Here’s what KU’s Bill Self had to say about the retirement of volleyball coach Bechard
In his 22 seasons as the University of Kansas’ men’s basketball coach, Bill Self has been a frequent visitor to the Jayhawks’ Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.
Self has been a visible supporter of the highly-successful program of his friend/colleague, Ray Bechard, who announced his retirement Friday after 27 seasons, including this year’s 25-5 campaign.
“I hope everybody congratulates him. He’s had an unbelievable career here, 27 years. He’s been able to accomplish with our volleyball program what will certainly be the standard forever at this school,” Self told The Star on Friday at KU basketball’s holiday clinic at Allen Fieldhouse.
The 66-year-old Bechard went 496-313 at KU, with 13 NCAA Tourney appearances, including one Final Four and three Sweet 16s.
“He has had great teams,” Self said. “These young ladies have not only played at a high level but have been great ambassadors of our school. We are all happy for him and proud for him. Now he can spend some time with his grandkids and enjoy life even more.”
Ray Bechard’s son, Brennan, a Jayhawks men’s basketball player from 2006-07 through the 2008-09 season, currently serves as KU basketball’s director of scouting.
Brennan Bechard has been a part of KU’s hoops support staff for 13 seasons. He was a player on the 2008 NCAA title team and earned a second NCAA title team as part of Self’s support staff in 2022.
“Certainly he will be missed (but) I’m sure they’ll do a good job on hiring someone who will build on what he’s already done,” Self said of Ray Bechard.
It is believed Iowa State women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly is the longest-tenured coach (of any sport) in the Big 12. He’s in his 30th season in Ames, Iowa.
KU track coach, Stanley Redwine is in year 25 at KU. Self and Baylor basketball coach Scott Drew are in year 22 at their respective schools.
Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy just completed his 20th season in Stillwater. Tad Boyle is in year 15 as Colorado’s men’s basketball coach.
One KU volleyball player hits portal
KU middle blocker Zoey Burgess, the 2024 Big 12 preseason freshman of the year, has transferred to Arizona State, the Sun Devils volleyball program announced on social media site X.
Her decision to transfer was announced on Dec. 17.
Burgess, a 6-foot-4 graduate of Lone Peak High in Alpine Utah, in the past played with the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program. She was the 2024 Gatorade Utah Volleyball Player of the Year.
In her senior year at Lone Peak, Burgess totaled 279 kills on a .419 hitting percentage, as well as 65 blocks.
She appeared in 39 sets for Kansas, tallying 65 kills (1.67 per set) and 30 blocks (.77 per set). She hit .328 during her freshman season at KU.
