Beswitherick Becomes Dual Athlete for Cougars

Megan Beswitherick is a multi-talented athlete from Austin, MB. In the fall, she will play defence for the Cougars women’s soccer team and then transition to goaltender for the Cougar women’s hockey team.

Beswitherwick played club soccer for the U18 MacGregor United in the summer and served as assistant captain of the Central Plains Capitals where she competed alongside fellow Cougars recruit, Lainie Muir, in the winter.

“Megan was assigned the challenging role of sweeper on her club team. She is a stand out defender,” said Women’s Soccer co-coach Gerry Rocan. “She will play a key role in bolstering our defence next season.”

“My strongest attributes are my work ethic, physicality, strength, ball control and my vision on the field/ice,” said Beswitherick. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and playing not only one, but two of the sports that I love, while pursuing my education.”

A rare chance that not many athletes get. “I love being able to support my team from all over the field, making plays happen,” she said reflecting on soccer.

Beswitherick won Athlete of the Year at MacGregor Collegiate Institute in both grade 9 and 10 before COVID interference resulted in a non-selection for the award in her grade 11 and 12 years. She competed for Team Central Plains in soccer at the Manitoba Summer Games in 2016 and more recently was named Playoffs Most Valuable Player for the Central Plains Capitals in the 2019-20 season.

Hockey Head Coach Tony Bertone said, “Megan is going to bring her quickness, athletic abilities in net and a valuable no quit-positive attitude.”

Aside from her athletic involvement, Beswitherick keeps quite busy and engaged. She is an honour roll student at MacGregor Collegiate Institute, receiving the bronze medal for highest academic achievement in both grade 9 and 10 as well as academic achievement recognition from the Central Plains Capitals. She raises, trains and shows cattle, is a member of 4H and volunteers her time at Ag Days, gardening for elders and cleaning up our Westman highways. Beyond that, she is a mentor through Big Brothers/Big Sisters, serves at Siloam Mission and volunteers to run children’s church.

Beswitherick is enrolled in the college’s Business Administration program. She intends to pursue a marketing specialization, which will allow her to approach her purebred Simmental business from a new perspective.