| Amanda Butler |
 |
|
 | Position: Head Coach
|
 | Experience: Second Season
|
 | Alma Mater/Year: Florida, 1995
|
|
|
|
|
Amanda Butler is in her second season as head coach and her sixth season as a member of the 49ers coaching staff. She became the sixth head coach in the program's history, April 19, 2005.
What a splash the 49ers made in her first season at the helm of the program. Charlotte won 21 games including 13 Atlantic 10 games to claim a share of the A-10 regular season title. For the 49ers success last season, Butler was named A-10 Coach of the Year after setting a program record for most wins by a coach in their first season.. The 49ers also earned a bid to the WNIT, which is the fourth straight postseason appearance for the 49ers. Charlotte defeated James Madison, in the first round of the WNIT, for the program's fourth postseason victory.
"When we hired Amanda, I knew she would be a good head coach and provide the leadership to continue the recent success in our women's basketball program," Director of Athletics Judy Rose said. "Winning 21 games and being named the A-10 Coach of the Year in her first season is validation that we not only made the right decision, but that we have much to look forward to."
Butler has been in coaching for the past 11 years, including the last five at Charlotte. During her tenure on the 49ers coaching staff, the program has made four straight postseason appearances for the first time in school history and compiled 97 wins, five winning seasons and three 20-win campaigns. In addition to coaching at Charlotte, she was an assistant coach at Austin Peay (1997-01) and at Florida (1995-97).
While at Charlotte, she played a key role in helping guide the 49ers to the 2003 Conference USA regular season title and the program's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. In 2004, Charlotte defeated Clemson in the first round of the WNIT for the program's first postseason victory since the 1989-90 season. Last season, Charlotte won 22 games, which is tied for the third highest single-season total in school history, en route to a second-straight appearance in the WNIT.
She was instrumental in the recruitment of two All-Atlantic 10 selections, three Conference USA all-freshman team members, one All-Conference USA selection and two 1,000 point scorers.
A 1995 graduate of Florida, Butler earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science in 1995 and a master's of science in sports management in 1997. She was a stalwart for the Gators on and off the court. Butler finished her four-year playing career second on the program's all-time assist list. She led the team in assists in three of her four seasons. She also ranked among the top five in both career three-pointers made and three-point field goal percentage. While at Florida, she helped the Gators to 73 wins which is the best four-year total in school history. In 1993, she was captain of the first team in the program's history to make the NCAA Tournament. She also helped lead the Gators to a 1994 NCAA Tournament appearance. She was a three-time academic All-SEC selection, as well.
After graduation, Butler remained at Florida as a member of the coaching staff. During her two-year stretch on the coaching staff, the Gators posted back-to-back 20 win seasons. Florida reached the SEC Tournament semifinals for the first time in school history in 1996. In 1997, Florida made their first appearance in the SEC Tournament championship game. The Gators made the NCAA Tournament in both years, including a run to the Elite Eight in 1997. Her duties at Florida included strength and conditioning, camps, clinics, scheduling and coaching the perimeter players.
Prior to joining the 49ers staff, Butler enjoyed four successful seasons as a member of the Austin Peay coaching staff from 1997-01. While at Austin Peay, she helped the Govs reach the 2001 NCAA Tournament after finishing the season 18-13 and winning the Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship. She recruited back-to-back OVC Freshmen of the Year. She also coached the school's all-time leading scorer, Brooke Armisted, who was the first player in school history to be drafted by the WNBA. In addition to being Austin Peay's primary recruiter, she was responsible for strength and conditioning and working with the guards. She also oversaw the team's camps and booster club.
out of it."