University of Manitoba Athletics

Committing to a university soccer program is no easy task. So, when Brea DeBettignies was faced with that challenge, she used her past experiences in the sport to aid her decision. The winger hailing from Rosemount, Minnesota has graced pitches across the United States and Europe as a youth player and opted to take her talents to Canada ahead of her first season as a Bison in 2018.

“I have already traveled around the US playing youth soccer. Two years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Sweden to play in the largest and most international youth cup in the world.” she said. “Meeting people from all over the world and seeing so many cultures influenced my college search to look internationally, so I narrowed my search to Canada.”

Visits to the University of Manitoba campus and with coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas soon convinced her decision to select the Brown and Gold for her academic and athletic future. 

“The University of Manitoba met all my needs and I really loved the campus.”  

“Once I knew I wanted to go to school here I visited a few times for soccer, talked with Vanessa and everything just kind of fell into place perfectly.”

The aspiring engineering student occupies the wide positions on the pitch, displaying versatility in midfield and defence. A proven attack-minded player, DeBettignies formerly represented the Rosemount Fighting Irish, scoring 16 goals and 23 assists in 45 career games.

Entering her second year with the squad in 2019-20, DeBettignies looks to continue her development as a player while also growing in the classroom. 

"Some key lessons I have learned since being in university is to keep a positive mindset and to always give 100 percent at every task I do. Having a busy schedule with classes and soccer everyday can be mentally and physically draining but what has helped me the most is to stay positive and give my best effort at every assignment/practice so when the test/game comes I am prepared and feel confident. 

In this 2019 season I plan on improving my game by becoming more comfortable with my left foot so I feel confident in both feet to complete crosses and passes accurately."