Bailey Bell was named the Union University cross country head coach in May 2020. He is entering his sixth season as head coach of the cross country teams.
Video message to recruits from Coach Bell
2024: Bailey led the men's team to four top ten finishes, a seventh-place finish in the GSC Championship, and a 10th-place finish in the NCAA D2 South Region Championship. He led the women's team to three top-five finishes, a fifth-place finish in the GSC Championship, and an 11th-place finish in the NCAA D2 South Region Championship.
2023: Bailey led the men's team to two top-five finishes, a seventh-place finish in the GSC Championship, and an 11th-place finish in the NCAA D2 South Region Championship. He led the women's team to two top-five finishes, a fourth-place finish in the GSC Championship, and a 10th-place finish in the NCAA D2 South Region Championship.
2022: Bailey led the men's team to three top ten finishes, an eighth-place finish in the GSC Championship, and a 17th-place finish in the NCAA D2 South Region Championship. He led the women's team to three top ten finishes, a sixth-place finish in the GSC Championship, and a 13th-place finish in the NCAA D2 South Region Championship.
2021: Bailey led the men's team to three top ten finishes, a ninth-place finish in the GSC Championship, and a 14th-place finish in the NCAA D2 South Region Championship. He led the women's team to three top-five finishes, a fourth-place finish in the GSC Championship, and an 11th-place finish in the NCAA D2 South Region Championship.
2020 (COVID shortened season): Bailey led the men's team to three top ten finishes and a ninth-place finish in the GSC Championship. He led the women's team to two top-five finishes and a fifth-place finish in the GSC Championship.
Bell replaced long-time head coach Dr. Gary Johnson. Johnson announced his retirement in April after 21 years as head coach to focus his efforts full-time as the Chair of the Union Physical Education, Wellness, and Sport Department.
Bell, a 2016 graduate of Union University, was a four-year runner for the men's cross country team. During his four-year running career at Union, Bell was named to the Gulf South Conference Academic Honor Roll all four years. He earned the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award three times and was a USTFCCCA All-Academic runner. He participated in all four GSC Championships for Union, posting his best finish of 26th as a junior.
Bell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Union in 2016. Two years later, he earned his master's degree in business administration from Union. He began working for Union in the admissions office right after graduation in 2016. He was promoted to Senior Enrollment Counselor in 2018.
A native of Jackson, Tenn., Bell graduated from Trinity Christian Academy in 2012.
Bell is active in his church and community. He is a member of Fellowship Bible Church and is a Young Life Leader at USJ. He enjoys most any outdoor activity, including kayaking, golfing, running, biking, and CrossFit. He is a 2-time Boston Marathon participant, Ironman Triathlon finisher, Tennessee Bicycle Racing Association State Champion, and Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim finisher.
Bell shifted his career to real estate after recruiting students in the Union University admissions office for six years. Bell is a local real estate agent at Town and Country Realtors here in Jackson, Tennessee. He is married to his wife Anna, and they have two daughters, Lucy and Collins.
