Karla Helder Wins Three Golds in Arizona

Helder returns to Buffalo with two new records

BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo diving coach Karla Helder, who just finished her fifth season with the Bulls, won three gold medals, three silver medals and set two new records at the 2009 Spring Masters National Championship in Tuscon, Arizona. Helder, who competed in the 50-54 year old age group, took gold in the one-meter and three-meter event, as well as the synchronized event with partner Mary Bennett.

Karla Helder

Not only did Helder take the gold in the one and three meter events, but set new records in those events as well, finishing the one-meter event with a score of 360.65, more than 100 points ahead of the next competitor, and finished the three-meter event with a record setting 411.15 points. Helder also earned three silvers in the Grand Master’s event, the mixed pairs synchronized event with partner, Alex Lapidus and in the tower event.

Beyond her own success, Helder has had success as a coach at UB, sending two divers to the NCAA Championships each of the past two seasons. On the men’s side, Michael McDowell was a first-team All-MAC selection where his performance at the NCAA Zone Diving Championships secured him a berth in the NCAA Championships. On the women’s side, Meili Carpenter was named to the second-team All-MAC and she also competed in the NCAA Championships after her performance at the NCAA Zone Diving Championships.