By the end of one of the best seasons in program history, the decision was all but made in Bailey McGinnis’ mind. A few weeks spent at home with her family helped make it certain.
McGinnis announced Wednesday that she is stepping down as Red Bank’s girls’ basketball coach after six seasons.
“I had been giving it a lot of thought, and after our last game I felt like this was the right decision for me and our family,” McGinnis said. “It was a very tough decision. I’ve made so many great memories with the girls, but this time at home during the quarantine has been an eye-opener and really helped me know it’s what I need to do.
“My daughter (Collins) will be 4 in July, and I’m not going to get that time back. A coach spends more time with your team than your own family because you leave for school in the mornings while it’s still dark and don’t get back home from a game or practice until well after dark. I knew I would never regret stepping away to spend more time with my family.”
As a player, McGinnis was a three-time all-district and all-region performer, and she was a Times Free Press Best of Preps selection during her senior season. The 2010 Red Bank graduate took over her at her high school alma mater after the Lady Lions won just six games the season before, and she quickly built them into one of the city’s most successful and consistent teams, compiling a 117-60 overall record.