Germany's Bianca Helmig to join basketball Axewomen in fall of 2022

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Bianca Helmig will get a taste of Canadian U SPORTS basketball this fall. Acadia University women's basketball head coach Len Harvey announced today that the Speyer, Germany native will join the Axewomen this coming fall.

The 19-year-old 5'6" guard is expected to add speed and aggressiveness on defense.

"We're really excited about adding Bianca to the team. She obviously has been playing at a very high level, both for her national programming in Germany, as well as in the Bundesliga, so that experience will help her transition quickly," noted Harvey.

Currently a member of the Eigner Angels Nördlingen of the Bundesliga (Top division), Helmig is a member of the U20 German National Team.

Having played in the FIBA U20 European Challenge in 2021 and the FIBA U20 and U18 National Team games in 2020 and 2021, Helmig brings a wealth of experience to the Axewomen team.

"Bianca is a player who I think can help us defensively, but also help push our tempo handling the ball and setting the table for us offensively. We talk a lot about 'attitude' within our team concept, and Bianca's attitude has won me over. She is energetic, and brings a positive, team-first approach to every interaction we've had. I'm excited about getting the opportunity to coach her, and think she'll be an excellent fit with our team as we continue to evolve and improve," said Harvey about the international addition to the roster.

Helmig hopes that coming to Canada will offer a new and rewarding experience within the Axewomen team culture.

"I'm excited to meet new teammates, learn from them, and from new coaches. I love basketball, I have a lot of fun and I always give my best on court, so I feel like Acadia's culture is the perfect fit for me.  I hope to be a part of a great team that will fight for the national championship," said Helmig.

Adding, "Len was extremely nice and welcoming, I loved how he spoke about Acadia, their basketball program, and his players with so much passion. He really showed me how much he wanted me to join the team and the whole system sounded like a perfect fit for me to continue to develop as a player and as a person."

Helmig is enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration degree program at Acadia University.