Take a moment and imagine yourself at a New Haven High School boys basketball game. The teams are close in score, and the time is ticking down. Shamrock fans are sitting all around the gym anxiously watching with excitement. Picture the players on the court. Picture the players on the bench. Now steer towards the coaches. Next to the players on the bench sits a man who has had an impact on the boys basketball program at New Haven High--he is the assistant coach, and his name is Derek Bailey.
In 1989, Coach Bailey graduated from New Haven High School. While in high school, Coach Bailey was involved in basketball, baseball, Student Council, National Honor Society, and he also held a class officer position. In addition, he was a member of the 1987 State Champion baseball team.
After high school, Coach Bailey went on to earn his associate’s degree from East Central College in 1992, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Middle School Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1995. He later earned his master’s degree from National-Louis University. Coach Bailey is currently a middle school math teacher at Washington Middle School.
Today, Derek is married to his wife Dawn, and they have three children: Ereka (18), Aiden (16), and Easton (5). They reside in New Haven, Missouri.
In his free time, Coach Bailey enjoys hanging out with his family and siblings, and he also enjoys cooking.
Some of Coach Bailey’s favorite movies include It’s a Wonderful Life, Tombstone, and The Shawshank Redemption. He enjoys listening to a variety of music, especially R&B and soul.
The 2015-2016 season was not like any other for Coach Bailey. In fact, this year marks his 20th season as the New Haven boys basketball assistant coach.
In regards to what inspired him to coach, Coach Bailey states, “I wanted to stay involved with basketball. Also, Mr. Strobel came to me and asked me to help. I knew that was a great opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Mr. Steinhoff was a big influence on me as well.”
Coach Bailey reflects on his most memorable moment as a coach: “It was nice to win a state championship for the first time, especially since I didn’t get that opportunity as a player. The most memorable part of coaching, however, is looking back on past players.”
Coach Bailey continued, “One player and moment in particular that stands out is Ty Quick and how great he played in the championship game of the Hermann tournament. Now that he is no longer with us, that memory is even more special to me.”
In his twenty seasons with New Haven, Coach Bailey has had 16 winning seasons, two Conference championships, and three State Championships.
“I’m very fortunate to have the coaching career I have had. When I first started off, I was lucky enough to have the talented players that I did. Also, I’m very happy that I have the opportunity to coach long enough to coach my own children,” states Coach Bailey.
Coach Bailey ended by saying, “Besides many talented players, I have also had the honor of coaching alongside Coach Steinhoff and Mr. Strobel. I have been apart of three state championships with them. Through the years, both have not only taught me more about basketball, but also about being a father and a good role model.”
Thank you Coach Bailey for all you’ve done, and what you will continue to do!