The Feather River College softball program is celebrating the careers and accomplishments of sophomores Faith Helmandollar and Lily Lee as the two graduating student-athletes prepare to continue their academic and softball careers at the four-year level.
Helmandollar has signed with Lewis University, an NCAA Division II institution competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, while Lee has signed with Simpson University, an NAIA institution competing in the California Pacific Conference.
The pair leave Feather River College after helping continue the proud tradition of success within the Golden Eagles softball program. During their careers, Feather River captured another Golden Valley Conference Championship, earned the No. 8 seed in the Northern California Regional Playoffs, hosted postseason competition, and continued to establish itself among the premier community college softball programs in California.
Both Helmandollar and Lee were two-time Golden Valley Conference First Team selections and served as veteran leaders throughout their careers in Quincy.
Helmandollar established herself as one of the premier players in California community college softball during her time at Feather River College. As a freshman, she earned Golden Valley Conference Player of the Year honors and was named All-State following a standout season that helped lead the Golden Eagles to conference success.
A cornerstone infielder at third base, Helmandollar reflected on the journey that brought her to Feather River College.
“I chose Feather River because of the coaching staff,” said Helmandollar. “I had never even visited Quincy before I committed.”
Now preparing to return to her home state of Illinois, Helmandollar said family played a major role in her decision to attend Lewis University.
“I was born in Illinois and I have family just an hour away,” she said.
While her accomplishments on the field were significant, Helmandollar said the memories she will carry most are the moments shared with teammates.
“All of the road trips and hotel rooms,” she said when asked what she will remember most about Feather River College.
Among her favorite memories was a walk-off victory over College of the Siskiyous during her freshman season, while she described winning Golden Valley Conference Player of the Year as her greatest accomplishment at Feather River College.
Helmandollar also reflected on how life in Quincy helped shape her experience away from the softball field.
“I love how small it is, seeing deer and going fishing,” she said. “I love being in the outdoors. I was able to do things here that I would not have done at home.”
Lee leaves Feather River College as one of the top offensive players in the Golden Valley Conference and a key middle-of-the-lineup presence throughout her career. A two-time First Team All-Golden Valley Conference selection, Lee helped power the Golden Eagles during another championship season and postseason run, including a memorable grand slam home run during Feather River’s playoff victory over Fresno City College in the 3C2A Northern California Regional Playoffs.
Lee said Simpson University immediately reminded her of the environment she grew to love at Feather River College.
“It reminded me of Feather River College,” Lee said. “It is a private school and it just feels right.”
Unlike many student-athletes who discover Feather River College later in the recruiting process, Lee said attending Feather River had long been a personal goal.
“I committed early and followed the team my entire high school career,” Lee said. “I always wanted to come to Feather River College.”
Like Helmandollar, Lee’s favorite memories centered around the relationships and experiences built with teammates away from competition.
“Buck’s Lake was my favorite,” Lee said while reflecting on team bonding trips and activities.
Lee said her greatest accomplishment at Feather River College extended beyond softball statistics and accolades.
“Learning how to balance life, school, and sports,” she said.
When asked how she would describe Feather River College, Lee’s answer reflected the strong connection many student-athletes develop with the campus and community during their time in Quincy.
“I just feel happiness and warmness when it comes to FRC,” Lee said. “It is just a place of joy.”
Together, Helmandollar and Lee embraced the culture and expectations that have long defined Feather River College softball while contributing significantly to the continued success of the program both on and off the field. Their leadership, toughness, consistency, and commitment to team culture played an important role in another championship season for the Golden Eagles.
While both student-athletes will be greatly missed, their success represents the mission of Feather River College athletics — helping student-athletes grow academically, personally, and athletically while preparing them for opportunities beyond the community college level.
As they prepare to graduate and continue their softball careers at the four-year level, Helmandollar and Lee leave behind not only impressive accomplishments and accolades, but lasting memories and a meaningful legacy within the Feather River College softball program.
