Story Courtesy: Hudson Harkness, Assistant Director – Athletic Media Relations, Drury University
Drury University Vice President and Director of Athletics Nyla Milleson announced Monday (June 22) that Drury head women’s basketball coach Kaci Bailey has signed a contract extension through the 2029-30 season.
“I am delighted to know that Kaci will continue to lead our student-athletes into the future with this new contract extension that will keep her with us for the years to come,” Milleson said. “Coach Bailey continues to uphold the standard of the Lady Panthers program and develop great young women.”
Bailey has won 68 games in her first three seasons at the helm, extending Drury’s streak of 13 consecutive 20-win seasons.
During the 2023-24 season, her first with the Lady Panthers, Drury finished 25-7, reached the GLVC Tournament Championship, and earned the program’s 21st NCAA Tournament appearance. Four Lady Panthers earned all-conference honors, highlighted by Reese Schaaf, who was named GLVC Player of the Year, Midwest Region Player of the Year, and a Second Team All-American.
In 2024-25, Bailey’s squad posted a 22-7 record with a 17-3 GLVC mark. Point guard Caitlynn Daniels earned All-American honors, and four Panthers received all-conference recognition.
The 2025-26 season saw Drury finish 21-8, securing the program’s 13th straight 20-win campaign. The year included an 11-game winning streak and a victory over No. 20 Missouri-St. Louis. Sara Mendel earned all-region honors after a record-setting season in which she established new program marks for single-season double-doubles (20) and field-goal percentage (67.9%). Mendel, Rhi Gibbons, and Kaylee King were all named to the GLVC All-Conference Team.
Academically, Bailey’s teams have excelled, producing 12 CSC Academic All-District selections and the program’s sixth CSC Academic All-American, earned by Daniels. Schaaf was named the GLVC Student-Athlete of the Year following the 2023-24 season.
“I would like to thank the leadership at Drury, especially Dr. Frederick and Nyla, for believing in our staff and me to continue to lead this historic program,” coach Bailey commented. “Thank you to the community and the best fans in the country for the support.”
Beyond Drury, Bailey served as head coach of the USA D2 All-Stars during their 2025 tour of Brazil, leading the team to a 3-0 record. Three Lady Panthers – Gibbons, King, and Mendel – competed on the roster, while assistant coach Destiny Smith joined the staff for the international trip.
Bailey was named the sixth head coach in Drury women’s basketball history on April 5, 2023.
