Michele Zelando-Bailey brings more than 20 years of cheerleading experience as both an athlete and coach to Atlantic Collegiate Academy. A passionate mentor dedicated to developing well-rounded student-athletes, her coaching philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and building confidence in a positive and supportive environment.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., Bailey was a three-sport athlete at Penn Hills High School, competing in swimming, softball, and cheerleading. She continued her cheerleading career at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she cheered for the varsity basketball program before completing her bachelor's degree at the University of Pittsburgh. She later earned a master's degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Maryland.
Professionally, Bailey enjoyed an accomplished 35-year career in federal government information technology, serving in leadership roles with the Departments of Homeland Security, State, and Commerce. She retired as Chief of IT Governance & Service Delivery for the Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate, overseeing enterprise IT governance, project portfolio management, and systems engineering initiatives. Her distinguished public service earned her numerous Meritorious Awards and recognition for leadership across multiple federal agencies.
Alongside her professional career, Bailey remained deeply involved in cheerleading, coaching athletes from ages five through high school for 16 years. She has coached youth, middle school, and varsity programs, helping young athletes achieve their goals while fostering character, confidence, and teamwork.
Bailey and her husband, Al, have been married for 19 years and live in Myrtle Beach with their son, Michael, an Atlantic Collegiate Academy student and competitive swimmer. The family also includes three dogs—Bohdi, Gracie, and Coco—and two cats, Franni and Maddie.
Outside of coaching, Bailey enjoys fitness, volunteering with animals, and spending time with her family. She is inspired by the belief that success comes through perseverance and hard work, a philosophy reflected in one of her favorite quotes from John C. Maxwell: "Dreams don't work unless you do."
Coach Bailey is excited to join the Atlantic Collegiate Academy family and looks forward to building a cheer program that develops athletic excellence, leadership, school spirit, and lifelong confidence.
