There’s a new coach for the Lady Royals’ golf team.
Jason Butler was named the Mason County girls’ golf coach on Tuesday, after serving as an assistant with the program last season.
“I joined Coach [Chad] Mefford last year as an assistant and when the opportunity to be a head coach came about this season, it was an easy decision. Our kids have great character and they are very eager to work hard and get better. I have been in the athletic program for many years and I love that I can continue to work with young kids and hopefully play a small part in their success. To be able to build relationships with our kids is the greatest reward in coaching,” said Butler in a release issued by the school.
“Personally, I have always had a love for the game of golf and I hope to create some energy and interest from kids at a young age. I want to see the numbers grow and get kids in our community interested in golf. To build a great program, not only are our returning players from last year important, but it’s very important to create a buzz with the younger kids,” added Butler. “I’m very honored and excited about this opportunity and I want to thank the administration and the athletic department for this chance to continue to lead the great tradition of the Mason County girls’ golf program.”
While an assistant with Mason County’s golf program last year, Butler’s main responsibility was working with the girls’ team. The Lady Royals landed outside of state qualifying at last year’s Region 8 Tournament, finishing fourth as a team.
Butler played golf, basketball and baseball before graduating from Mason County in 1992. He continued his education at Maysville Community College, graduating in 1994, and went on to Morehead State University, where he graduated in 1997. He has spent 15 years with the Mason County girls’ basketball program, including four years as middle school head coach, three years as freshman head coach and eight years as junior varsity head coach.
“We were really hoping he would consider this opportunity and act on it. Jason really knows how to connect with kids. In this day and time, the relationship that a coach can develop with that child is the most important. Kids have got to know first and foremost that you love them and you care about them. Jason Butler knows how to do that and he is a great leader,” said Mason County assistant athletic director Chris Ullery in the release. “As an assistant last season, he went above and beyond his duties working with kids and managing the girls’ golf program. He has a lot of experience coaching girls at the high school level. That was a very important part of this hire.”
