Bailey Stokes Leads Eugene Kidsports Organization

The former Oregon State athlete now oversees local youth sports programs following a mid-2026 leadership transition.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Running

Expressive editorial sports illustration depicting youthful figures in motion, capturing the collaborative spirit of community youth sports programs. — Bailey Stokes assumed the role of executive director for the Eugene Kidsports organization in mid-2026, focusing on expanding youth sports accessibility. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bailey Stokes became the executive director of Eugene-based Kidsports in mid-2026, succeeding long-time leader Bev Smith. Stokes now manages the community organization while focusing on youth accessibility and emotional skill development.

Why it matters

Stokes aims to maintain youth sports as a community safety net in Eugene, ensuring programs remain fun and accessible for local children. This approach seeks to provide stable extracurricular support even as area public school enrollment declines.

While local public school enrollment is trending downward, Kidsports registration numbers remain steady or are currently increasing. The organization continues to operate out of the Kidsports Fieldhouse, which opened approximately 6 years ago.

The players

Bailey Stokes

She is the current executive director of Kidsports who previously played collegiate basketball at Oregon State University.

Bev Smith

She previously served as the executive director of the Kidsports organization for a tenure spanning 16 years.

The details

Stokes leverages a collaborative model by working directly with school gym teachers to facilitate team referrals for area youth. Coaches are now trained in emotional skills to help participants manage feelings of anxiety or frustration during competitive play.

2021: Bailey Stokes moved back to Eugene.
Mid-2026: Bailey Stokes assumed the executive director role at Kidsports.

Season Trajectory

This leadership change marks a departure from the long-standing administration established by the 16-year tenure of Bev Smith. The transition impacts the future direction of the organization as it navigates declining local school enrollment numbers.

Families in the area may see increased focus on emotional support integration for children participating in youth sports teams. Residents can expect continued access to facilities like the Kidsports Fieldhouse despite shifts in local school enrollment.

The takeaway

The transition to new leadership under Bailey Stokes emphasizes the role of youth sports as a critical community safety net. Parents can utilize these coached programs to provide children with both physical activity and support for managing common childhood anxieties.