Alumna Tori Provencio Spikes Success in Coaching Career

A decade before becoming Butler Community College’s (BCC) newest assistant volleyball coach in January of 2025, Tori Provencio was a libero for Newman University’s 2013 and 2014 volleyball teams. What she learned as a Jet stuck with her throughout her career.

The psychology major wanted to gain a better understanding of the people around her “through the lens of psychology,” Provencio said. This turned out to be one of the very reasons BCC’s Head Volleyball Coach Lisa Lechtenberg thought Provencio would be an ideal fit for the job.

“She brings in so many positives,” Lechtenberg said. “Her wealth of knowledge of the game, ability to build relationships and her kind, positive approach to all aspects of life.”

Provencio (front row, third from the right) and teammates from the women's volleyball team at Newman University. — Provencio (front row, third from the right) and teammates from the women’s volleyball team at Newman University.

Provencio is no stranger to being a student-athlete and having to juggle multiple responsibilities.

“I believe there needs to be a strong sense of mental health support and resources available to athletes at any institution,” Provencio said. “Being a student-athlete at Newman University was extremely positive. Not only was I a student-athlete, but most importantly, a mother.”

Provencio said her daughter, Summer, was the driving factor to finish her college volleyball career, something she had to take a break from after having her daughter in 2012.

“I wanted to show her she can do anything in life,” Provencio said.

She later received her Master of Science in Education degree from Wichita State University and coached volleyball for Pratt Community College, where she received her associate’s degree and worked for her previous coach, Patrick Hall.

After coaching at her alma mater, Provencio found her way to Hutchinson Community College. She was on staff at Hutchinson for nine years, five of which were for 20+ win seasons, before becoming the assistant volleyball coach at BCC.

While volleyball originally led her to Newman, Provencio attributes part of her post-Jet success to the education and life skills she learned while at the university.

Notably, Provencio enjoyed her art courses and Sonja Bontrager’s mentorship during her two years as a Jet.

Bontrager, assistant professor of Spanish and co-director of Hispanic initiatives

“Sonja Bontrager is my favorite professor of all time! I aspire to be like her,” Provencio said. “Her ‘Border Crossings’ class made a huge impact on me and how I view the world now.”

Whether it’s the student-athletes she mentors on and off the court, her daughter, or the compassion she continuously demonstrates, Provencio’s journey from Newman to Butler Community College is a testament to the lasting impact of education, resilience and mentorship. Her story proves that with determination, a positive mindset and a deep understanding of the world around her, anything is possible.