ODESSA, Texas (November 9, 2026) – Thanks to the generosity and support of Edgardo Madrid & Associates, The University of Texas Permian Basin Athletics Department has announced Nicholas Butler (Football) and Nickilah Whatley (Volleyball) as the October Student-Athletes of the Month.

For the second month in a row, a UTPB defensive back had etched his name into the record books. This time it was Butler, who in just one month's time, recorded five interceptions to break the UTPB school record for interceptions in a season. He also helped UTPB break its single-game and single-season interception records as a team. Butler recorded at least one interception in four of UTPB's five games in October, accounting for half of the team's 10 interceptions during the month. He also returned one of his interceptions for a touchdown and was third on the team in total tackles (22) during the month. He helped the Falcons to a 3-2 record in October, including a 38-27 nationally-ranked road win over No. 21 Northeastern State University (Oct. 3) to start the month. In the win against the RiverHawks, Butler totaled two interceptions and returned his second interception 26 yards for a touchdown to make it two-score game (24-14) late in the third quarter. It was the second interception in as many plays thrown by the NSU quarterback, who in all was picked off five times as UTPB set a new single-game record. The following week, Butler's third interception in two games sealed a 24-17 win at West Texas A&M University (Oct. 10), and then Butler's next interception came at No. 13 Central Washington University (Oct. 24) and represented UTPB's new team record 17th interception of the season. Butler's final interception of the month kept the Rams from tying the game early in the fourth quarter, helped UTPB defeat Angelo State University (Oct. 31; W, 20-10) at home for the first time in program history, and officially broke the previous UTPB individual record of four interceptions in one season. In the Lone Star Conference, Butler was tied for first in passes defended (12; 1.33 avg.), was second in interceptions (5), was third in interception return yards (70), and was tied for fourth in pass breakups (7) at the end of October.

UTPB Head Football Coach Chris Softley said, "One of the greatest rewards of coaching is watching young men grow, embrace coaching, and become the best versions of themselves. Nichols Butler embodies that journey. Nick had made tremendous strides this year, both on and off the field. His willingness to be coached, his commitment to our culture, and his desire to grow have been exceptional. This Student-Athlete of the month honor is just one small reflection of the tremendous young man he is becoming. Nick is an outstanding student-athlete, and more importantly, an exceptional person. He is developing the character and leadership qualities that will allow him to make a meaningful impact in whatever career path he chooses. We believe Nick will be a sacrificial leader of men whose influence and impact will extend far beyond the football field. His life will be a blessing to many."

Whatley totaled 77 kills, 18 service aces, 23 digs, 32 total blocks and 115.5 points while hitting .280 percent during the month of October. She led the Falcons in aces and blocks, was second in kills and points, started in all 10 matches and played in all 37 sets. Whatley turned it on during the last two weeks of the month, helping UTPB earn its first three conference wins of the season in the process. In the final five matches of the month, she hit over .290 percent all five times, totaled double-digit kills four times, had at least three blocks four times, and had at least two service aces three times. She totaled six kills on six attacks (1.000 percent) in the opening set and finished with 11 kills while hitting over .400 percent as UTPB picked up its first conference win of the season with a 3-1 home win over Sul Ross State University (Tues., Oct. 20). Later that week she followed up her performance with 10 kills and four blocks to help UTPB earn its first-ever win, 3-2, over West Texas A&M University (Sat., Oct. 23). She then finished off the week with seven blocks to lead the Falcons' defensive effort in a 3-1 win at Eastern New Mexico University (Sat., Oct. 24). Earlier in the month, Whatley provided 11 kills, seven blocks and six aces in a five-set match at The University of Texas at Dallas (Oct. 3), tying for the fourth-most aces in a match in the LSC this season.