Betsy Wendelberger, a Wauwatosa, Wisconsin native and longtime Wisconsin High School Girls’ Rugby coach and president, passed away this week at an untimely age, leaving her family and loved ones heartbroken.
Wisconsin Girls’ Rugby team took to its official social media to announce the news; however, it didn’t disclose the actual reason for the untimely death of Betsy Wendelberger.
The post reads:
“Betsy was a teammate, friend, and coach, and she served the game of rugby and our community for the last 19 years. She loved the rugby community, and her mission was always to ensure young girls and boys had the opportunity to have rugby in their life. We are forever grateful for the effort, time, and love. Betsy poured into our league, our mission now is to carry on the legacy she has helped create.”
Wisconsin Girls’ Rugby
Betsy began her career at Wisconsin High School, becoming the head girls’ rugby coach in 2015, and, for a decade, led the Knightmares to several victories until her recent passing.
Simultaneously, Betsy served as the head coach of Badger Rugby Academy and Kettle Moraine High School Girls’ Rugby Club.
In addition to being a fantastic coach, Betsy Wendelberger also served as president of the Wisconsin Girls’ Rugby League from 2022 until her passing.
Betsy began her coaching career at her alma mater, Marquette University, after earning her Level 200 coaching certification and serving in her position for a year before joining the Knightmares.
Additionally, she was part of the Wisconsin All Stars Traveling Team Coaching staff and ran the Wauwatosa Flag Rugby program, which teaches rugby to students from 2nd to 8th grade.
Betsy Wendelberger Was a Former DSHA and Marquette University Rugby Star
The late Betsy Wendelberger began her rugby career at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (DSHA) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2006.
During her tenure from 2006 to 2010, she led her team to several victories. Betsy was part of the 2007, 2008, and 2009 first-place National Teams, as well as the 2010 third-place National Team.
Her team also won four Midwest Championship titles and four State Championship titles during her time at DSHA.
After showcasing her outstanding athletic skills at DSHA, Betsy continued her rugby career at Marquette University, where she held several leadership positions, including Treasurer, President, and Captain of the Women’s Rugby Club.
She graduated from Marquette University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Marketing.
Upon graduation, Betsy began her career as a project manager at Fiserv and, from 2022 until her passing, served as the company’s senior project manager.
Betsy Wendelberger’s contribution to the Wisconsin community as an amazing athlete and coach will always be remembered.
She is survived by her parents, John and Julie Wendelberger, four siblings, Emily Wendelberger McGuire, Sophie Wendelberger, Maggie Wendelberger, and Joshua Wendelberger.
She also leaves behind her nephew, Edward ‘Teddy’ Theodore McGuire, uncles, aunts, cousins, brothers-in-law, her beloved dog, Gracie, and the entire family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Betsy Wendelberger served as the youth development mentor and rugby coach at PeppNation Sports for a year.
- She worked with Catholic Financial Life in several positions for nearly three years as a witness protection anaylst at Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office for over two years.
