Hall of Fame
Kay (Guse) Gottschalk’s connection to Bethany Athletics spans more than four decades, marked by both personal achievement and tireless service. As a student-athlete in 1983–84, she made an immediate impact on the volleyball and basketball courts. In volleyball, she earned second-team All MCCC honors, leading the Vikings in total blocks and ranking second in kills. On the basketball court, she was named first-team All-MCCC, led the team in rebounding, and helped Bethany reach the State Tournament. After her freshman season, Kay was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which ended her playing career far too soon. Yet her love for athletics—and for Bethany—never wavered. Determined to remain involved, she began keeping statistics for the volleyball team and continued to support Viking athletics after graduation. By 1989–90, she was serving as an assistant coach for women’s basketball, a season that culminated in an MCCC championship. When she returned to her hometown of Janesville after a brief time away, Kay immediately stepped back into her role with Bethany, becoming the official scorer for Viking volleyball in 1984 (with just a one year pause) and adding both women’s and men’s basketball in 1991. She has been a trusted presence at the scorer’s table ever since. Kay’s dedication extends well beyond Bethany. She has served as a bookkeeper for volleyball and basketball at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton High School—her alma mater—as well as at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In recognition of her contributions, she was inducted into the JWP High School Hall of Fame in 2017. Professionally, she works as a Pampered Chef consultant, but her life is equally defined by her deep commitment to church and community. At Trinity Lutheran in Janesville, she sings in the choir and volunteers in countless ways. She directs the Janesville Community Food Shelf, helps with Meals on Wheels, and is active with The Dorcas Society and Lutheran Women in Mission, serving at both the zone and district levels. Kay and her husband, Gary, make their home in Janesville. She is also stepmother to Jeff. Through all her roles—as athlete, coach, scorer, mentor, and community servant—Kay Gottschalk has embodied loyalty, 6 perseverance, and service, leaving an indelible mark on Bethany Athletics and beyond.
