Drew Bailey: More than a Coach for Lady Rams Softball
In his second year at Bluefield College, head women’s softball coach Drew Bailey looks to help his team improve from last year’s up and down season.
Before becoming a coach at Bluefield College, Bailey was a player whose talents earned him a spot in professional baseball. A native of Christiansburg, VA, he played NCAA Division II collegiate baseball at Concord University, where he was a two-time all-conference relief pitcher.
Following his junior season at Concord, Bailey was selected in the 35th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics. He served as a Minor League pitcher for the A’s before deciding to become a baseball coach.
Bailey began his coaching career as a head baseball coach at Averett University. After Averett, he became an assistant head coach for baseball at Bluefield College before taking over the Lady Rams softball program.
His experience as a player he said helped prepare him to become a coach, even though he admits it has been an adjustment to move from playing to coaching. Now approaching his ninth year overall as a coach and his second season as head of the Lady Rams softball team, he said he has also learned that success is dependent on having fun.
“One major difference I saw with (men’s) baseball and (women’s) softball is that girls need to have fun to win,” Bailey said, “where baseball players need to win to have fun.”
Considering his competitive personality, this has been a challenging change for Bailey, but the baseball player inside of him, he said, still allows him to bring a fire and passion to the field, but now as a coach.
“My goals as a coach are to first help my players grow as individuals,” Bailey said, “and hopefully see them grow and have success in their lives.”
The ladies on the team know this as they, too, believe that Coach Bailey looks out for their best interest.
“He teaches us the game, but also lessons to help us in life after we graduate,” said Lady Rams softball player Jess Street. “He is a well-rounded coach that wants his team to excel in the weight room, off and on the field, and in the classroom.”
The players say Bailey is making a positive impact on their lives. They add that he is keeping the team under control and focused so they can be as successful as possible.
Bailey lives in Bluefield, WV, and is the father of two children, Paxton and Reagan.