Florida names Butler head women’s basketball coach

The 35-year-old Butler, who is a former four-year starter (1990-94) and two- year assistant coach for Florida, has 12 years of college coaching experience, including two as the head coach of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Butler replaces Carolyn Peck, who was notified in February that she would be relieved of her duties at the conclusion of the 2006-07 season.

"Best of all, Amanda is a Gator," Foley said. "She played hard on the court and worked equally hard in the classroom and represents the best aspects of the type of person we hope our student-athletes develop into. We are proud that Amanda is a Gator and we welcome her home."

Butler compiled a 40-22 record during her two years at Charlotte, which included two WNIT berths and a share of the 2005-06 Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season championship. She also spent four seasons (1997-2001) as an assistant coach at Austin Peay University in Tennessee.

"This is a very emotional day for me because returning to the University of Florida is a dream come true," Butler said. "There is a lot of work to be done and I am anxious to get right to work."