The loss of a spring sports season was disappointing to everyone last year. While athletes were able to practice with their teams this fall, games were still not allowed. Coming into this year’s spring season was very exciting for us, as every team saw a return to a relatively normal season. The Varsity Lacrosse team took advantage of this opportunity and played the entire season, during both practices and games. The team tackled our six games, winning five of them. We improved with every single game, practiced, and fought through the exhaustion of five games in ten days right in the middle of AP exams. It was with the guidance and support of our amazing coaches, Coach Osborne, Coach Bettinelli, and Coach Mahoney that we could persevere and finish the season strong. However, the Varsity Lacrosse team would not have played at the level it did without the encouragement, love, and skill of our senior captain, (and only senior on the team) Catherine Bettinelli ‘21.

The starting goalie since her first day on varsity in her sophomore year, Catherine has been a vital member of the lacrosse program. Winning an IGC All-Star award her first year on varsity, Catherine has put in the time and work to become the goalie she is today. As the team voted her captain in her final year, Catherine rose to the challenge and led her team through an unusual season. Whether it was encouraging girls during sprints, reminding them to “offer it up,” or getting the team pumped up before and during games, she has made a lasting mark on the Varsity Lacrosse team. “When I joined the team, I knew nothing about being a lacrosse goalie. Catherine welcomed me and taught me so much. She worked with me one on one during practices to make sure I felt comfortable in the goal. She’s going to be a big loss next year, and we are going to miss her so much,” said Leslie Baker ‘24, who will be taking on the mantle of goalie next year. Catherine has also been a strong force on the field hockey team since middle school. As a star defender and captain, she has helped the field hockey program grow in these past years. When asked about her favorite part of the athletic program, Catherine said: “The amazing bonds with my teammates and girls across all grades. I also love how we bring faith, character, and vision into every sports season. Faith and character through offering it up in sprints and vision by trying our hardest to achieve our vision of winning.” 

Though Catherine is a major part of the athletic program, her involvement doesn’t end there. She is the club leader of both Faith Peer Leaders and of the Respect for Life club. She is also a participant of the soldier support club and the new self defense club. “Seven years at Montrose is just too short. I have loved every minute. All of the ups and downs have made me the young woman I am today. I would never want to have gone anywhere else.” she said. Recently, Catherine was awarded the LifeCompass Award to acknowledge her ability to have a clear true north, lead with example, consider what matters most, and make a positive contribution to her community. Additionally, she received the Portrait Award for her athleticism at Montrose. Catherine has led Varsity Lacrosse with a spirit of camaraderie and has driven her team to great success through attentive leadership.

As she passes the position of goalie and captain on, Catherine will be sorely missed on all fronts of the athletic program and in the school. We look forward to seeing what amazing things she accomplishes at University of Dallas, where she plans to study education. Good luck and thank you for everything, Catherine!

Anna Rose ’22, Staff Writer

22arose@montroseschool.org