The Hempfield boys basketball team has entered a new era as Austin Butler takes over as head coach for the 2025 season. A former standout player at Latrobe and a Division I competitor, Butler is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the program, advocating for energy and accountability. A distinctive feature of his coaching strategy involves filming every practice, providing the team with material to review and learn, which underscores a commitment to ongoing improvement.
Butler succeeds Bill Swan, whose lengthy career with the team ended amid controversy that led to his resignation. The new head coach is focused on instilling a strong work ethic and fostering dedication within his players. He believes that success in basketball requires a robust commitment, asserting that the only path to victory is through relentless effort.
One player poised to make an impact under Butler’s leadership is Danny Husenits, a 6-foot-2 senior guard and the sole returning starter from last year’s team, which finished with a 9-12 record. Husenits is enhancing his role as a leader, striving to become a more vocal presence both on and off the court. He shares Butler’s vision for a gradual improvement that leads to a more competitive season.
The senior class includes several key contributors from last season, such as Dom Detruf, Jack Kopas, and Trevor Donsen, who all gained valuable experience during a competitive year. Despite a disappointing playoff miss, the team demonstrated resilience, nearly defeating a formidable Imani Christian squad in an overtime thriller.
Butler acknowledges the talent within his roster and sees the progress made since summer workouts as impressive. His coaching philosophy emphasizes “structured freedom,” encouraging players to be instinctual rather than relying solely on direct coaching during games.
Supporting Butler are a blend of familiar faces and seasoned figures in coaching. His brother Bryce, a Latrobe graduate and former collegiate player, will serve as an assistant coach alongside Kason Harrell, a Hempfield and Purdue Fort Wayne alumnus with professional experience in Ireland. Dante Rizzo from Norwin brings local expertise, enhancing the coaching staff’s depth.
Hempfield is set to kick off its season on December 2 against Latrobe, a matchup that holds personal significance for Butler. The team faces a demanding schedule filled with section games and tournaments, generating excitement among fans for the upcoming season.
With Butler’s committed coaching approach, the Hempfield basketball program aims for a more successful campaign. The collective experience of the coaching staff, combined with the leadership of the senior class, will be vital as they strive to create a winning culture and harness the potential of their talented roster.