"I am thrilled to have Betsy join our staff," VanDerveer said. "She brings remarkable experience, depth of knowledge and tremendous enthusiasm to our program. Betsy is a consummate teacher who will undoubtedly help our team reach its potential and achieve our goals."

Butterick was VanDerveer's lead assistant at Occidental, helping guide the Tigers to an overall record of 84-25 (.771), four straight Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Championships and a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. She was involved in all aspects of the coaching, including recruiting, scouting, player development and strength and conditioning.

Butterick also served as an assistant women's golf coach at Occidental and held the position of Community Wellness Director in the recreation department, overseeing physical activity courses offered to students, faculty and staff.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to continue to work with Heidi and coach at UC San Diego," Butterick said. "Everything about UCSD is first class and it is a privilege to build upon the standard of excellence established by the players, department and community here. The scenic beauty of La Jolla is the perfect compliment to a campus environment of rigorous academics and passionate student-athletes."

Prior to her time at Occidental, Butterick worked as the video coordinator for the women's basketball program at the University of Washington (2007-08) and also served as the equipment manager for the WNBA's Seattle Storm (2007). She got her start in collegiate athletics as an intern for the women's basketball program at Stanford, working under head coach Tara VanDerveer during the 2006-07 season.

Butterick graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a degree in psychology in 2006. She was a two-year varsity starter on the women's basketball team, leading the Athena's to back-to-back 20-5 seasons in 2004-05 and 2005-06. She was a two-time all-conference selection and led the team in rebounding, assists and steals as a senior.

Butterick was also a member of the inaugural women's golf team at Claremont McKenna.