Kansas Will Name Volleyball Court for Ray Bechard
The University of Kansas will honor its former volleyball coach with a court naming ceremony on September 25, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Volleyball
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Kansas Athletics plans to name the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena court after legendary coach Ray Bechard. The official dedication ceremony will take place in Lawrence on September 25, 2026, ahead of the Big 12 volleyball opener against Houston.
Why it matters
The honor recognizes Bechard for his immense contributions to the University of Kansas athletics department and his long-standing impact on the school's volleyball program. His legacy is defined by over two decades of coaching service and numerous accolades.
Bechard concluded his 27-year tenure at Kansas with 496 wins against 313 losses, resulting in a .613 winning percentage. During his leadership, the program secured 13 NCAA Tournament appearances and 238 Big 12 career victories.
The players
Ray Bechard
He is the former longtime head coach of the University of Kansas volleyball program who retired in 2024.
Kansas Athletics
This is the department responsible for managing intercollegiate sports programs at the University of Kansas.
The details
The decision to rename the court follows Bechard's retirement in 2024 after 27 years leading the Jayhawks. The commemoration serves as a capstone to his career, which included five Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year awards and a 2026 induction into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.
Timeline
Bechard was hired as the head coach at Kansas in 1998.
Ray Bechard officially retired from his coaching duties on Dec. 27, 2024.
Bechard was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame on Aug. 16, 2026.
The naming ceremony will occur on Sept. 25, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The court naming ceremony follows the precedent set by Bechard's induction into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame earlier this year. This honor acknowledges his foundational role in elevating the volleyball program to national relevance within the Big 12 competitive landscape.
Fans attending the Big 12 opener against Houston will witness the formal dedication of the court before tip-off. This ceremony serves as the final celebratory milestone for the program's most decorated coach.
The takeaway
Ray Bechard leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency and long-term program growth at the University of Kansas. Fans looking to learn from his career can study his 27-year tenure of sustained success within the competitive Big 12 conference.
Further reading
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