Associate head coach teaches commitment

The power of tradition within IU basketball extends far beyond the realm of the men's program. IU women's associate head coach Trish Betthauser is proof enough of that.\nBetthauser has forgone high-paying jobs -- a teaching career and several Division I coaching opportunities -- to remain a part of women's basketball at IU. \n"Any field she wanted to do and be successful in, she could," IU coach and longtime friend Kathi Bennett said. "But she chose to do this and help kids, which I think is amazing." \nBetthauser and Bennett first met at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where Betthauser played under Bennett from 1988-92 and helped lead the Division III Titans to three NCAA tournament appearances. \n"She was always the first one on the court, and the last one to leave," said Bennett. "She was real meticulous in her game. She did all the smart things that make you think, 'That kid is going to be a coach some day.'"\nBetthauser graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 1993 with a degree in chemistry and a minor in mathematics, and she chose to coach, passing on several lucrative jobs in the laboratory. \n"I was really influenced by Kathi," Betthauser said. "When I left the playing career at Oskosh, I really wanted to share what I had learned with other people. I just feel so at home within the lines."\nHome is where Betthauser has been since graduation.\nShe began her coaching career at UW-Oshkosh as a graduate assistant. Betthauser then moved on to a job where she could coach kids on the court and in the classroom as an assistant basketball coach and chemistry teacher at Stevenson High School in Illinois. \n"I loved teaching because it was a different thing every single day," Betthauser said. "Who knows? I don't know what's going to happen in the next 10 years. If that opportunity presented itself, I would definitely welcome it."\nBut when Bennett came calling again, Betthauser followed right behind. This time it was off to the University of Evansville to serve as Bennett's top assistant, the post she holds now at IU. \n"Her work ethic is unparalleled," Bennett said. "As an assistant coach, just her integrity and enthusiasm in which she approaches everything is amazing."\nBennett said she feels lucky to have her on her bench, especially considering several Division I schools have shown an interest in her long-time assistant. \n"I received a few interesting phone calls last year," Betthauser said. "I just wasn't interested in pursuing anything at that point." \nWhy would any long-time assistant pass up on a head coaching opportunity? Because of tradition.\n"I love what I'm doing here," Betthauser said. "There's nothing like being a part of Indiana basketball. It's a dream come true."\nBetthauser's players said they notice her dedication.\n"The first thing she says when we come in is, 'Get a ball,'" sophomore guard Cyndi Valentin said. "She's always willing to take time with us. She's always there."\nBetthauser was there in a big way for the Hoosiers in February of 2002 after Bennett suffered a broken neck in a car accident the day before IU was to square off against No. 7 Purdue.\nAs the acting head coach, Betthauser led the Hoosiers to a 2-1 record including an upset win over No. 15 Minnesota. That victory sparked a six-game winning streak, which culminated in a Big Ten championship just three weeks later.\n"I tried to be as confident with that team as I could to relieve any pressure they might have had," Betthauser said. "I wanted them to play free and within our style."\nThat style of basketball is what has kept Betthauser here at IU.\n"Everyone has their special thing that you can always go back to," Betthauser said. "For some people it's home. For some people it's family. But for me it's always been Kathi's style of basketball. Just having that stability and presence in my life has been really comforting. "\nWhat's comforting for IU basketball fans is knowing that Betthauser is here to finish what she's started -- a winning tradition.\n"I came here because I wanted to make a difference, and I want to see this program get a national championship," Betthauser said. "I don't want to leave until that's done."\n-- Contact staff writer Ryan J. Cost at rjcost@indiana.edu.