Matthew Butler is the new girls’ basketball head coach in the 2023-2024 season. He first got into teaching girls basketball 18 years ago.
“It was kinda by chance that I started teaching girls basketball,” Butler said. “I was coaching boys and one time I had to fill both roles. I went down and taught a drill to the girls and they picked it up really fast. I was like, ‘Wow! They listen really well.’ That’s when I decided to work with girls.”
During his span of coaching basketball Butler has been named “Round Rock Coach of the Year,” “All East Texas Coach of the Year” and “District Coach of the Year.” This season, Coach Butler is excited for the team he inherited.
“Usually when you go to a school, the program is down, but in this case, I feel like McNeil is good already,” Butler said. “I think we have a lot of talent and depth and hopefully, I and the other coaches can take us to the next level.”
His favorite part of teaching girls basketball is the team aspect.
“Girls tend to be more about fundamentals, execution and playing together as a team,” Butler said. “If they like each other then it can be a lot of fun.”
Michael Kendrick, the new girl JV coach has felt that Butler’s coaching has been effective.
“Coach Butler has done a good job at being super detailed and laying down the groundwork,” Kendrick said. “He has influenced the team in a very positive way and is shifting the energy to be more positive.”
Butler is the newest addition to the McNeil Mavs and is excited for this year.
