College of Charleston Hires Amanda Butler as Head Coach

The Cougars welcome a new leader to guide the women's basketball program for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball

College of Charleston Hires Amanda Butler as Head Coach

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Amanda Butler takes the helm as the new head coach for the College of Charleston women's basketball team for the 2026-27 campaign. This appointment follows the departure of former head coach Robin Harmony, who left to lead the program at Pittsburgh.

Why it matters

The program undergoes a significant transition after an impactful 2025-26 season that saw the team achieve 27 wins and secure an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

The 2025-26 squad earned 27 wins and reached the NCAA Tournament, while Tyja Beans returns with an average of 10 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. The team enters the new cycle after being picked to finish eighth in the Coastal Athletic Association preseason poll.

The players

Amanda Butler

She is the newly appointed head coach tasked with leading the College of Charleston women's basketball program.

Robin Harmony

She is the former head coach of the College of Charleston who moved on to lead the women's basketball team at Pittsburgh.

Tyja Beans

She is a key returning player who averaged 10 points and 4.1 rebounds per game during the previous season.

Abby Jegede

She is a transfer player who joined the Cougars after previously playing at Tulsa and Northeastern.

The details

Following the departure of the previous coaching staff, the team overhauled its roster with seven new additions, including four freshmen. Among the new arrivals is Abby Jegede, who transferred from Tulsa to bring fresh depth to the court.

The College of Charleston joined the Division I ranks in the early 1990s.
Abby Jegede played for Tulsa during the 2025-26 season.
Amanda Butler serves as head coach for the 2026-27 campaign.
The College of Charleston plays Charleston Southern on Nov. 7, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The Cougars are adjusting expectations relative to the Coastal Athletic Association preseason poll which serves as the industry standard for conference competitiveness. Finishing eighth in this poll highlights the challenge ahead as the team seeks to build on the momentum of their 2026 tournament run.

Fans can monitor the team's progress starting with the Nov. 7, 2026, matchup against Charleston Southern. The integration of seven new players, including transfer Abby Jegede, will determine if the team can overcome their eighth-place preseason projection.

The takeaway

The College of Charleston begins a new era with an emphasis on blending new talent with returning contributors like Tyja Beans. Consistency in coaching and player development will be vital for the team to maintain its status as a competitive presence in the conference.