yahoo
An extraordinary wave of encouragement has swept through the Washburn University community following the serious injury of head basketball coach Brett Ballard in a late-summer vehicle accident. The university and its athletics department took to social media on August 6 to express gratitude for the outpouring of affection and solidarity directed toward the coach, highlighting the deep bonds within the Topeka area.
Ballard, 46, was reported in fair condition at Topeka's Stormont Vail Health on August 6, according to Taylor Bugg, a marketing and communications specialist at the hospital. The crash occurred on the evening of August 4 when his 2024 Ford F-150 pickup truck veered off the westbound lanes of the Kansas Turnpike, striking a delineator post, an embankment, and a bridge pillar, as detailed in a Kansas Highway Patrol accident report. Ballard was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.
Community Rallying Efforts
In response to numerous inquiries about how to offer support, Washburn University and Washburn Athletics announced that cards and notes can be delivered to the welcome desk at Morgan Hall's north entrance. The university pledged to ensure every message reaches Ballard and his family, urging continued kindness and compassion.
Brian Hanni, known as the 'Voice of the Jayhawks' at the University of Kansas, where Ballard played college basketball, shared a list compiled by colleagues of Ballard's wife, Kelly, detailing ways the public can assist the couple and their three children. Hanni described Ballard as 'one of the best people you'll ever meet' and encouraged fans to rally around him and his family.
Gift cards for food and everyday needs can be dropped off at Thiessen Design + Construction in Topeka, with all contributions going directly to the family. The company also noted that a meal train will be organized once the family is reunited at home, emphasizing that the community's support reflects the Ballards' years of dedication to the area.
Ballard was gearing up for his ninth season as head coach, holding a career record of 167-79. His team had a standout 2024-2025 season with a 30-4 record, advancing to the NCAA Division II National Semifinals. Gene Cassell, Washburn's assistant athletic director for athlete communications, mentioned that a few coaches have visited Ballard at the hospital. Team workouts have not yet resumed, with players training independently until the school term begins later this month, though strength and conditioning staff are assisting with their regimens.
Originally reported by yahoo.