OSHAWA, Ont. – Ontario Tech women's soccer assistant coaches Brianne Desa and Kristen Bettencourt stepped onto one of the biggest stages of their careers this month, starting side by side for the Guyanese women's national team in a World Cup Qualifying match against Nicaragua.

For both coaches, the moment was years in the making, an intersection of heritage, hard work, and a deep love for the game that ultimately led them from the Ridgebacks sideline to the international pitch.

Desa's journey with Guyana began early, earning her first call-up at just 17 after being encouraged by a former teammate who recognized her potential and connection to the country. She pushed through identification camps and intense competition, eventually carving out a steady role within the program. Representing Guyana, she says, has shaped her far beyond soccer.

"It taught me resilience, humility, and confidence," Desa said. "Playing for the country my family comes from pushed me in ways I had never been pushed before. It is an honour every single time I put on that jersey."

Her favourite moment remains her very first camp, when she arrived as an underdog, told she likely would not play, only to earn a starting spot and score the opening goal for Guyana. It is a memory she says will stay with her forever.

For Bettencourt, the path to the national team came later, sparked by former Ridgeback Kayla DeSouza and the encouragement of Desa, her cousin. Their support helped her take the leap, and stepping into camp for the first time became an instant career highlight.

"There is something special about coming together with top Guyanese players from around the world who share the same culture, the same music, the same energy," Bettencourt said. "Representing my country, my family, and my heritage has been the most rewarding part."

Her fondest memory so far came during Guyana's historic run to the preliminary round of the first ever Women's Gold Cup, highlighted by a statement win over Suriname. The celebration, the environment, and the sense of pride around the team, she said, were unforgettable.

But sharing the pitch with one another, as cousins, teammates, and now national team starters, made the Nicaragua match even more meaningful. Desa called it a "family moment," while Bettencourt emphasized how experiences like this reaffirm the importance of relationships and trusting your pathway, even when it begins later than expected.

"Kristen's and Brianne's international experience is a competitive advantage for our program," said Ridgebacks Head Coach, Audra Sherman. "They're growing in environments where the standards are uncompromising, and they bring that knowledge, perspective, and energy straight back to our players. Their success shows our athletes what's possible when you trust the process, commit fully to your craft and accept success isn't linear."
 
Both coaches say their time with Guyana has already made them better leaders. Desa noted the professionalism, communication skills, and composure required at the international level, all of which directly support her work with Ontario Tech student athletes. Bettencourt echoed the sentiment, highlighting discipline, accountability, and high-performance habits as lessons she is eager to pass on.

Their international experience is not just a personal milestone, it is a new building block for the Ridgebacks women's soccer program. Each returns to campus with new perspectives, fresh ideas, and a deeper understanding of what elite football looks and feels like.

"This whole journey has 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," said Bettencourt. "I come back feeling recharged and excited, almost like I'm carrying a backpack full of new coaching tools to share with my athletes."