Jeff Butler is the newest assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator at Virginia Wesleyan University. Butler was hired to be the assistant baseball coach in the summer of 2021. He came to VWU from Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned his master’s degree in sport leadership while he also volunteered at his alma mater Randolph-Macon College with the Yellow Jacket baseball coaching staff.
Butler brings to VWU a wealth of baseball knowledge. Among his achievements are former Yellow Jacket, a four-year starter in the infield, primarily second base, three-time ODAC, two-time VaSID All-State and All Region, and All-Conference honoree. He also was part of SportsCenter’s top 10 plays in the final game of the NCAA Division III World Series of 2018 and he was seventh in the nation in Toughest to Strikeout in 2019.
Butler grew up in the Hampton Roads area and he expressed that VWU has been part of his entire life. “From a young age, I’ve been volunteering at the school and playing games at Kenneth R. Perry Field throughout my high school recruitment process,” Butler said. “VWU stuck out to me while finding a coaching position because of the location and my relationship with Coach Francis while I played against him for four years.”
Butler expressed to the Chronicle that it was fun to meet with Coach Francis, Coach Montgomery and Executive Athletic Director Andrea Hoover-Erbig. He said that they made him feel like he was at home before even being offered the position.
In regards to the team, he hopes to impact them in every aspect of life, not only athletically. He is dedicated to helping young players participating in collegiate baseball with a positive and energetic coaching style. “My job as a coach is not only to make players better on the field and become better baseball players, but better men in society as they prepare to face real life,” Butler said.
Sophomore Ian Brady, who is a right-handed pitcher of the Baseball team, expressed that he really likes the new assistant coach and his expectations are very positive for this season.“It’s only been a few weeks but I know for a fact that he’s great for the squad and will help us have a great year,” Brady said.
Butler loves to work here and he expressed to the Chronicle that he loves the comradery of everyone, especially within the athletic department. “Everyone is extremely friendly and really wants to get to know you. The connections and friendships I have made these first two months already I know will last a lifetime,” Butler said.
By Kimberly DeHart
kmdehart@vwu.edu
