Washburn Basketball Coach Brett Ballard Injured in Car Accident

Brett Ballard, the head coach of the men's basketball team at Washburn University, was seriously injured in a car accident on Tuesday night in Topeka, Kansas. The incident occurred when Ballard's vehicle struck a bridge pillar after leaving the roadway on I-470, as reported by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The 46-year-old coach, who has been with Washburn for nine seasons, was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. His current condition has not been disclosed. Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek expressed sadness over the incident and requested the community to keep Ballard and his family in their thoughts.

Ballard previously played for the University of Kansas and has a successful coaching record, including leading Washburn to the Division II Final Four in the 2024-25 season. His colleagues have expressed their support and concern for him and his family during this challenging time.