Rocky Hill’s Butler Headed to Lycoming

Rocky Hill senior Sarah Butler, pictured with parents John and Shannon Butler, signed her letter of intent on March 10 to play college soccer at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania.   

Rocky Hill senior Sarah Butler wrapped up four amazing years on the soccer fields at RHHS this fall and will now continue her passions at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania.
           
“I am excited to announce my commitment to Lycoming College to further advance my academic and athletic career. Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and friends who have helped me get here,” Butler announced on social media.
           
On March 10, Butler made her commitment official by signing her letter of intent in front of family and friends at Rocky Hill High School. 
           
Butler originally sent a video of her playing soccer to the coaches at Lycoming and then invited them to a tournament she played at in New Jersey.  
           
“I was looking at schools that have my major,” said Butler, who will study astronomy and astrophysics. “I loved how the coach talked about the program and I liked the school.”
           
The feeling was mutual and the school offered her a chance to play soccer for four more years.  
           
Rocky Hill girls soccer coach Annmarie Catania believes that Butler has the tools, on and off the field, to succeed at the next level.
           
“Sarah just has that personality that is inviting to every type of person. The girls gravitate to her, she’s magnetic,” said Catania. “She’s respected by every teammate and has great leadership skills.” 
           
Catania stated that she has seen Butler’s confidence grow every season, adding, “She is a highly-skilled player and her [new] team will love her personality and the rest will fall into place. She’s very likable and coachable.”
           
Butler’s senior season at RHHS was special for multiple reasons. The Terriers won their final four games—outscoring the four opponents by a combined score of 26-0—to qualify for the Class S state tournament and then won a memorable tourney game at Tolland on penalty kicks in overtime.  
           
Butler, who earned all-conference, described the team as “a family”, adding, “We always supported each other. Through wins, losses, and ties we always stayed close and brought each other up.”
           
Outside of high school soccer, Butler also played Premier travel soccer and participated in indoor track to stay in shape for soccer season. 
           
She is also on the school’s Green Team, which is an environmentally conscious club that discusses environmental issues, along with cleaning up parks and beaches.    
           
Butler also taught herself to play the ukulele, playing the stringed instrument for the last three years. 
           
Next fall, Butler will join a Warriors’ team in Williamsport, PA that is led by head coach Kenny Fern. Fern is entering his sixth year with the program and is credited with turning around the program, leading them to 11 wins a season ago. 
           
Butler said is looking forward to all aspects of college life, particularly the increased competition on the soccer fields.