Iowa City West prepare for new coaches

IOWA CITY — Iowa City West will have a pair of new coaches for its swimming programs next season.

Byron Butler, who led West to the boys’ state title in 2020, will return to that position after a two-year hiatus. The girls’ program will be led by Sonja Bruxvoort, who has coached at the junior high level for both boys and girls in Iowa City.

West athletics director BJ Mayer made the announcement of the appointments on Wednesday.

Butler led both the boys’ and girls’ swim teams from 2016 to 2022. Under his leadership, the Trojans were the class of the Mississippi Valley Conference with the boys’ team securing four consecutive MVC titles from 2019 to 2022, and the girls’ team capturing five straight from 2018 to 2022.

"We're thrilled to welcome Coach Butler back to our program," Mayer said in the release. "His track record of championship success and his passion for developing student-athletes make him a perfect fit for our team and community."

Butler is excited to be getting back into coaching.

"I'm thrilled to be headed back to the pool deck as head coach of Iowa City West," he said in the release. "I've always seen swimming as a vehicle to help our young athletes become great teammates, grow in resilience and foster discipline. My passion for the sport has only grown with two years away, and I can't wait to get back to work."

Bruxvoort is eager to help maintain the West swimming tradition with the girls’ program.

Known for fostering encouraging and hardworking environments, she is eager to build team unity and lead the program to competitive success.

"I'm honored to step into this role," Bruxvoort said in the release. "My goal is to create a stable, supportive and competitive environment where every swimmer feels valued and challenged.

"I believe in the power of team culture, and I'm excited to build strong traditions, lasting bonds and a program our swimmers, schools and community can be proud of."

Mayer said Bruxvoort has worked with several of the current varsity swimmers.

"Sonja has been a part of Northwest Middle School and West High and she has been able to build great relationships with students," he said. "She is very organized, energetic and has a passion for working with young adults and swimming."