Michelle Betos Bio
Michelle Jenny Betos (born February 20, 1988) is an American professional soccer coach and former player who played as a goalkeeper. She is perhaps best known for being the first National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) goalkeeper to score a goal in league play. Betos played collegiate soccer at the University of Georgia and signed her first professional contract with the USL W-League Atlanta Silverbacks in 2009. Over her career, she played for various teams in both the W-League and NWSL, demonstrating significant skill and leadership, eventually transitioning to a coaching role after her retirement in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Born in Queens, New York, to parents Luke and Susan Betos, Michelle began playing soccer at age five at the urging of her father, a one-time semi-professional player in Greece. She attended St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens, where she was a two-year captain on the soccer team and was named the 2005 Most Valuable Player. Betos played for the Albertson Fury from 2004 to 2006, during which time she was coached by Paul Riley, and was a member of the Region I Olympic Development Program (ODP) team in 2006. In 2005, she was named an Eastern New York State Soccer Association (ENYSSA) State Team player and participated in the Super Y-League Olympic Development Program (ODP) National Camp. Betos attended the University of Georgia, where she finished her college career with a total of 316 saves, ranking third all-time at Georgia and second in shutouts (26) and wins (48). During her senior year, she started all 22 games, logging 1,929 minutes and earning eight shutouts with a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.12 per game.
Path to Soccer
Betos signed her first professional contract with the Atlanta Silverbacks in the USL W-League in 2009. She was named W-League Goalkeeper of the Year after leading the Silverbacks to the regular season Southeast Division title, finishing the season with a 9–1–1 record. Following her time with Atlanta, she played for Club Atlético River Plate in Argentina and then for several teams in the Women’s Premier Soccer League Elite, including the Boston Aztec and New York Fury. In 2013, she was selected by Seattle Reign FC during the NWSL Supplemental Draft, initially intended to serve as a backup to Hope Solo. However, she became the starting goalkeeper for seven matches during the 2013 season while Solo recovered from wrist surgery.
Michelle Betos Career
Early Career (2009–2013)
After her successful stint with the Atlanta Silverbacks, Betos continued to build her career in various leagues. She played for River Plate in 2010 and then joined the Boston Aztec in 2011. In 2012, she signed with the New York Fury and later with Apollon Limassol for the UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign. In 2013, she joined Seattle Reign FC, where she made a significant impact despite being a backup initially.
Breakthrough (2014–2016)
Betos’s breakthrough came when she was traded to Portland Thorns FC in 2014. During the 2015 season, she replaced Nadine Angerer as the first-choice goalkeeper and made 14 starts. On June 19, 2015, she scored the equalizing goal for Portland against FC Kansas City, making history as the first goalkeeper to score in the NWSL. This achievement earned her the NWSL Player of the Week honor. In 2016, she was part of the Thorns team that won the NWSL Shield and was named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, solidifying her reputation in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Michelle Betos has been recognized for her outstanding performances, including her historic goal as a goalkeeper and her leadership on the field. She has played for multiple teams and has been a key player in crucial matches, contributing to her teams’ successes.
Michelle Betos Award Nominations
Michelle Betos has received several nominations throughout her career, particularly for her performance during the 2015 season when she was named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year.
Michelle Betos Awards Won
Betos has achieved notable recognition, including being named W-League Goalkeeper of the Year in 2009 and NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2016.
Michelle Betos Family
Michelle Betos was born to Luke and Susan Betos. Details about her family life beyond her parents are not publicly available.
Personal Life
Information regarding Michelle Betos’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly documented. However, she has been active in her community and serves as a player representative for the NWSL Players Association.