Photo by: Yael Calderón
Highlanders Bolster Coaching Staff With Butler and Cornelius
7/8/2026 10:05:00 AM | Women's Basketball
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – UC Riverside women's basketball coach Brad Langston announced the additions of Chyanne Butler and Maggie Cornelius to finalize his staff for the 2026-27 season.
"We're excited to welcome Chyanne and Maggie to our program. They each bring unique strengths that will have an immediate impact on our student-athletes and our culture," said Langston. "Together, they complement our staff and position us to continue moving UC Riverside Women's Basketball forward."
In 2022, Butler began her coaching career at Pacifica Christian High School, leading the program to a CIF Championship in her first season. She later helmed JSerra Catholic High School, where she helped engineer one of Southern California's most remarkable turnarounds. After a winless season, Butler guided the Lions to a CIF Championship the following year, earning 2024 Coach of the Year honors.
Butler then joined the Prairie View A&M women's basketball staff, where she gained Division I experience in recruiting, player development, scouting, leadership development, and creative media. Her ability to connect with student-athletes while helping build a program both on and off the floor quickly established her as one of the profession's rising young coaches.
"Chyanne has built outstanding relationships throughout Southern California and has strong ties to the Inland Empire," remarked Langston. "Her passion for recruiting, player development, and empowering young women makes her a tremendous fit for what we're building at UC Riverside."
Cornelius spent three seasons (2021-24) as Boise State's Head Team Manager, gaining experience in the day-to-day operations of a championship-level Division I program. From there she became a graduate assistant coach on Gordy Presnell's staff where she played an integral role in all aspects of the program, including opponent scouting, recruiting operations, player development, video coordination, and daily basketball operations.
In 2025-26, Cornelius helped Boise State to a 25-9 record while serving as the program's primary personnel scout. Presnell entrusted her with preparing opponent personnel reports and gave her an active role in film preparation and game-day coaching.
"Maggie is one of the brightest young basketball minds I've been around," added Langston. "She's incredibly organized, has a great feel for the game, and her experience in scouting, basketball operations, and player development will elevate our program every day.
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"We're excited to welcome Chyanne and Maggie to our program. They each bring unique strengths that will have an immediate impact on our student-athletes and our culture," said Langston. "Together, they complement our staff and position us to continue moving UC Riverside Women's Basketball forward."
In 2022, Butler began her coaching career at Pacifica Christian High School, leading the program to a CIF Championship in her first season. She later helmed JSerra Catholic High School, where she helped engineer one of Southern California's most remarkable turnarounds. After a winless season, Butler guided the Lions to a CIF Championship the following year, earning 2024 Coach of the Year honors.
Butler then joined the Prairie View A&M women's basketball staff, where she gained Division I experience in recruiting, player development, scouting, leadership development, and creative media. Her ability to connect with student-athletes while helping build a program both on and off the floor quickly established her as one of the profession's rising young coaches.
"Chyanne has built outstanding relationships throughout Southern California and has strong ties to the Inland Empire," remarked Langston. "Her passion for recruiting, player development, and empowering young women makes her a tremendous fit for what we're building at UC Riverside."
Cornelius spent three seasons (2021-24) as Boise State's Head Team Manager, gaining experience in the day-to-day operations of a championship-level Division I program. From there she became a graduate assistant coach on Gordy Presnell's staff where she played an integral role in all aspects of the program, including opponent scouting, recruiting operations, player development, video coordination, and daily basketball operations.
In 2025-26, Cornelius helped Boise State to a 25-9 record while serving as the program's primary personnel scout. Presnell entrusted her with preparing opponent personnel reports and gave her an active role in film preparation and game-day coaching.
"Maggie is one of the brightest young basketball minds I've been around," added Langston. "She's incredibly organized, has a great feel for the game, and her experience in scouting, basketball operations, and player development will elevate our program every day.
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