Senior two-sport athlete Brinley Bettcher has proven herself to be one of the FVA’s best athletes. Despite having a postponed West soccer season, she continues to work hard by being a major part of her Oshkosh United private soccer squad. Being a star athlete as well as excelling in the classroom, Bettcher shows that dedication and resilience pay off. With the potential of being first team in soccer, Bettcher has a chance to add to her achievements after becoming second-team all-conference for tennis last year.

Head soccer coach Jim Jungwirth has seen Bettcher’s hard work first hand and notes that her resilience on the soccer field is a great asset.

“Brinley has a great work ethic,” he said. “She comes to practice and games prepared and ready to work. If she makes a mistake she is over it quickly and moves on.”

Senior Lindsey Keller believes her commitment and work ethic are noteworthy.

“During games and practices, she always makes sure to give 110% effort in everything she does which has helped to grow into a great athlete,” she said.

Senior Reese Meszaros feels that having Bettcher on the team lightens the mood as she gives off great positivity.

“I would describe Brinley as enthusiastic,” she said. “At practice, she makes everyone laugh and lightens the mood, and she always brings lots of energy and positivity to any drill or game we play.”

Bettcher is uncertain if she will have a senior tennis and soccer season. After missing out on spring soccer last year, she hopes to have one last chance to play as a Wildcat.

“The day before my first practice of my senior season of tennis an announcement was made that fall sports would be pushed till spring,” she said. “Now facing the current situation, the hope of being able to play either soccer or tennis decreases each day. Knowing this, I reflect on just how great my experience with the Oshkosh West program the past three years has been.”

In this photo, Bettcher is serving the ball to her opponent. Last year, she was second team all conference for tennis.

Despite the pandemic putting a pause on many sports, Jungwirth is hopeful of having a spring soccer season after replicating what many private leagues are currently doing.

“I'm very hopeful of having a season,” he said. “I believe with some precautions we should be fine, and the fall club soccer season shows it can be done. I'm looking forward to spring and working on scheduling games.”

Excelling on the field and in the classroom is a challenge for many, but Bettcher advises underclassmen to stay on top of academics by working ahead.

“I have had many times in the soccer season where we leave right after school and don't get home until 11 pm at night, leaving little time for homework,” she said. “One piece of advice I would give to someone who may be struggling is anytime you can, work ahead and don’t procrastinate.”

Girls tennis coach Andrew Schaller will miss having Bettcher on his team next year, and knows she will be tough to replace.

“Brinley’s quick-witted personality will be greatly missed,” he said. “She is always one to keep you on your toes and is never at a loss for a quick comeback. The fun and energy she brings to the team will be tough to replace. She has set the bar high for the underclassman.”

Bettcher reflects on her experiences as a West athlete and reminisces about the fun times she had.

“My favorite memory has to be playing with all my friends and my sister my sophomore year of high school on the varsity soccer team,” she said. “That year and that group of girls was one of the best experiences and as a team. We created a family.”

By Savanna Sandstrom

October 30th, 2020

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue 2

Senior Spotlight: Bettcher leads on and off the field