Washburn coach Brett Ballard hospitalized after Topeka highway crash

A beloved Kansas college basketball coach and former Jayhawks standout is in the hospital with serious injuries after a highway crash Tuesday night.

Washburn University head coach Brett Ballard, 46, was behind the wheel of his 2024 Ford F-150 when the crash occurred.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Ballard was traveling westbound on Interstate 470 in Topeka just after 8:15 p.m. when his pickup truck veered off the left side of the roadway.

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Brett Ballard of Kansas walks off the court as Maryland players celebrate in the background after the semifinal round of the NCAA Men’s Final Four at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on March 30, 2002. Maryland defeated Kansas 97-88 and advanced to the championship game. (Getty Images)

The truck struck a delineator post, traveled into a steep embankment, and then collided with a concrete bridge pillar. The impact left the vehicle heavily damaged. Ballard was the only person inside the truck. First responders transported the injured coach to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment. Authorities confirmed he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek asked the close-knit community to 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 said in a statement. “Our hearts are with Coach Ballard, his family, the men’s basketball program and all who are affected during this difficult time.”

Ballard has long been one of the most recognizable figures in Kansas basketball. The Hutchinson native played guard for the Kansas Jayhawks from 2000 to 2002 under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams before spending seven seasons as an assistant on Bill Self’s coaching staff.

A Kansas cheerleader waves the school flag as the team enters the court before the start of the game during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis., on March 24, 2002. Kansas beat Oregon 104-86 to advance to the Final Four in Atlanta, Ga. (Getty Images)

Head coach Roy Williams celebrates as Kansas players cut down the net after beating Oregon during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. The Jayhawks won 104-86 to advance to the Final Four in Atlanta, Ga. (Getty Images)

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For the past nine seasons, Ballard has led the Washburn Ichabods, building one of Division II’s most consistent programs.

Ballard has compiled a 198-81 overall record while guiding Washburn to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and helping establish the Ichabods as a perennial contender in the MIAA.

Before taking over at Washburn, Ballard also gained head coaching experience at Baker University, where he led the Wildcats to a Heart of America Athletic Conference regular-season championship and an NAIA national tournament appearance.

Ballard’s success at every stop has made him a respected figure throughout the state’s basketball community. As word of the crash spread, supporters across Kansas and beyond shared messages of encouragement while hoping for positive news regarding his recovery.

Authorities have not released additional details about what caused the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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