Coach Bailey joins an elite group of individuals recognized by the King & His Court Historical Preservation Foundation and the Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic Foundation. This award is presented annually to Division III coaches, players, and volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment to the sport of softball. Recipients embody the values of dedication and commitment – the two fundamental pillars that led to King & His Court’s legacy status as the “King of Softball” and brought them worldwide recognition. These same pillars serve as the criteria for selecting award recipients, honoring those who have left a lasting positive impact on the sport.

Junior Bailey is entering his fourth season as head softball coach at Chowan, having led the Hawks to their first Conference Carolinas Championships appearance and highest win total since 2019, finishing the 2025 season with a 20-28 record. Under his leadership, players like Mckenzie Misenheimer and Hailey Boone set program milestones, and several team members earned academic honors. Before joining Chowan, Bailey coached Barton (2017–22), guiding them to 123 wins and a Conference Carolinas Quarterfinals berth in 2022, their best season since 1994. Eight Bulldogs received all-conference honors, and Bailey celebrated his 400th collegiate coaching win in 2021.

Previously, Bailey spent a decade at Pitt Community College as Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach, amassing 316 victories, three NJCAA Region X titles, and three National Tournament appearances, earning Coach of the Year honors three times. His teams consistently achieved high academic standards.

Earlier, he taught and coached in Pitt County Schools, compiling an outstanding softball record. Bailey served in the U.S. Naval Reserves as a hospital corpsman and has been involved in youth ministry. He has also contributed as a coach’s chair, tournament director, clinic leader, and umpire.

A Raleigh native, Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University, has completed leadership training, and lives in Stokes, N.C. with his wife Laurie and their three sons.