Upper Iowa Women’s Golf Inks Pair to National Letters of Intent

By Upper Iowa Sports Information

FAYETTE, Iowa — Upper Iowa Head Golf Coach Mike Lewis announced the signing of two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2012-13 academic year. The pair of high school seniors, Christy Nelson and Kristina Helgeson, has committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at Upper Iowa University. “I am excited to be able to coach both of these young ladies over the next four years,” said Lewis.

Nelson is a senior at Central City Community High School in Central City, Iowa. She was named the Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association Class 1A Player of the Year following her junior season where she finished third at the Iowa State Tournament and she was one of two 2011 Iowa PGA Recipients for the PGA Ryder Cup Junior Golf Academy. Nelson was named First Team All-State and All-State Tournament last year in her third appearance in the Iowa State Tournament. Prior to last year’s third place finish, she placed seventh as a sophomore. A hard worker on the course and in the classroom, she is a member of the National Honor Society. Christy is the daughter of Deb and Chris Nelson and will study elementary education at Upper Iowa.

“Christy comes to Upper Iowa with loads of experience and a winning attitude,” stated Lewis. “She is committed to competing at the top level in Division II women’s golf. Christy’s work ethic and passion for the game of golf is second to none. She will be an asset to Upper Iowa on and off the golf course.”

Helgeson is a senior at Onalaska High School and is the latest in the parade of Onalaska-native women’s golfers to attend Upper Iowa from Onalaska. “Kristina is another great golfer coming to Upper Iowa University from Onalaska, Wisconsin region,” said Lewis. She joins Jill Preeshl (2011 graduate), McKenzie Holthaus and Carmen Lezpona.

Helgeson is a four-time All-Conference performer for the Hilltoppers; she was named to the First Team as a junior and senior and found spots on the Second Team as a freshman and the Honorable Mention list as a sophomore. She was also named to the Sportsmanship Team following her junior season. Kristina is the daughter of Barbara and Michael Helgeson and will study Biology at Upper Iowa.

Lewis added, “Her positive attitude and willingness to succeed are contagious. She will join her good friend Carmen (Lezpona) and they will be a strong force to compete with in Division II women’s golf.”