For Ariel Helmick, volleyball was a daily constant throughout her college years. A 2025 graduate majoring in psychology, Helmick knew the transition away from collegiate athletics would come with challenges. “The transition after my college sport ended was a little sad,” she said. “I knew I could not play every single day like I used to and especially with the people I loved.”

While stepping away from daily practices was difficult, Helmick quickly realized volleyball didn’t have to end with college. “Knowing I can still go out with a group of my friends or even women’s tournaments to have fun brings light to me,” she shared. “Just because college sports ended does not mean volleyball ended.”

The lessons she gained as a student-athlete continue to shape her life after graduation. Skills like time management, accountability, and multitasking now help her balance work and classes in her master’s program in Social Work at Liberty University. “Having to be on time and show up every day for practices helped me to be present and focused for my job as well as classes for my masters degree,” Helmick said. She credits volleyball with teaching her how to manage multiple responsibilities while still maintaining a life outside of athletics.

For current student-athletes, Helmick offers thoughtful advice. “Don’t take what you have for granted right now, but also don’t be afraid of the unknown that comes after,” she said. She also encourages patience during the transition. “There is no time line for what comes next trust God’s timing in all you do.”

As she moves forward, Helmick carries volleyball with her in new ways, confident that the sport has prepared her for whatever comes next on and off the court. Helmick now works at a nonprofit organization called RISE UP where she works with special needs children.

Next Chapter Friday Feature is a new series highlighting former CCS student-athletes from across the conference who have transitioned from competition to life beyond sports. Each month, we’ll share their journeys—how the lessons, values, and experiences of being a student-athlete continue to shape their careers, communities, and lives after graduation.

 
ABOUT THE COLLEGIATE CONFERENCE OF THE SOUTH (CCS)

The CCS is an NCAA Division III athletic conference that began play during the 2022-23 academic year. The conference features nine member institutions (Agnes Scott College, Asbury University, Belhaven University, Covenant College, Huntingdon College, LaGrange College, Maryville College, Piedmont University, and Wesleyan College) and sponsors championships across 14 sports. In addition to sharing the member institutions' geographic identity, the name 'Collegiate Conference of the South' is indicative of a shared commitment to academic excellence, which is commensurate with the NCAA Division III philosophy.
 
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