Rachael Bailes name new volleyball head coach at Ohio Christian
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - The Ohio Christian University athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of Rachael Bailes as the new head coach of the volleyball program. Bailes will take over her first collegiate head coaching job following 26 years of playing and coaching at both the collegiate and club levels.
"I would like to thank university President Dr. Jon Kulaga, Director of Athletics David Bireline, and the staff and faculty at Ohio Christian University for giving me this opportunity to help develop young ladies into their highest God-given potential," said Bailes.
"Ohio Christian's mission to create world-impacting servant leaders and it's ability to help guide our young ladies into fulfilling their calling is what drew me to the university. When meeting staff and students on campus, I felt immediately impacted by how caring the people were and their articulated goals that will guide these students as we help prepare them for life after college. Ohio Christian Volleyball is right on the verge of success and I am thankful to start guiding these young ladies to that success."
In high school, Bailes played at Valley Forge High School where she set multiple school records including career digs (1,112), digs in a match (41), career aces (76), and aces in a match (7). Bailes would also receive both All-Conference and All-District Honorable Mentions along with the MVP Award her junior and senior years.
In college, Rachael played for both NCAA Division III Baldwin Wallace University as well as NCAA Division II University of Charleston. After sustaining a career-ending injury, Bailes pursued her life-long dream of coaching the sport. At the high school level, Bailes would help lead her squad to a record of 82-47 with two conference runner-up finishes.
"Interacting with Rachael, it is clear that she will be the right fit for our Women's Volleyball program moving forward," said Assistant Vice President of Student Development/Dean of Students Joseph Wuest. "She has a plan that I believe will not only help grow the program, but will also develop young ladies in their faith journey. We look forward to watching this plan take shape."
Prior to coming to Ohio Christian, Rachael served as First Assistant for the Women's Volleyball program at NCAA DII Walsh University in North Canton, OH. While there, she oversaw all aspects of recruiting and individual player development as well as on the floor passing and defense. She helped guide the Cavaliers from a 3-23 season her first year to her final two records of 21-11 and 19-14. During this time, Walsh made their first two conference tournament appearances, knocking out five-time reigning champion Cedarville University in the quarterfinals both years.
Outside of coaching at the collegiate level, Bailes also has been a coach at multiple volleyball clubs including Ignite and Cleveland Eastside AVC. Bailes is now set to begin coaching at Mintonette Volleyball Club following her move to the Columbus area. Mintonette Sports is a licensed member of the Ohio Valley Region of USA Volleyball, JVA and AAU.
When asked what Rachael brings to the volleyball program, Director of Athletics David Bireline had this to say: "Rachael is exactly what we were looking for in a candidate. Her experience at both the collegiate and club levels will bring in great degree of knowledge and professionalism. I am excited to see this program grow and succeed under her leadership."
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