Bethany Karter-O’Brien, a senior at Waterville High School, fell in love with the University of Vermont during her official visit to the school in January.

Karter-O’Brien, who competes in the shot put and weight throw, made up her mind early and accepted UVM’s offer of a full scholarship.
“I made my decision pretty quickly,” she said, “just so I could tell other colleges I was taken.”
Karter-O’Brien said there were two reasons why she chose UVM over the University of Maine: One, she was looking for a new experience. Two, Karter-O’Brien said UMaine didn’t start recruiting her until late in the process.
Karter-O’Brien will join a competitive program that competes in the America East conference.
Coupled with the men’s team, the Catamounts last season broke 22 school records. Three members of the women’s team won individual titles at the conference meet. Vermont coach Matt Belfield is certainly looking forward to Karter-O’Brien’s arrival.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to have Bethany joining us this fall,” he said. “She is a very serious student, an extraordinarily driven competitor and most importantly, one of the nicest young women I have met. I look forward to helping guide her through the next four years. I feel strongly that you will hear about Bethany at the top of the collegiate ranks very soon.”