LAWRENCE (KSNT) - The winningest coach in Kansas volleyball history announced he is retiring after 27 seasons. Ray Bechard, five-time winner of the Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year, announced he would be retiring after 26 years at the helm. Bechard took the Jayhawks to 13 NCAA Tournament appearances and built a 496-313 record while at the University of Kansas, according to a press release on Dec. 27. “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to fulfill the role as Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Kansas for the last 27 years,” Bechard said. “This professional journey was made possible by a supportive administration, a coaching staff that worked tirelessly and together and by countless young women who competed with grit and demonstrated grace, while representing the university with class." Bechard helped lead the team to win its first-ever Big 12 Championship and finished his career with a four-year NCAA Tournament streak. Ascension contacting patients after data was compromised in ransomware attack “I’m proud of what we accomplished during my time at Kansas; we built a program that was nationally competitive and nationally respected,” Bechard said. The university announced it will now start its search for the next volleyball coach. For more sports news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.