Milford Schools is launching a new series called “Meet Your Coach” to highlight the coaches who lead, mentor and support our student-athletes. Our first feature introduces Jill Helms, head coach of the Milford High School Girls Varsity Soccer team.
Helms is beginning her eighth season as the Eagles’ varsity head coach. During her first seven seasons, she led Milford to an impressive 88-29-19 record and was named both ECC Coach of the Year and Southwest Ohio Coach of the Year in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Before taking over Milford’s varsity program, Helms spent five years as an assistant varsity coach in Washington State, one year coaching junior varsity at Loveland High School and five years coaching Milford’s junior varsity teams.
Helms also brings an accomplished playing background to the program. A member of the Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame, she played NCAA Division I soccer at Ball State University before continuing her career at Trinity International University. There, she earned numerous academic and athletic honors, served as captain of a national championship team and was named the national tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
In addition to coaching, Helms teaches math at Milford High School. She says working with students in the classroom and on the field allows her to build stronger relationships with her players and see them grow in different areas of their lives.
As the new season continues, Helms hopes her team will build on its recent progress. More importantly, she wants every player to finish the season proud of the effort she gave to herself and her teammates.
Get to know Coach Helms in her own words:
What do you enjoy most about coaching at Milford?
“The relationships I build on the field are strengthened by spending time with my players in the classroom. Since I get to see them in different areas of their lives, I am able to watch them grow into strong, intelligent, independent and amazing young women. This is the most enjoyable part of coaching.”
What is one of your favorite memories from coaching at Milford?
“Our final game of the 2023 regular season was against Loveland. It was a home game, and we had a great crowd supporting us. The matchup was already intense, but we also needed to win to remain undefeated and secure the ECC title. The girls won 2-1, securing the ECC championship and completing an undefeated regular season!”
What is a fun fact about you?
“Both of my parents, both stepparents, both siblings, a cousin, an aunt, an uncle and a grandparent have worked or currently work as teachers or school administrators!”