Chris Herron (2025) - Hall of Fame - Washburn University Athletics

Hall of Fame

Chris Herron

Class
Induction

2025
Sport(s)

Volleyball

Chris Herron (volleyball head coach, 2002-pr)

Enters 24th season at Washburn in 2025 with a 624-140 career record (306-85 in MIAA).
Has led Washburn to 6 MIAA titles and 18 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Coached players to 52 All-America awards, 92 All-Region honors, and 47 All-MIAA first-team selections.
4-time MIAA Coach of the Year (2002, 2005, 2007, 2011).
Guided Washburn to its first MIAA title and NCAA Tournament berth in 2002 (29-5 record).
2024: NCAA Central Region semifinalist; upset No. 5 Nebraska-Kearney in first round.
2022: Won Washburn's first-ever MIAA Tournament championship, defeating three nationally ranked teams.
2021: Program's best season—31-6 record, first-ever No. 1 national ranking, advanced to NCAA national championship match (finished No. 2 nationally).
2019: Finished 27-4, ranked No. 5 nationally; Genna Berg named MIAA Co-Player of the Year.
2018: Posted 33-5 record, advanced to NCAA national semifinals, finished No. 3 nationally.
2007: Went 38-4, won first NCAA South Central Region title, advanced to national semifinals, finished No. 3 nationally.
2005: Recorded school-record .921 winning percentage (35-3), won MIAA title, named Coach of the Year.
Prior to Washburn, coached at Benedictine College (1999–2001), compiling a 75-29 record, winning first HAAC titles and national ranking in school history.
Earlier coached high school volleyball for 14 years, posting a 387-105 record.
Graduate of College of the Ozarks (1980, B.S. in Physical Education).
Lives in Topeka with wife Kelly; children: Libby, Thatcher Cole, and Jordan.