News Release July 10, 2025 (3)

Emporia Public Schools Announces New Head Basketball Coaches at Emporia High School

Emporia, KS — Emporia Public Schools is proud to announce the hiring of Mr. Bill Nienstedt as the new head girls basketball coach and Mr. Evan Burns as the new head boys basketball coach at Emporia High School for the 2025–26 school year. Coach Nienstedt was approved at the June 11 Board of Education meeting, and Coach Burns was approved during the July 9 meeting.

Coach Bill Nienstedt returns to EHS with more than 30 years of experience in Kansas public schools, including 18 years at Emporia High School. During his previous tenure from 2001 to 2013, he led the Spartans girls basketball program with dedication and success. Most recently, he served as the head girls basketball coach at Madison High School from 2022 to 2024.

“I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to return to EHS as the Head Girls Basketball Coach,” said Nienstedt. “My previous tenure there was a wonderful experience. It’s no surprise to me that I have a great group of young players who are eager learners intent on improving their skills and athleticism.”

Throughout his career, Coach Nienstedt has guided teams to multiple championships and has been widely recognized for his commitment to student-athletes’ personal and athletic development. He credits the lasting relationships he’s built with students as the most meaningful part of his work.

Emporia High School’s new head boys basketball coach, Evan Burns, brings over a decade of coaching experience at the college, high school, middle school, and AAU levels. A Pittsburg State University graduate, Burns contributed to the program’s first-ever conference tournament title as a student assistant and graduate assistant. His success continued at Piper High School, where he helped the team secure its first state championship, and most recently, he led Heritage Christian Academy to statewide prominence over the past six seasons.

“I am blessed to call Emporia home,” said Burns. “I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to lead the Emporia boys basketball program, which has a deep, rich tradition and history. I am looking forward to meeting the team and starting to build.”

Coach Burns is known for his high energy, passion for the game, and ability to cultivate a culture of growth, accountability, and excellence. He emphasizes fundamentals, confidence-building, and character development as core parts of his coaching philosophy.

“We are excited to announce the hiring of Bill Nienstedt as our new head girls basketball coach and Evan Burns as our new head boys basketball coach at Emporia High School,” said Mr. Beau Welch, EHS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director. “We proudly welcome Coach Nienstedt back to EHS, where he previously led our girls program from 2001 to 2013 with distinction and passion. We are equally thrilled to welcome Coach Burns to the Spartan family. Coach Burns is a high-energy, dedicated, and knowledgeable basketball coach who will bring tremendous enthusiasm and excitement to our boys program. Both coaches are committed to developing student-athletes on and off the court, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our school and community.”

Emporia Public Schools is excited for the future of Spartan basketball under the leadership of Coaches Nienstedt and Burns and looks forward to a strong and successful 2025–26 season.