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Brett Ballard, the head coach of Washburn University’s men’s basketball program, remains hospitalized with serious injuries sustained in a highway accident Tuesday evening near Topeka, Kansas. The 46-year-old was driving a 2024 Ford F-150 westbound on Interstate 470 just after 8:15 p.m. when the vehicle departed the roadway on the left side.
Kansas Highway Patrol investigators determined that Ballard’s pickup struck a delineator post before careening down a steep embankment and colliding with a concrete bridge pillar. The impact caused extensive damage to the vehicle, which was carrying only the driver at the time of the incident. Emergency responders transported Ballard to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek issued a statement expressing concern for Ballard and his family. “Our hearts are with Coach Ballard, his family, the men’s basketball program and all who are affected during this difficult time,” Mazachek said, asking the community to support the coach through his recovery.
Ballard, a native of Hutchinson, played guard for the University of Kansas from 2000 to 2002 under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams. He later served as an assistant coach under Bill Self for seven seasons before accepting the head coaching position at Washburn nine years ago.
Over his tenure at Washburn, Ballard has compiled a 198-81 record while leading the Ichabods to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and establishing them as a consistent contender in the MIAA. Prior to Washburn, he also served as head coach at Baker University, where he secured a Heart of America Athletic Conference regular-season championship and guided the program to an NAIA national tournament appearance.
Authorities confirmed that Ballard was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. The investigation into the exact cause of the accident remains ongoing, with no additional details released to date.
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