When people think of West Point, it’s drill sergeants and discipline, but for Braeden Helmkamp, it’s his future career.
In August 2023, Helmkamp committed to the United States Military Academy at West Point to play football. The Army Black Knights is a Division 1 team in the NCAA.
He mentions, “I decided on West Point after another offer had been filled as I was on my way to their campus. At that point, West Point had been a very close second.”
To prepare for his time at West Point, Helmkamp has been completing his assigned workout schedule and researching the daily tasks and challenges he will be facing his Freshman year.
At West Point, he will study Kinesiology, the study of the body’s movement.
Trinity’s various classes have prepared Helmkamp’s for this area of study.
He says, “Trinity has also prepared me academically by offering high-level AP classes.”
Helmkamp has been dedicated to more than just his academic career. During his time at Trinity, he has been active in both sports and club activities. He has been involved with Trinity football (as a captain), baseball, unified bocce and basketball. He participates in Healthcare Occupation Students of America, Belleville’s Besties, Trinity Leadership Committee, Friends of Rachel, Math League, STEAM team, National Honor Society and the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science.
College is no easy feat, especially with a collegiate-level sport added to the mix.
He mentions, “West Point makes it easy to juggle all the tasks they expect from you. Everyone is on the same schedule every day and it is structured, so if you have motivation and time management you will be able to succeed.”
Trinity’s sports programs have set Helmkamp up for success as he makes his way to West Point. There is no doubt that he has been influenced by the coaches that he worked so closely with during the football and baseball seasons.
“What inspired me to keep playing was the belief from others that I would be able to succeed and be able to play an important role in an environment such as this, as well as having a strong love for the game and being able to play at a high level,” says Helmkamp.
As he works toward his time at West Point, he would like to thank all of his coaches and teammates.
He says, “I wouldn’t be in the position I am today if it wasn’t for you.”
