Bethke making an impact

Former Eau Claire Memorial soccer standout Katie Bethke hasn't suffered any growing pains in her freshman season at the University of Minnesota. She's been a major contributor for the improved Gophers this season, leading the Big Ten in assists. All that and more is covered in Tuesday's Leader-Telegram. There's also an update on some other area players. So soccer fans, be sure to check that out.
I was in Madison last Sunday and caught Bethke and the Gophers taking on the Badgers. Minnesota won 1-0 on a Bethke assist. The impact she's making certainly will help further draw attention to soccer in this area.
I had a chance to chat with Katie, her coach and some teammates after the game. Here's some quotes that didn't make the article:

Katie Bethke on the college game:
“It’s a completely different level. The intensity is higher. Obviously, the girls are better. It’s do or die. It’s just amazing playing with these girls.”

Gophers coach Mikki Denney Wright
On Bethke's impact as a freshman:
“I thought she could do it. We talked about it and we knew she’d have to battle for it, but I knew she could contribute right away. I think that’s one of the reasons she came to Minnesota because she could contribute.”
On the Gophers' youth movement:
“I think they know coming in they’re going to contribute because our program’s still building. I think that’s really important.”
On what makes Bethke an effective forward:
“She has incredible service and then when she’s in the box, she finishes everything. She’s so composed in the box and that’s just a gift for forwards. She’s been a great compliment to our other forward, (senior Lindsey) Schwartz. They’ve been really good together.”
On what this season has meant to the Gophers:
“This is huge. I think it’s been a battle the whole way, just like we knew it’d be. But I think the character of our players has come through. We scored a sweep this weekend on the road. That’s unbelievable.”

Senior forward Lindsey Schwartz on Bethke's crossing ability:
“She does a great job. She always tries to pick someone out. She likes to wait for us to get in the box so she’s not crossing it to no one. She can usually find someone’s head or foot.”

Junior midfielder Kaitlin Wagner on how the younger Gophers have adjusted to college soccer:
“I think the upperclassmen have done a good job of showing them the ropes. They’ve been very receptive and learned from the experiences. We had a rough patch even in Big Tens and they learned from it. It shows how they can bounce back. It’s been fun having a young team. It just means the next three seasons are going to be pretty good.”

- Joe Ziemer