Brett Ballard, the head coach of Washburn University’s basketball team and a former standout for the Kansas Jayhawks, is in the hospital with serious injuries following a highway crash on Tuesday night. The incident occurred when Ballard, driving a 2024 Ford F-150, veered off Interstate 470 in Topeka.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that Ballard’s truck left the westbound lane shortly after 8:15 p.m. It struck a delineator post, traveled down a steep embankment, and collided with a concrete bridge pillar, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle. Ballard, who was alone in the truck, was transported by first responders to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. He was confirmed to be wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek expressed the community’s concern, stating, “We are deeply saddened to share that Coach Brett Ballard was seriously injured in a car accident last evening. Our hearts are with Coach Ballard, his family, the men’s basketball program, and all who are affected during this difficult time.”
Brett Ballard is a well-known figure in Kansas basketball. A native of Hutchinson, Kansas, he played guard for the Jayhawks from 2000 to 2002 under the legendary coach Roy Williams. Ballard later served as an assistant coach under Bill Self for seven seasons. During the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2002, Kansas competed at the Georgia Dome, where Maryland won and advanced to the championship.
For the past nine seasons, Ballard has been the head coach for the Washburn Ichabods, achieving a 198-81 overall record and making frequent appearances in NCAA Division II tournaments. His leadership helped establish the team as a consistent performer in the MIAA conference. Prior to Washburn, Ballard coached at Baker University, where he led the Wildcats to a conference championship and an NAIA national tournament appearance.
The accident has prompted an outpouring of support and well-wishes from the basketball community across Kansas and beyond. Many await updates on his recovery. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and further details have yet to be released by authorities.