About

Helen Darling is a former WNBA player, educator, author, and speaker who believes in the power of movement and literacy to transform lives. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, she has always valued education, sports, and community. As a mother of triplets, she has made it a priority to instill the importance of family fun time where she encouraged her children to not only try a variety of sports but to also explore their body and its movements. 

With a degree in kinesiology and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction focused on children's literacy from Penn State University, Helen blends her expertise in education with her experience as a professional athlete. She has written the Days of the Week children's book series, designed to encourage kids to learn through action-playing hide-and-seek, navigating obstacle courses that reinforce action verbs, walking around a farm to meet animals, and even playing football. Her books and programs inspire children to not only read but to move, explore, and engage with the world around them. 

During her 10-year WNBA career (2000-2010), Helen played for the Cleveland Rockers, Minnesota Lynx, Charlotte Sting, and San Antonio Silver Stars. Off the court, she has dedicated herself to community engagement, winning two WNBA Community Assist Awards and serving as a spokesperson for organizations like March of Dimes, First Book, and the United Way. She was the face of the Read to Achieve Program, keynote speaker for National Family Literacy Day, and a guest reader on PBS' Between the Lions. Additionally, she has spoken at countless schools and moderated a UPS scholarship presentation for Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. These are just a few of the ways Helen has used her platform to inspire and educate. 

Helen connects with audiences through storytelling, personal experiences, and interactive sessions that encourage families to incorporate learning into their daily lives. She's currently working on a project where she uses literacy and sport to engage young children in fun, active learning experiences. 

Whether in schools, on the court, or in the community, Helen's mission is clear, helping children and families embrace education, movement, and lifelong learning.