Leal hired as Butler Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach

EL DORADO, Kan. – Ivan Leal has been hired as an assistant coach on the Butler Community College men's basketball staff, head coach Eric Nitsche announced Tuesday.

Leal comes to Butler with eight years of coaching experience, most recently serving as an assistant coach for Sunrise Christian Academy's post graduate team for the last five years.

"I am beyond excited to be joining Coach Nitsche and the BUCO community," Leal said. "The opportunity to be a part of a program with rich tradition and history is one I don't take lightly! I want to thank my Sunrise Christian family for the support over the last five years. I grew so much in my coaching, leadership, and character by being part of that community. I especially want to thank Luke Barnwell, Kyle Lindsted, and all the other coaches I have worked alongside for investing in me and blessing me with the opportunity of a lifetime."

Serving as an assistant coach at Sunrise Christian in Wichita, Leal helped guide them to four National Tournament appearances ('20, '22, '23, '24) as well as a National Championship runner up finish in 2023. Sunrise finished with a 33-4 record in 2022-23, the highest win total in program history. Throughout Leal's tenure, Sunrise amassed a record of 65-35 and Leal played a part in developing 35 student-athletes that went on to sign with NCAA Division 1 programs. Leal's duties included coordinating game day operations, team travel, serving as an academic advisor, film breakdown and scouting, player development workouts, scheduling and recruiting.

"I'm excited to bring Ivan into the fold," said Nitsche. "He will help the Grizzlies in all areas. We have known each other for eight years and he is someone I can fully trust. Ivan is hungry for the opportunity to be a lead assistant in this league. He will work hard, do right by our student-athletes and be a great ambassador of Butler."

Prior to his time in Wichita, Leal spent three seasons (2016-19) in the KJCCC as an assistant coach at Garden City Community College. Leal handled video coordination, strength and conditioning, player development, helped build practice plans, coordinated team travel, aided in recruiting and monitored academics for the program. Throughout his stint in Garden City, Leal saw 10 Broncbusters ink with NCAA Division 1 programs and 10 earn All-KJCCC recognition. The 2017-18 squad advanced to the Region VI semifinals with Leal on staff. Leal helped mentor the 2018 KJCCC Defensive Player of the Year Jeff Otchere during the same season that the Broncbusters set a program record for three pointers made (262).

He received his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Kansas State University in 2016.

Leal and his wife, Kari, reside in Wichita.