Derek Butler, Athletic Director at Hough High School

August 19. Derek Butler begins his new role as Athletic Director at Hough High School as fall sports practice gets underway and students return to classes later this month.

Butler, who resides in Charlotte with his wife and two young children, was previously at Salisbury High School in Rowan County.

He was named Highschool OT AD of the year during the 2023-2024 school year and oversaw seven state championships, sending multiple student athletes to play at the collegiate level.

He recently sat for a Q&A with Cornelius Today.

Favorite college/pro sports teams? 

I love Georgia football, Duke basketball and the Carolina Panthers.

What excites you about accepting the job at Hough? 

The opportunity to spread my wings with a larger athletic program is very important to me. I love personal growth, and Hough allows me to do that. We have a strong history of winning and I’m excited to add to that!

What are some of the challenges you expect in the new role? 

I expect that the process of learning how things work in the Hough community will be a brief yet exciting challenge. Other than that, the challenge of getting out in the community and getting to know people on a deeper level than my job title.

What was the moment when you knew you were accepting the job? 

When I came for my interview, I drove around campus a few times before I parked. While I drove, I was praying for guidance on where I should be professionally and asking God for a sign. I’m normally nervous when I meet new people in a business capacity and when I interviewed, this one was different. As soon as I walked through the front door, I got the feeling that this is home. I knew then, if I am offered this position, I am taking it!

What are some short- and long-term goals?

Short term goals are to learn all my coaches and how they are wired. Long term is to win several state championships!

You’ve had some special guests on campus this summer like former UNC star and current New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who began his career at Hough.

How does that kind of exposure to pro athletes benefit the program? 

Maye

A former athlete, no matter if it’s a pro or not, returning to mentor, train, or even just attend a game reminds everyone – players, parents and coaches – that the program has a legacy worth building on. With the high caliber former and current athletes we have, it’s obvious the Hough athletic culture is one that you want to be a part of.

Hough is one of the premier athletic programs in Mecklenburg County. What kind of expectation is there? 

I expect to win and I expect it to be done the right way.

What game are you most excited about this fall? 

The Keep Pounding High School Classic — featuring four marquee football programs at Bank of America Stadium on August 22nd — has had my attention since before I even interviewed for this position. Four high-level programs battling at my favorite stadium is a football lover’s dream! A close second will be when our football team travels to Virginia to take on Highland Springs. Being a nationally ranked program is cool but having the opportunity to prove to the nation why we’re ranked where we are is an awesome experience.

Pet peeve as an athletic director? 

I have two pet peeves as an AD. The first is poor communication among coaches, players, admin or parents. If there’s not clear and open communication you’re bound to fail. And secondly, I cannot stand a dirty locker room! It’s not hard to pick up behind yourself.

What advice would you give to incoming Freshman student athletes and parents regarding their high school sports experience? 

Enjoy every minute of high school sports. These will be some of the best times in life that you’ll look back on years down the line. It will not always be easy, but I promise you’ll be happy you did it.

Hough Way has been the athletic slogan in recent years. What does that mean to you?

#HoughWay is a powerful and prideful motto. To me it details work ethic, a standard of excellence and pride in our school and programs!