LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama Volleyball program and Head Coach Ed Allen finalized their staff on Tuesday as Allen announced the hiring of Carla Butler as the program's Head Assistant Coach.

Butler, a native of New Zealand, joins West Alabama's staff after a lengthy collegiate playing career at AUM, Hillsborough CC, and Pasco Hernado State College along with coaching experience at the collegiate and club level.

"We are excited to add Carla to the staff," said Allen. "She is clearly a rising star in the profession. She will be a terrific mentor to our student athletes at West Alabama."

As a player, Butler was a standout recruit on the overseas scene, putting together a remarkable High School career. Butler led Riccarton High School from 2012-2016, picking up a multitude of awards along the way which included Team MVP in three consecutive seasons from 2014-2016.

A tremendous High School career led to Butler continuing her athletic and academic career at Pasco Hernando State College. The New Zealand native had no issues adjusting to the next level as she turned in a program altering first season. As a true freshman, Butler was named a NCJCAA Second Team All-American, after leading Pasco Hernando State College to a Regional Championship and a berth to the NJCAA Nationals.

After making a statement on the JUCO circuit, Butler transferred to AUM in 2019 and quickly left her imprint on the program. In her first year with the Warhawks, Butler broke the school record in digs, digs per set, and digs per game, making her a clear and easy selection for AUM's 2010-2020 All-Decade team. 

After her playing career came to a close, Butler entered coaching in 2022. To kick start her new journey, the former Libero taught private and group lessons, before accepting an Assistant position for Capital City Juniors Volleyball Club while also serving as a Volunteer Assistant at Huntingdon College. Butler occupied those two roles, before being promoted to Head Coach at Capital City Juniors earlier this year. With Butler at the helm, Capital City went on to win the Icebreaker Championship along with the Queen of the Mountains Championship. 

With a wealth of Volleyball knowledge and experience, Butler is ready for the next stage of her career at West Alabama.

"I'm beyond grateful to Coach Allen and UWA Athletics for this amazing opportunity," said Butler. "It's an absolute honor to be apart of the UWA Volleyball family! I'm thrilled to work alongside such an experienced staff and help build something special here."