Somewhere in the midst of his NBA coaching career, Kevin Young was at a crossroads. The 2024 offer from Brigham Young University (BYU) to take over their men’s basketball program was a great opportunity, but it wasn’t an easy decision. Mid-flight, contemplating his next step, Kevin received a text message from his wife, Melissa Bailey, one that would change everything. That note, Kevin admitted sometime later, was the deciding factor in accepting the position at BYU. This was more than a career choice. This was a family choice, a decision that would return him to his roots and change the course of their life together.

As Kevin Young guides BYU to a historic Sweet 16 run in his first season, Melissa’s fingerprints are all over the Cougars’ run. Kevin’s success has been a family affair, as Melissa has helped by not only supporting their family but also navigating the ups and downs of Kevin’s coaching journey.

What is Melissa Bailey’s family Background?

Melissa Bailey has largely remained out of the spotlight, with little to no public knowledge of her personal life. What is known about her is that she was born in Omaha, Nebraska. She and Kevin are both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). She went to Brigham Young University, where she would later go on to meet Kevin Young.

How did Kevin Young and Melissa Bailey meet?

Kevin and Melissa met while attending BYU. Melissa was enrolled at BYU, and Kevin was living on the BYU campus while working as an assistant coach for the Utah Flash, an NBA Development League team (later renamed the G League). The two met through their mutual connection to BYU and the values of the LDS Church, and began dating.

Kevin and Melissa were married in 2011 in the Salt Lake Temple of the LDS church. Since then, they’ve been partners in life, faith, and ambition.

What is Melissa Bailey’s background and career?

Melissa has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. However, her specific course of study is not known. Information about Melissa’s professional background is also not available in the public domain. However, it is safe to say that she has spent most of her time supporting Kevin throughout his coaching career, standing by his side during his tenure with the Utah Flash, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phoenix Suns, and now, BYU.

In fact, when Kevin made the transition to BYU in 2024, Melissa was instrumental not only in providing emotional support but in the decision-making process as well—participating in discussions with school administration and preparing their family for the next step in their journey, while balancing their three children.

How is Kevin Young and Melissa Bailey’s Life as a Couple?

Like any couple, Kevin and Melissa’s marriage has had its ups and downs. When Kevin first started his career, life wasn’t always smooth sailing. He worked unpaid coaching positions while taking side hustles as a window washer and FedEx driver to provide for the family. Through it all, Melissa remained by his side, helping them to live a modest yet full life even through the struggles.

One of the biggest moments of their journey came when Kevin had to decide between staying in the NBA or taking the BYU job. To Melissa, the decision was black and white. “We can give the NBA up. First of all, at BYU, Kevin’s going to have Sundays off…He’s never had a Sunday off during the season ever in 13 years,” she said. Things weren’t working out, and the situation wasn’t ideal. Going to BYU wasn’t just a way out of the NBA, but it was a way to lead their family on the path they wanted to be.

What is Melissa Bailey’s role in their family?

Melissa Bailey is a key member of the Young family. Bailey is a loving wife and dedicated mother. She has been a rock for Kevin since the pair tied the knot back in 2011. She has supported Kevin through thick and thin, through the rigors of his coaching career. Doing everything from raising their three children – Jude, Van, and Zoey – to handling the emotions of Kevin’s career, Bailey has been invaluable.

Kevin said she has helped him grow — not only as a coach, but as a man. She was a pivotal part of his life while he turned down NBA head coaching opportunities — including the Brooklyn Nets — to take the BYU job. As Melissa put it, “We weren’t supposed to go to [the Brooklyn Nets]. We were supposed to come here.” She has been one of the driving decisions in Kevin’s life, on and off the court.

What is Melissa Bailey’s Ethnicity?

There is no public information available about Melissa Bailey’s ethnic background.

As Kevin Young continues to helm the BYU basketball program, Melissa will be with him every step of the way. Her faith, her support, and her devotion to their family have laid the very foundation for the success they enjoy, and as Kevin and Melissa continue building their life together, that foundation will stay with them.