A Goldfish Mindset and a Sacred Number
Will Bettridge, the Virginia Cavaliers’ standout kicker, is on the cusp of rewriting the program’s record books as its all‑time leading scorer. His approach to the game mirrors the ‘goldfish’ philosophy popularized by fictional coach Ted Lasso: he discards missed attempts and immediately turns his focus to the next play.
The milestone is intertwined with personal loss. Earlier this year Bettridge delivered an emotional address at a memorial service for his close friend and former teammate D’Sean Perry, who was killed in a 2022 shooting. In tribute, Bettridge swapped his familiar No. 17 for Perry’s No. 41, a change that has become a symbol of remembrance across the team.
Teammates and analysts alike have noted his mental resilience. Former Virginia kicker Matt Ganyard likened Bettridge to a goldfish, emphasizing his ability to forget a missed field goal and move forward with confidence. That composure was on display during Virginia’s dramatic overtime victory over Florida State in 2025, where he nailed a 39‑yard field goal to secure the win.
Statistically, Bettridge has been nearly flawless. He converted all 31 extra‑point attempts in his sophomore season and hit 85.7 % of his field‑goal tries. His consistency has helped the Cavaliers clinch key conference matchups and has drawn praise from head coach Tony Elliott, who has watched the kicker evolve into a leader both on and off the field.
Looking ahead to his graduate season in 2026, Bettridge remains driven by humility and a desire to honor his late friend. His journey — from a quiet recruit to the program’s scoring leader — illustrates how resilience, loyalty and a simple mindset can leave a lasting imprint on a university’s legacy.