OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech women's soccer team is pleased to announce the addition of Kristen Bettencourt as a full-time assistant coach.

"We're thrilled to welcome Kristen to the pack!" said Ridgebacks Head Coach Audra Sherman. "Her experience, passion, and commitment to developing student-athletes will be a tremendous asset as we continue to build a championship culture and strive for excellence on and off the field. Here's to a new chapter of growth, teamwork, and success—welcome aboard, Coach Kristen."

Bettencourt, a Pickering, Ont. native, is the second full-time assistant coach in program history.

"It is truly a blessing to be joining the Ridgeback women's soccer team," said Bettencourt. "It has been a goal of mine to be a part of an OUA team coaching staff, and to have the opportunity right in my backyard as a Durham native makes it that much more special. I am thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of a program of such a strong reputation for competitive culture, fostered around prioritizing student athletes' growth on and off the field."

Bettencourt is bringing an extensive playing and coaching background to the Ridgebacks. She was a captain for the Brock Badgers, where she played from 2014 to 2018, before joining the Seneca Sting, picking up OCAA Defensive Player of the Year honours, and being named an OCAA First Team All Star in 2018-19. Bettencourt would go on to represent Guyana on the international stage, picking up three caps for their national team, and is currently a member of the Pickering FC League1 Ontario side.

She remained a part of the Seneca Sting as an assistant coach, playing a key role in developing the program that would eventually capture the 2023 and 2024 OCAA Championships. Bettencourt has also taken an active role in Pickering FC's club system, coaching their 2014 Girls, and serving as a player/coach for the Pickering FC League1 Ontario team.

"I've been through the funnel, I have experienced what it takes to navigate the ups and downs of being a student-athlete and thinking of soccer as a career," said Bettencourt. "Each experience has taught me something different, and that now has given me the ability to relate instantly with a lot of the athletes on various levels. I have been in their shoes and know how important it is to have the right support in your corner, being a resource to help them handle the mental and physical demands that comes with the sport means the world to me."

Bettencourt says she felt a genuine connection to the program on multiple fronts, making it a perfect fit for her. During her time with Pickering FC, she's coached Ridgeback standouts Mackenzie Scott and Elizabeth McConnell. She felt that continuing to be a part of their development on another level was something she felt could be special.

"I also loved the idea of working alongside Audra. She's been through a similar transition from player to coach, and I really felt the connection," said Bettencourt. "We immediately clicked, and I can already tell it's going to be a great partnership. We're both passionate about supporting players, leading with heart, and helping grow the women's game to the next level."