Katie Bethke Becomes First University of Minnesota Golden Gopher to Sign Pro Contract
Katie Bethke
IMS reported several weeks ago that Katie Bethke had signed with the Atlanta Beat of the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league which actually took place on February 9th. Bethke signed as a undrafted free agent.
The University of Minnesota made the news official yesterday by releasing a press statement. In that statement Bethke said, “I am ecstatic about becoming a part of the Atlanta Beat family, and I could not ask for a better atmosphere, coaching staff and facility. I cannot wait to get the season rolling and show the WPS the quality Atlanta will be bringing to the field this year.”
Bethke, who has been the heart and soul of the Gophers the last several seasons, will be keeping good company while playing for Atlanta. Carli Lloyd, Heather Mitts and Cat Whitehill, all USWNT players, will also be Bethke’s teammates with the Beat.
The Eau Claire, Wis., native ranks second all-time at Minnesota with 32 career assists and is among the top ten in career points (84, 5th), goals (26, 8th) and shots (194, 6th).
“Katie Bethke has been instrumental to the success of Minnesota soccer, and it is an honor for her to be the first member of the Gophers family to sign a WPS contract,” Minnesota head coach Mikki Denney Wright said. “We wish her the very best as she continues what will undoubtedly be a successful career.”
Bethke is currently competing with the U-23 United States Women’s National Team in the Four Nations Tournament in La Manga, Spain against England, Norway and Sweden. The tournament started February 21 and runs through March 2, 2011.
The U.S. defeated Sweden in their first game 4-2 and then drew with England 1-1. The U.S. played Norway today, March 1, but results are not yet available. Bethke has seen time in both games as a substitute, coming in at 75th minute against Sweden and the 71st minute against England.
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Unfortunately Hope Solo will not be back with the Atlanta Beat in 2011 but we look forward to seeing what Katie can bring to the table.
Thanks, Scott. I’ll make the correction.
Good stuff Katie it was fun to watch you play, best of luck.