Brian Butch recognized two things that helped shape his path after he completed his basketball career at the University of Wisconsin. He knew he wanted to give back to kids in different communities. And he knew, based on his time as a decorated four-year player, that he possessed the platform to effect change.

It began 16 years ago with youth basketball camps he ran out of his hometown in Appleton, Wis. Those experiences and the relationships he developed created a desire to expand the ways in which he helped others. All of it has led to Butch’s new role with Badger Connect, where he will serve as director of community programs.

In this role, Butch will lead efforts to help Badgers athletes connect with kids from across the state. The goal, Butch said, is to touch 40 different communities in the first year and create opportunities for access with athletes through in-person visits, virtual meetings and personalized videos from players, as well as provide kids with chances to visit campus and “see what it means to be a Badger.”

“I think that’s so cool to be able to offer that to younger kids,” Butch said. “Not every kid could make their way down to Madison. I grew up in Appleton. It’s two hours away. Did I always have a chance to go to a Badger basketball game? Did I have a chance to meet Badger athletes? No, I didn’t.

“And this program, the vision is to be able to connect Wisconsin athletes with student-athletes throughout the whole state of Wisconsin.”

Butch will continue in his roles as an analyst for the Big Ten Network and as the Badgers men’s basketball radio color commentator. In the latest Badger Connect Podcast with Mike Heller, Butch discusses his passion for giving back, expands on his responsibilities with Badger Connect, shares memories as a former player and more. Check out the full video here:

(Top photo courtesy of Wisconsin Athletics)