The sidelines of Mount Saint Joseph Academy’s soccer field are usually filled with loud cheers from nervous parents and supportive teammates. But for Bethany Arduino, being injured did not stop her from supporting the people around her. Even after suffering an ankle injury during the season, Bethany stayed at every game, cheering on her teammates, encouraging them from the bench, and proving that leadership is not only shown while playing.

Bundled in a sweatshirt on the sidelines during one cold game, Bethany called out encouragement to her teammates. As they competed in a tough game, Arduino cheered, “You guys can still win, it’s only the first quarter, and you are outrunning them.” The spirits were lifted hearing they were out working their opponent. 

Many athletes would focus only on recovering. However, Bethany focused equally on recovering and supporting the girls she has spent her high school years growing with. Her teammates always look to Bethany during times of struggle and hope, on and off the field.

“Soccer takes up most of my time, but I am really close with my team and spend most of my weekends with them, which makes it super fun,” Arduino said.

Growing up in Horsham, PA., Bethany was introduced to soccer at a young age by her mother, Amy Arduino. Soccer had always been important in their family, and playing felt almost expected for her. 

Even during the most tiring parts of the school year, Arduino balances long school days, practices, and games.  After school, she goes straight to club practice, then returns home to finish all of her schoolwork.  At school, no one would know how much she balances each daily based on her continuous positive energy.

Julia Elwell ’27, one of Bethany’s best friends and teammates, said, “Playing soccer with Bethany since freshman year has been something I’ve cherished since I met her. She has been the most supportive friend and hardworking teammate I’ve had.”

Bethany’s leadership is not always the loudest, but it shows in many ways such as at practice, when helping teammates stay motivated, and checking on them after tough games.  With her injury, everyone was able to see her true character, even when she could not perform.

Bethany is known for surrounding herself with people who fit her personality and goals.  She is close with all of her friends and works to keep her friendships with people from all different areas of her life.  She has different groups of friends from areas of her life that she seems to effortlessly connect with consistently.

“I think sometimes I catch myself getting caught up in my feelings of how much I want her to do well in anything she works at, but I’m always reminded by how much she does on her own and succeeds by herself,” Amy Arduino said.

The people closest to Bethany know her as more than just a soccer player. They see someone who manages relationships with her work life, and always a supportive figure in every aspect of her life. Overall, Bethany accomplishments are well deserved. But “well deserved” almost feels too small for the effort she puts into her family, friendships, and school life