Austin Butler, one of the best players in Greater Latrobe basketball history, was unanimously approved on Monday as the head coach of the Hempfield Area boys.

“They saw something in me that they were looking for,” said Butler, who is beginning his coaching journey after a decorated playing career. “For them to take that chance with me and give me that opportunity to start fresh and lead with a group of guys – I’m super excited for the opportunity.”

A 2017 Greater Latrobe graduate, Butler etched his name in Wildcats history, ranking atop the career scoring list with 1,905 points.

He continued on the hardwood collegiately at Holy Cross for four seasons, and transferred to Charlotte for his final year of eligibility.

Butler then played professionally in Finland and Belgium, and also played 3-on-3 basketball on the pro circuit for three seasons.

With his professional career concluded, Butler has moved back home, and often attended the Wildcats’ games this winter, as his youngest brother, Max, was the top scorer.

While Greater Latrobe enjoyed a successful season that produced victories in both the WPIAL and state postseasons, the Spartans dealt with a tumultuous campaign. Veteran head coach Bill Swan was placed on administrative leave during the season while he was under investigation, and Swan eventually opted to resign from his position.

As a result, Hempfield Area went 9-12, missing the playoffs in Class 6A.

“I saw that the job was open, and I knew that I was interested in getting into coaching after my playing career. The biggest thing was just to go through the interview process with an open mind,” the 26-year-old detailed.

“Just having the success as a player, I think that really solidified the love for the game and how I wanted to give back, and my way to give back is using my experience and my success to show these high school kids that no matter who you are, where you’re at, and what sport you want to play, it’s possible to make it out,” Butler continued.

While Austin’s brother, Bryce, is now an assistant coach at West Liberty University, his two younger brothers, Landon and Max, will suit up together at Coker College next season. Thus, for the first time in more than a decade, there won’t be a Butler in uniform at Greater Latrobe.

One question that has yet to be answered, however, is whether Austin’s father, Eric Butler, will remain as an assistant coach under Brad Wetzel at Greater Latrobe, or if he’ll join his son with the Spartans.

“I’d be super lucky to have someone like my dad on staff who has that experience,” Butler added. “But regardless of whether it's him or someone else, I’m still going to have his support.”