Former University of Kansas standout Whitney Berry has joined the coaching staff for the Butler women's soccer team. Her first day with the program is Monday, July 8.
Berry will assist head coach Adam Hunter in all aspects, including recruiting and day-to-day training of the forwards and attacking midfielders. This is Berry's first collegiate coaching position after finishing an impressive high school and collegiate playing resume.
"I am so unbelievably greatful for the opportunity Butler Community College has afforded me to start my coaching career," said Berry. "I am very excited about the upcoming season and all that it will bring. I have very high hopes for myself and for the players. I can't wait to get started."
"If you know anything about the history of women's soccer in the state of Kansas, the name Whitney Berry will resonate with you," Hunter said. "Whitney was probably the most dominating high school player during her days at Goddard High School and then went on to set school records while playing at the University of Kansas under Mark Francis."
Berry scored 166 goals and had 40 assists during her high school career at Goddard and was a NSCAA/Adidas High School All-American following her junior season. She was also named all-league, all-region and All-6A State all four years. Berry was a four-time Wichita Eagle All-Metro First Team selection, becoming the first athlete to be selected all four years in any sport.
At KU, Berry was a four-time All-Big 12 selection, earning second-team honors in each of her first three seasons before being named a first-team selection as a senior. Berry ended her KU career as the career-leader in assists (32), second in career points (78) and tied for third-most all-time with 23 goals. She also holds the KU record for most assists in a single season (13).
Berry was a 2013 third-round draft pick by FC Kansas City of the National Women's Soccer League.
Berry will be joining a program that has won back-to-back Jayhawk Conference titles and appeared in each of the last two NJCAA National Tournaments in Florida.
"I am very pleased to partner the success and soccer pedigree that Whitney has with the Butler soccer brand," Hunter said. "It made perfect sense to partner together in order to grow the continued success of Whitney's soccer career and Butler's winning tradition. I know that Whitney will bring recognition to our program and will have an immediately profound impact on our recruiting."
