University of North Carolina Athletics
Phillips Named National Assistant Of The Year
May 24, 2016 | Men's Tennis
North Carolina's Tripp Phillips has been named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men's National Assistant Coach of the Year. The award was announced Tuesday by the ITA.
“He's truly deserving of this honor,” said UNC head coach Sam Paul. “He's one of the best coaches in the nation – not just assistant coaches but all coaches.”
Now in his 10th year on the UNC staff, Phillips was promoted to Associate Head Coach in 2013. This season he helped lead the Tar Heels to the ITA National Team Indoor Championship, the first No. 1 ranking in program history, the most wins in program history (28) and a third consecutive NCAA Elite Eight appearance.
While playing professionally, Phillips was ranked as high as 29th in the world in doubles, qualified for Wimbledon and reached the U.S. Open round of 16. A 2000 UNC graduate, he earned All-America honors as a Tar Heel player and was a recipient of the Patterson Medal, which goes each year to Carolina's top senior male and female athletes.
“He was the smartest player I've ever coached,” Paul said. “Combined with his experience on the pro tour, that gave him a great transition into coaching and he continues to get better and better. He's made a major impact for us in all areas, on and off the court.
“Over the years, he's had plenty of opportunities to be a head coach elsewhere but has chosen to stay in Chapel Hill because this is his home. He's such a crucial part of our program and we're proud to see him honored with this award.”
