Bailee Bachtel serves as the Assistant Director of Athletics, Marketing and Fan Engagement for Howard Payne University Athletics. A May 2025 graduate of HPU, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Management. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Sport and Wellness Leadership at Howard Payne and is expected to complete the program in May 2027.
Bailee oversees the department's marketing, fan engagement, branding, game presentation, promotional strategy, and community outreach initiatives. She will lead efforts to elevate the game day atmosphere across all of Howard Payne's varsity sports while enhancing the visibility of the Yellow Jacket brand and strengthening connections with alumni, students, fans, and the Brownwood community.
Bailee began working in the athletics department as an undergraduate student, serving as the Student Assistant to the Director of Athletics. In this role, she worked closely with athletic administrators and coaches, supporting a range of departmental needs. Throughout her college career, she also held the position of Game Day Site Coordinator for HPU home football games, where she managed operations and logistics to ensure smooth execution on game days.
In October 2023, Bailee expanded her experience by joining Prosperity Bank. There, she gained hands-on knowledge of financial principles, budgeting, and loan processes—all while continuing her responsibilities in the athletics department and completing her academic coursework. In December 2024, she left the bank to move into a part-time Business Operations Assistant role with HPU Athletics, which she transitioned into full-time following her graduation.
In addition to her business operations responsibilities, Bailee has become a driving force behind several of the department's external initiatives, helping develop creative marketing campaigns, enhancing the student-athlete experience, supporting community engagement efforts, and assisting with the continued growth of the Yellow Jacket Club and corporate partnerships.
As Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing & Fan Engagement, Bailee will play a key role in advancing the department's strategic vision by increasing attendance, strengthening community partnerships, expanding digital engagement, enhancing the game day experience, and continuing to build the Howard Payne Athletics brand throughout the Heartland.
Bailee also works alongside coaches and administrators to support the day-to-day business operations of the department. Her responsibilities include managing budgets, coordinating administrative processes, and helping streamline the department’s internal systems.
A native of Brownwood, Texas, Bailee is the daughter of Jason and Tara Bachtel and has three siblings—Talen, Brooklyn, and Blaire. She grew up with a strong connection to athletics and is passionate about the role sports play in student growth and community engagement.
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
