Union University has named Bailey Bell as the next cross country head coach.
According to a press release from Steven Aldridge – Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Communication – Bell also currently works at Union as a senior enrollment counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Bell, a 2016 graduate of Union University, was a four-year runner for the men’s cross country team.
Bell replaces long time head coach Dr. Gary Johnson. Johnson announced his retirement in April after 21 years as head coach and will now focus his efforts full-time as the Chair of the Union Physical Education, Wellness, and Sport Department.
Bell said, “I am excited to lead the Union University Cross Country program that I had the opportunity to run for during college. This program played a vital role during my college years in shaping who I am today. I hope to continue the success the program has had under Coach Johnson’s leadership and continue to develop student-athletes who represent Union well athletically, academically, and spiritually. I would like to thank Dan Griffin, Tommy Sadler, and President Oliver for giving me this opportunity to lead and develop this program.”
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.
A Jackson native and 2012 graduate of Trinity Christian Academy, Bell earned his bachelor’s 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.
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.
In addition to Bailey Bell taking over the head coaching role for cross country, his wife Anna will serve as the assistant cross country coach on a part-time basis.
Anna graduated from Union in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She also enjoys the outdoors, running, and working out.
She has spent the last three years working for Young Life full-time in Jackson. Anna said, “I am really excited about this new opportunity as I transition into a new relational role with the women’s cross country team.
I look forward to spending time with and mentoring these student-athletes through their transformative college years. Bailey and I are excited to work together as we develop the Union Cross Country team to represent Christ and Union well.”
Union Director of Athletics Tommy Sadler said, “We are very excited to have Bailey as our new head coach for the men’s and women’s cross country teams. As a former bulldog cross country runner, he is aware of the great tradition of excellence we have had in our programs. I look forward to seeing him build upon this tradition as well as how he and Anna will impact the lives of our cross country student-athletes.”
Bailey and Anna Bell are expecting their first child in September.
(PHOTO: Bailey Bell – courtesy Steven Aldridge Assistant Director of Athletics
for Sports Communication, Union University)
