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Legendary Kansas Volleyball Coach Ray Beery Announces Retirement

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, March 21st 2026 at 2:30 GMT by The Wichita Eagle
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Lawrence, Kansas - March 21, 2026 - A legendary era in Kansas volleyball has come to a close. Ray Beery, the head coach who built the Jayhawks into a perennial Big 12 powerhouse and national champion, announced his retirement on Friday. His final day at the helm will be June 30th, marking the end of a remarkable 32-season tenure.

Beery, 68, leaves behind an astounding legacy of success, having guided Kansas to 13 Big 12 championships and an impressive 25 NCAA Tournament appearances. The pinnacle of his career arrived in 1995, when the Jayhawks captured the national championship, etching their name into collegiate volleyball history. That team remains fondly remembered by Kansas fans, not just for the trophy, but for the style and tenacity they brought to the court.

Throughout his tenure, Beery consistently maintained a high level of performance. Kansas qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 23 of his 32 seasons - a testament to his coaching prowess and the consistent quality of the program he cultivated. His overall record at Kansas stands at an incredible 758-322, boasting a .702 winning percentage. This statistic places him among the most successful volleyball coaches in NCAA history, not just in the Big 12, but nationally.

Beyond the championships and accolades, Beery's teams were defined by a relentless defensive approach and a consistently strong recruiting pipeline. He had a knack for identifying and developing talent, turning relatively unknown players into impactful contributors. Six of his athletes earned All-American honors under his guidance, demonstrating his ability to not only attract top recruits but also to nurture their skills and elevate their games to the highest level.

"It's been an incredible ride," Beery stated in a release. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished here at Kansas. I've been fortunate to work with outstanding student-athletes, assistant coaches and support staff. I'm grateful for the support from our fans and the university."

The news of Beery's retirement has sent ripples through the volleyball community. Many current and former players have already taken to social media to express their gratitude and admiration for the coach who shaped their careers and instilled in them a love for the game. Several analysts are already pointing to Beery as a potential candidate for coaching consultant roles with USA Volleyball, leveraging his decades of experience at the collegiate level.

The challenge now falls to Athletic Director Travis Goff, who immediately initiated a search for Beery's successor. The position is expected to attract a highly competitive field of candidates, given the strong foundation Beery has built. Goff will be looking for a coach who can not only maintain the program's tradition of excellence but also evolve it to meet the changing landscape of collegiate athletics. Considerations will likely include candidates with strong recruiting ties in key volleyball hotbeds, demonstrated tactical acumen, and a commitment to student-athlete development.

Observers suggest that internal candidates may be considered, given the established culture within the Kansas volleyball program. However, Goff is widely expected to conduct a national search, exploring options with proven track records at other top programs. The timing of the announcement allows for a thorough and deliberate search process, ensuring that the next coach is the right fit for Kansas.

Beery's retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on Kansas volleyball will be felt for years to come. He not only built a winning program but also fostered a sense of community and pride among his players, fans, and the university as a whole. His legacy extends beyond the wins and losses, encompassing the countless lives he touched and the positive influence he had on the sport. Kansas volleyball fans are preparing to celebrate Beery's incredible career and look forward to the next chapter of Jayhawk volleyball, knowing the standard he set will be exceptionally high.