Calvary Christian hires Butts as girls' basketball coach; Story steps down at University

A pair of Volusia-Flagler high school girls' basketball programs announced coaching changes in the first official week of the offseason.

Calvary Christian hired longtime Atlantic coach George Butts on Saturday morning, Athletic Director Bethany Gresham Hamm said. University will look to fill a vacancy after Sam Story, its most successful coach in the school's 11-year history, stepped down earlier this week.

Butts, 59, told The News-Journal in October that he would depart Atlantic at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season. In a quarter-century on the Sharks' bench, he collected 515 wins, four district championships and three Final Four appearances (1998, 2011, 2013).

"It's like starting over, and I accept the challenge," Butts said. "I'm really excited about it. Coach Hamm has done a wonderful job, and I want to keep that going and maybe add a few things to bring (the program) to a higher level."

Calvary won the District 9-2A championship on Feb. 5, edging Trinity Christian 38-37. The Lions exited the state playoffs in the first round, falling 42-36 to Central Florida Christian Academy.

Story, 45, posted a 47-98 record in six years in charge of University. He guided the Titans to a program-record 14 wins in 2019-20, and another 10 victories this winter.

"I am getting things ready to enter into administration and want to spend more time with my family," Story said. "My daughter will be a senior and my twin boys will be starting their middle school careers next year."

In addition to his role as girls' basketball coach, Story served as an assistant for the Titans' varsity football program.

Staci Hahn, University's athletic director, intends to find a replacement by the end of April.