Kristen Bettencourt is a natural leader on and off the field, serving as one of FC Berlin’s captains in the MASL while continuing to build an impressive coaching résumé. An assistant coach with the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Women’s Soccer program (OUA), Kristen brings a rare blend of elite playing experience and a rapidly rising coaching profile. She competes at the international level with the Guyana Women’s National Team, and she has earned significant individual recognition, including being named OCAA Defensive Player of the Year and an OCAA First Team All-Star.

A former standout at both Brock University (OUA) and Seneca College (OCAA), Kristen is a composed and intelligent midfielder whose leadership, versatility, and deep understanding of the game make her a key figure within FC Berlin and beyond.

How did the opportunity to represent the Guyana Women’s National Team first come about for you, and what influenced your decision to commit to that journey?
I got involved with the Guyanese National team through Kayla DeSouza, a former Ontario Tech Ridgeback teammate and someone I looked up to growing up. She opened the door for me. My cousin, Brianne Desa, also played a huge role in helping me finally commit. Having two people I trusted already connected to the program made it feel like the right step for me.

What has the experience of playing with the Guyana Women’s National Team meant to you on a personal and cultural level?
It has honestly been an experience I’ll always remember. There’s something special about coming together with top Guyanese players from around the world who share the same culture, the same music, the same food, and the same energy. Being part of that environment has allowed me to build real bonds with talented footballers, travel, and push myself to a new level. Representing my country, my family, and my heritage has been the most rewarding part, and knowing young players in Guyana and in Canada might see my journey and feel inspired means a lot to me.

Is there a moment with the national team that stands out as especially memorable or meaningful for you?
My favourite moment was beating Suriname to qualify for the preliminary round of the first-ever Women’s Gold Cup. The whole week was special. The food, the vibes, the level of competition, and the chemistry in the group were unreal. When we won, the energy on the field was something I’ll never forget. It meant so much to us and to the country. Seeing the federation grow from the youth teams right up to the senior program shows that Guyana football has a bright future.

You began your international career later than many players. How has that shaped your perspective on development, patience, and trusting your own path?
I didn’t start this journey until I was 27, which is later than most, but it proves that if you stay committed, put the work in, and trust your path, anything can happen. Sharing this experience with a teammate also reminds me how important relationships are, how important it is to understand athletes, and how connecting with people can shape where you end up.

What lessons from the high-performance international environment have had the biggest impact on you as both a player and a coach?
This experience has taught me a lot about discipline, accountability, and trusting your preparation. When you’re in a high-performance environment, you realize quickly that the little things matter: your habits, recovery, nutrition, mindset, all of it. It showed me what it actually looks like to take the right steps to stay in the best shape possible.

In what ways has representing Guyana helped shape your coaching philosophy and your connection with athletes?
I want to help our athletes understand that even when the journey isn’t perfect or linear, if you commit to your process and take care of the details, good things happen. And if I can be someone they relate to, someone who can help them push through challenges and grow as players and teammates, then that’s the impact I want to make.

Finally, how has this journey reinforced your passion for coaching and your goals moving forward?
This whole journey has actually made me fall even more in love with coaching. Every time I’m in camp, I’m surrounded by high-level players, different coaching styles, new ideas, and honestly just good vibes. I return feeling recharged and excited, almost as if I’m carrying a backpack full of new coaching tools to share with my athletes. It pushes me to level up, not just for myself but for them. I want them to feel that same confidence, joy, and belief I get from representing Guyana. Coaching is my passion now, and this experience has only made me better at it. It gives me more ways to support my players, relate to them, and help them see how far they can actually go.

-------------

Kristen Bettencourt’s journey reflects everything FC Berlin values: commitment, growth, and leadership rooted in purpose. Whether she is anchoring the defensive lines as a team captain, representing Guyana on the international stage, or developing the next generation of players as a coach, Kristen brings the same level of care, intelligence, and passion to every role she takes on. Her experiences have not only elevated her own game but continue to enrich the environment around her, inspiring teammates, empowering athletes, and proving that with trust in the process and dedication to the details, the game can open doors far beyond the pitch.