Karel Bailey was a true pioneer of girls high school sports in the Muskegon area and the first female coach to be inducted in the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame. Bailey, a Pontiac native and a three sport star at Western Michigan University, begin teaching and coaching at North Muskegon 1975.

Bailey first made her mark outdoors in track and field, leading the North Muskegon girls team for 13 years, winning three West Michigan Conference titles, two regional titles and state championships in 1977, 1979 and 1980. She is perhaps best known locally for turning the Norse into a state volleyball powerhouse during her tenure as head coach from 1984 to 2003. During that 19-year run, North Muskegon won eight WMC titles, 15 districts, six regional crowns, made to the Final Four four times and the state finals once. Her overall varsity volleyball coaching record was 386-225-31.

Bailey’s influence has been felt far outside the city of North Muskegon. She’s been a mentor for many area female coaches who sought her advice in a male-dominated profession. Bailey also has worked as a state volleyball official and as a major college field hockey official, as well as serving on a number of committees for the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

Bailey and her husband, Tony, live in North Muskegon, where she is still an active teacher and coach at the middle school level.