Diving coach Karla Helder brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the San José State swimming and diving program.
Helder joined the Spartans after successful stints as the diving coach at UC Davis and Buffalo. She worked as the diving coach at UC Davis from 1994 to 2004 before moving to the East Coast, where she was the diving coach for the Bulls from 2004 to 2015.
After 12 years in Buffalo, the California native returned to her home state, working with the Santa Clara Dive Club while also competing on the master's level, setting world and national records.
A graduate of Chico State, Helder served as the diving coach at her alma mater from 1982 to 1991. In 1990, she was named the national diving coach of the year.
Helder had tremendous success during her own collegiate career. In her final two years at Chico State, Helder won one and three meter conference titles and was named conference Diver of the Year both seasons. In her sophomore season she qualified for nationals and placed sixth on both boards at the AIAW Championships, earning her All-America status. In her junior year she placed first on three meter, second on one meter, and earned her first AIAW national title. She was inducted into the Chico State athletics hall of fame in 1998.
Helder joined the Spartans after successful stints as the diving coach at UC Davis and Buffalo. She worked as the diving coach at UC Davis from 1994 to 2004 before moving to the East Coast, where she was the diving coach for the Bulls from 2004 to 2015.
After 12 years in Buffalo, the California native returned to her home state, working with the Santa Clara Dive Club while also competing on the master's level, setting world and national records.
A graduate of Chico State, Helder served as the diving coach at her alma mater from 1982 to 1991. In 1990, she was named the national diving coach of the year.
Helder had tremendous success during her own collegiate career. In her final two years at Chico State, Helder won one and three meter conference titles and was named conference Diver of the Year both seasons. In her sophomore season she qualified for nationals and placed sixth on both boards at the AIAW Championships, earning her All-America status. In her junior year she placed first on three meter, second on one meter, and earned her first AIAW national title. She was inducted into the Chico State athletics hall of fame in 1998.