Coach Bettinelli is the Physical Education (PE) teacher at Montrose and the coach of the Varsity Field Hockey team, the JV Basketball team, and the Assistant coach of the Varsity Lacrosse team. She has been a coach here at Montrose for five years now and has helped to shape the athletic program into what it is today. 

What sports did you play at a young age? What was their role in your early life?

I was always an active kid. I started playing organized sports in fifth grade. I played basketball, field hockey, and softball. In high school, I switched to playing track in order to help me in field hockey. My goal was to be a big athlete. I was one of eight kids, and the only one who participated in organized sports. I was inspired by athletes and just loved to be active. Between seasons was the hardest time for me because I felt like I needed to be active. In college, I tried out for the field hockey team and ended up making it. I also received a scholarship. My coach then convinced me to join the lacrosse team too. She said it was just like field hockey but in the air. 

What have you taken from being a player into your coaching?

Through being on a team and from my family, I have learned so many life lessons – humility, teamwork, doing something bigger than yourself — they are all so important. Playing and coaching is very different. I’ve had so many good role models of a good coach in my life to take into me as a coach. I always say to my team that your priorities should go: God – your family – school – and then your team. 

What do you hope your team will take away from their experience on the team? 

I hope that girls will take much more away than being a good athlete. The life lessons you learn are bigger than the sport, like working together for the good of the team. It’s all about being a servant leader and taking care of everyone else. Win or lose, it’s making the best of your season with your team.

Specifically at Montrose, what has the environment been like in regards to your coaching and your teams?

Coaching at Montrose is amazing because we try to develop the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is important in everything we do. It’s a thread that weaves into all our activities. As a coach, I have the opportunity to help them grow in faith, character, and vision in sports. For example, one of my favorite traditions we do is saying the Saint Jose Maria Escriva prayer card at half time. We can bring that faith aspect into our coaching, 

What do you hope and plan for in the future of Montrose teams?

I hope and plan for the blossoming of the PE program by using the sport based curriculum in order to introduce so many different sports to the girls during PE. With Mrs. Boynton as our full-time Athletic Director at Montrose, we have blossomed with so many championships and many more opportunities in the sports program such as outdoor fitness and indoor track. More girls can get active  — which is so good for their physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Finally, do you have any role models as a coach? 

My college coach was amazing, and she taught me so much, but also being able to coach alongside Mrs. Irwin in Lacrosse has been influential. Although we have different coaching strategies, our foundations are the same, and being able to coach with your best friend is an amazing thing. Also, Herb Brooks, the coach from the movie, Miracle. is a great example of loving your players but pushing them at the same time. 

Anna Rose ’22, Erica Brown ’22, and Alanna Hyatt ’22

22arose@montroseschool.org, 22ebrown@montroseschool.org, 22ahyatt@montroseschool.org