UDC Head Women’s Basketball Coach Lester L. Butler, Jr., is ICAA Coach of the Year

Washington, DC—Lester L. Butler, Jr., head coach of the University of the District of Columbia Lady Firebirds Basketball Team, has been named the 2008 Independents Collegiate Athletic Association Coach of the Year. Butler led the Lady Firebirds to a 21-8 season, and the 2008 Independent Schools National Basketball Championship.

 Butler completed his fourth year as head coach of the Lady Firebirds, taking a team that had not broken .500 in the past 10 years, to a championship winning season. Since being promoted to head coach in 2003, Butler has changed both the perception and quality of the District of Columbia women’s basketball program. Bringing stability, vision and a love of the game to the program, Butler has earned the respect of his opponents while establishing Lady Firebird basketball as a competitive force in Division II.

 The team’s 2003-04 season was cancelled by then University President William Pollard after concerns were raised about another University team. Butler had to overcome the difficulties associated with a team that lost some players due to the year layoff, and rebuild the program to the level that it has now reached.
 Butler began his coaching career at Virginia Union as a volunteer assistant while he finished up his undergrad degree working with the guards from 1996-1998. After graduating from Virginia Union, Butler served as Head JV and Assistant Varsity Coach at Bladensburg High from 1999-2001. Prior to becoming
head coach he served as assistant coach for two seasons. He was responsible for travel, scouting, and working with the guards, preseason conditioning, academic coordinator, and various other duties. He also served as the recruiting coordinator and has signed an impressive four Junior College All-Americans, 2nd Team All- ICAA selection, and a 1,000 point career scorer in his short time at UDC.

 A 1998 graduate of Virginia Union University with a degree in criminal justice, Butler played for legendary coach Dave Robbins and was key member of the Panther basketball program. He helped Virginia Union capture three straight CIAA Championships and four NCAA Division II appearances. In 1996 Butler senior season he guided his team to the NCAA Division II Final Four. Butler finished his career at Virginia Union tied for most wins with a (107-14) won-lost record. Butler served as team captain from (1994-1996). 

 A native of Washington D.C., Butler graduated from Archbishop Carroll High in 1992 where he earned All Metro honors and Honorable Mention All-American. Coach Butler is a member of various organizations including the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and the Black Coaches Association. He resides in Upper Marlboro, MD with his wife, Chae, and their two children, Jatae and Sam.