The Online Reflector

Prior to being hired at UIndy, head women’s volleyball coach Jody Butera was working two jobs as a high school coach in Massachusetts.

“I was really tired of having to do two sports. I wanted to get into the college scene because that’s why I went to grad school. I wanted to take over a program. I saw the University of Indianapolis and I applied through the NCAA Web site,” Butera said. “They flew me out here and the rest was history. I just wanted to jump in.”

The stats show she’s made quite a splash entering her 14th season. At UIndy, Butera has compiled a 148-40 overall record the last five seasons. Butera acknowledged it’s all about recruiting.

“I think it’s recruiting Type-A personality players that are so dedicated to the classroom and winning. A lot of them are perfectionists. I’ve had awesome athletes the last four years. They make my life easier,” Butera said. “When you get kids that are self-motivated, they want to win on their own. It’s all on them. They do a lot of intangibles that win championships.”

“I try to recruit little Jodys,” she said.

The Greyhounds ended their season with a 38-2 record. Having made their first Elite Eight appearance will benefit UIndy.

“It was a great experience for my team. They’re hungry for it next year. They want to always want to have that expectation of this program getting to the Elite Eight, Final Four and winning a national championship. I can’t complain.”

Athletics Director Sue Willey offered high praise regarding the team’s play.

“It was a phenomenal season. We were knocked out by the national champion.”
The ‘Hounds loss to Lewis ended UIndy’s 14-0 start That loss may have benefitted Indianapolis, according to Willey.

“The season was going along so well and then Lewis, our nemesis, came in and just crunched us. It was terrible,” Willey said. “We didn’t show up for the match. Some teams will have that one team that seems to have their number. Lewis doesn’t have [our] number anymore.”

Butera isn’t worried about numbers.

“It’s going to be phenomenal. If we play well, we probably shouldn’t lose,” Butera said. “I want them to be loose, happy and love to come to practice every day. Everything else will take care of itself.”

Willey gave Butera high praise.

“It’s not all about wins and losses. She is a phenomenal recruiter. She has done everything I’ve asked her to [do],” Willey said. “She’s matured into a top-notch coach and a recognized leader in women’s volleyball in the country. I couldn’t be prouder of Jody.”