Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. is entering his second academic year as the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Capital in 2023-24.
During Dr. Bailey's first year at Capital, the Comets won two OAC Championships in women's soccer and women's lacrosse. In addition to team success, Capital celebrated the achievements of two individual All-Americans, one Academic All-American, and several other All-Region, All-Conference, and Academic Award winners.
Administratively, Dr. Bailey led the department's initiatives in continuing to re-brand The Capital Center and a complete surface overhaul of the playing surface in Bernlohr Stadium. The 12-year old FieldTurf surface was replaced in the summer of 2023 with Hellas Matrix Turf -- currently housed in AT&T Stadium and Nisaan Stadium among other notable locations around the country.
BIOGRAPHY
Bailey came to Capital from California State University East Bay, an NCAA Division II program located in Hayward, California, where he most recently served as Assistant Athletics Director for Development.
He began his tenure with Cal State East Bay in 2009. He was initially brought into the department as the Athletic Business Manager, where he operated the entire athletic department operating budget and fundraising accounts.
After a successful stint as the Business Manager, Bailey was promoted to the position of Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations within the Pioneer’s athletic department. In this role, Bailey took on a greater responsibility of increasing revenue through fundraising and corporate partnerships while also enhancing the marketing and promotion efforts of all 15 of East Bay’s athletic programs.
Once more, Bailey showed a significant rate of success internally and was again promoted, this time to the Assistant Athletics Director for Development. In this role, Bailey directly managed and increased membership for the Pioneer Athletics Club, increased scholarships and endowments, improved the department’s Day of Giving, and strategically managed all departmental fundraising and revenue generation efforts.
Prior to entering collegiate athletics, Bailey served in many roles for the City of San Diego. These roles included being a Contract Administrator, an Associate Management Analyst, and a Senior Management Analyst. While living in the San Diego area, Bailey also served as an Assistant Basketball Coach with Mater Dei Catholic High School.
Bailey served in the military with the United States Air Force for nine years before kick starting his professional career. While serving, he participated in the Military Athletics program coaching and playing in various sport and recreation events.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Phoenix, a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from the United States Sport Academy, and a Doctorate Degree in Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Sports Management from Northcentral University.
Professionally, Bailey is a member of numerous professional development associations, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, the National Association of Athletic Development Directors, the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, and the United States Sports Academy Alumni Association, among others.
Darrell’s roots were originally planted in Oakland, California where he grew up. He will now be making the move to the Columbus area with his wife Leandra. Bailey has four grown children – Darrell II, Briauna, I’Mani, and Carl.
QUOTABLE
President Dave Kaufman on Darrell's hire: “After an extensive and thorough search, we are pleased to appoint Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. as Capital’s next Athletic Director,” said Kaufman. “Darrell emerged from a very competitive and quality pool of candidates after showing a great vision and passion for where Capital Athletics is headed. We are pleased to welcome his addition to Capital University and to the CapFam!”
Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. on this opportunity: “I’d like to thank President Dave Kaufman, the search committee, and Spelman Johnson for their time and trust in me to take on this position,” said Bailey. “I am looking forward to being a leader at Capital and having the opportunity to put what I have trained for into action. My background with Cal State East Bay, city government and the military have all helped develop me for this opportunity, and I can’t be any more excited.”
