Washburn University men’s basketball head coach Brett Ballard, who once played for the Kansas Jayhawks, sustained significant injuries in a highway accident on Tuesday night. Ballard, 46, was driving his 2024 Ford F-150 during the incident.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on Interstate 470 in Topeka just after 8:15 p.m. Ballard’s vehicle veered off the left side of the road.
The truck hit a delineator post, went into a steep embankment, and collided with a concrete bridge pillar. This crash resulted in serious damage to the vehicle. Ballard was the sole occupant and was wearing his seatbelt when the accident happened. Emergency responders took him to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment.
Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek requested the community keep Ballard and his family in their thoughts. “We are deeply saddened to share that Coach Brett Ballard was seriously injured in a car accident last evening,” Mazachek stated. “Our hearts are with Coach Ballard, his family, the men’s basketball program, and all who are affected during this difficult time.”
Ballard, known for his Kansas basketball ties, played guard for the Jayhawks under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams from 2000 to 2002. He later worked as an assistant to coach Bill Self for seven seasons.
For nine years, Ballard has been at the helm of the Washburn Ichabods, shaping them into a consistent Division II force. He holds a 198-81 record, leading Washburn to several NCAA Tournament appearances and establishing the team as a strong presence in the MIAA.
Before Washburn, Ballard coached at Baker University, guiding the Wildcats to a regular-season championship in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and an NAIA national tournament spot. Ballard’s achievements have earned him respect across Kansas’s basketball circles.
As news of the crash spread, people from Kansas and beyond offered messages of support, hoping for good news about his recovery. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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