Helmsey

Michael Helms, known as Helmsey on the nationally syndicated Rick & Bubba Show has been with the crew for 15 years. His day-to-day includes on-air radio/TV personality, website/social media management and network admin. He was born and raised in Gadsden, AL, attended Glencoe High and graduated from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelors in Business. Michael was announced as the head coach of Jacksonville State's women's tennis program on July 10, 2023. Helms comes to Jacksonville after one season as an assistant with the UAB men's tennis team.  The hire brings the 2001 Jacksonville State University graduate back home, where he led the Gamecocks in hitting as a senior. Since then, he has become a dedicated teacher and coach in the game of tennis and has earned a rapid ascension in the collegiate coaching profession. Helms joined the UAB men’s tennis program in the fall of 2022. That next spring, the Blazers went 21-7, one win shy of the school record. They also ended the 2023 season ranked No. 70 in the nation, the best team ranking for the university in over 20 years.  Prior to UAB, Michael spent more than a decade teaching and coaching a variety of players from beginners to professionals developing them to reach their full potential in the sport. A USPTA Certified Tennis Professional, he continues to teach part-time at the Southern Tennis Academy in Birmingham, AL.