(by Rocco Fattori Giuliano – Photo credits: Roberto Muliere) Helmi Kristiina Tulonen, born in Salo, Finland, on December 9, 1998, has been blazing trails in both her professional basketball career and academic journey. Standing tall at 191 cm, she is an imposing presence on the court, playing as a versatile center and power forward for Alpo Basket (tthe women’s basketball team of Verona that plays in the top national championship). But her reach extends far beyond the hardwood floor, as she also pursues a Master’s degree in Energy Conversion Processes at Aalto University.

From Finland to the World

Helmi grew up in a basketball family, with her father playing the sport. Hailing from a town that celebrates basketball, her path to the sport was almost inevitable. By high school, she was already part of Finland’s national team and training at a specialized academy. It was clear early on that Helmi’s destiny lay in professional basketball.

Her career has taken her across the globe. After playing college basketball in NCAA Division I at Duquesne in Pittsburgh, she went on to showcase her talents in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Helmi started her Italian journey with Carugate in Serie A2 where she averaged an impressive 17.4 points and 10 rebounds per game, making her a standout player. Since then, she’s risen to compete in Serie A1, Italy’s top league, where she continues to make a significant impact wearing Alpo’s jersey averaging 9.3 points and 4.9 rebounds. Against Reyer Venezia, she showcased her scoring prowess with an impressive 23 points and added 6 rebounds to her tally.

A Leader on the Court

Helmi’s dedication to competing at the highest level is palpable. “It feels great,” she says, describing the thrill of playing for her national team and challenging herself against top-tier opponents. Whether it’s with Alpo Basket in Verona or during her time with Sanga Milano and Basket Le Mura Lucca, she’s been a pivotal player. Known for her ability to space the floor and shoot from range, Helmi’s skills make her a valuable asset in Alpo’s lineup.

Off the court, she cherishes moments of camaraderie with teammates, whether it’s sharing pizza or navigating through Christmas traffic—memories she fondly recalls with a laugh. Despite the challenges of injuries and illness within Alpo’s roster, Helmi remains optimistic about her squad’s direction and mental resilience.

Balancing Basketball and Academics

While Helmi shines on the court, she’s equally remarkable in her academic pursuits. Studying Energy Conversion Processes, she’s part of a special program for athletes at Aalto University that allows her to balance her rigorous basketball schedule with her studies. “For me, studying is very important mentally. It’s a good balance to keep basketball from being all-consuming,” she explains.

While she envisions a career in engineering after basketball, Helmi also hopes to give back to her hometown by coaching young players, albeit in a less demanding capacity.

Advocating for Women’s Basketball

As a player who has witnessed the sport’s growth globally, Helmi is passionate about advancing women’s basketball. She’s particularly optimistic about Italy’s efforts to raise the profile of women’s leagues, citing the integration of the Women’s Coppa Italia with the men’s tournament as a significant step forward. “It’s great to see more media attention and bigger events for women’s basketball. It makes everything feel more valued,” she notes.

A Bright Future

Whether Helmi Tulonen’s wearing the Finnish national jersey, scoring decisive points for Alpo Basket in Serie A1, or studying for her Master’s program, balancing the demands of both worlds isn’t easy, but she’s shown that it’s possible with the right mindset and support. Whether on the court or in the classroom, Helmi’s journey reflects her drive to excel and make the most of her opportunities.