailing, Women’s Rowing, and Women’s Soccer. The Monarchs won back-to-back CAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Championships (2009-10 & 2010-11) during his five-year tenure at ODU, with the 2009-10 squad posting an upset win over Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament. That same year, the Monarchs led the nation in rebounding margin, displaying their tenacious play and hard work in the weight room. The Lady Monarchs also won the CAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship in his first year in Norfolk (2007-08).

From 2001-2007, Helsel was the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. While at SEMO, the Redhawk Women’s Basketball squad captured the OVC Tournament Championship in 2006, thus making the program’s first NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament appearance. The Redhawks also captured the 2002 OVC Baseball Tournament Championship. On the football field, Helsel also worked with five future NFL free agent signees during his time in Cape Girardeau.

Helsel began his full-time coaching career as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. While at Marshall, Helsel worked with Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Softball, Women’s Tennis, and Cheer, while assisting with Football. Marshall won three consecutive MAC Football Championships during his time in Huntington (1998, 1999, & 2000).

Helsel began his coaching career in Strength & Conditioning as an undergraduate assistant, graduate assistant, and later full-time paid intern at The University of Alabama (1991-1998). During his time in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide won the inaugural SEC Championship Game with a victory over Florida, then went on to win the 1992 National Championship with a resounding win over then #1 Miami in the USF&G Sugar Bowl. Helsel also worked with the 1994 Crimson Tide Women’s Basketball squad that advanced to the Final Four.

Helsel holds Strength & Conditioning certifications through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (CSCS), Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association (SCCC), USA Weightlifting, and is a Master Strength & Conditioning Coach through the CSCCa as well. The Jasper, Alabama native holds an BS degree in Physical Education and a MS in Human Performance studies, both from The University of Alabama.

Helsel is married to the former Mila Keeney of Chesapeake, Ohio. The couple have one daughter, Saban Joyce (11), and reside in Cape Coral.

Updated 1/8/23