Phyllis Bailey's life was devoted to the advancement of women's athletics. Her profound impact can be felt on college campuses nationwide as young women excel as student-athletes. Today, Miami University proudly continues her legacy of supporting the total student-athlete experience in the classroom and on the basketball court.
Born in 1926 in the small town of Fairport Harbor, Ohio, Bailey learned about Miami University from her time spent on her grandmother's farm near Oxford, Ohio. Prior to her career as a coach and administrator in the world of college athletics, Bailey graduated from Miami in 1948 with a degree in Physical Education.
Phyllis Bailey
After completing her master's degree and working as a college professor, she began her tenure at The Ohio State University in 1956, leading the charge in the implementation of Title IX and the expansion of the school's female athletic programs. A testament to her career as head women's basketball coach and the university's first female Associate Director of Athletics, Bailey was honored as the first woman inducted into the Ohio State University Sports Hall of Fame.
"She really was a pioneer for Title IX," said Miami University Associate Vice President of Advancement Jill Gaby, who knew Bailey as a friend for over a decade. "[Her passion for women's athletics] defined who she was and to what she was purely dedicated."
This passion and dedication paved the way for female student-athletes and their representation in intercollegiate athletics. Participating in college sports opens doors well beyond the court or field, and it can set individuals up for success later in life. Bailey's hard work led to increased opportunities and access for young women - not only to participate in varsity athletics, but also to earn a college degree.
Later in life, Bailey was quite active with the Miami Women's Basketball program, often attending games and remaining close with coaches and players. She contributed annually to a Women's Athletic Scholarship in her name, specifically building into current and future Women's Basketball student-athletes. In addition to this scholarship, she included her alma mater in her estate, creating the Phyllis Bailey Women's Athletics Fund, honoring her vision and gift to Miami women's athletics.
Bailey's generosity through this endowed fund is now part of the Miami University Graduating Champions Academic Achievement Program, which provides awards to student-athletes who meet the university's academic qualifications. This devotion will empower the program's student-athletes and honor Bailey by enhancing the Miami experience, helping them graduate as champions.
"This generation [of student-athletes] has a true appreciation for the past and those that spearheaded what women's athletics look like today," said Head Miami Women's Basketball Coach Glenn Box, regarding Bailey's contribution to Miami Athletics. "Our program is extremely grateful for her legacy and her gift as a retention tool for young women. Thank you forever, Phyllis."
Humble as always, seeking out praise was not in Bailey's nature, but generations of student-athletes can look to her work ethic and enthusiasm as the blueprint for women's collegiate sports.
Miami University celebrates the life of Phyllis Bailey and honors her legacy through its commitment to women's athletics.
