Baker Proud Spring 2017 - 18

BAKER PROUD | Spring 2017

Phillips & the Fab Four
Two-time alumnus and coach develops gritty program

he first thing you see when you walk into
the office of Head Women's Soccer Coach
Davy Phillips is his windowsill. Adorned with
plaques, trophies, and certificates, this collection of awards proves one thing: The women's soccer
program at Baker University has a longstanding tradition
of winning. But the 2016 season was one for the record
books, with its highest ranking at the end of the season
and a fantastic run to the NAIA Fab Four in Orange Beach,
Alabama. It's undeniable that the impression Phillips and
these women leave on the program will not be forgotten.

A Deep Run

The road to Alabama was long. With the goal of a national championship in mind, the women started the season with high expectations. After a couple of tough matchups and a few heartbreaking losses early in the season,
the women lost a bit of swagger, the moxie needed to bring
home a championship. But, with a few key wins came a
boost in confidence, and it became clear to all those who
watched: These women were going to Alabama.
"I think for the most part they had a deep belief they
could win a national championship from day one," Phillips
said. "And so as soon as their confidence was restored
through results, we knew it was going to be a special year.
It's a special group."
The key to this exciting year was a strong group of
seniors and an even stronger second team, dedicated to
pushing and bettering the program. Since starting together as freshmen, the senior class has won more games
each year, finally finishing this season with 17 wins-the
program's highest record for a season. And to top it off, the
women finished their incredible season ranked third in
the NAIA, the highest ranking in team history.
"To be able to make a deep run into it validated some
of what they thought of themselves and what they thought
they deserved through their work," Phillips said. "It's the
best team in Baker women's soccer history. I don't think
there's any denying that."

photo by Randy Speer

Senior Krista Hooper fires a shot toward the net during the Wildcats' 2-1 come-from-behind win over William Carey on Nov. 28 in
the second round of the NAIA National tournament.

Senior Krista Hooper had no doubt that the team would
make it this far. She believes that through hard work and
impressive teamwork and coaching, her team was able to
make history.
"[Coach Phillips] taught us a lot and really pushed us
to constantly work harder than we thought we could, so I
knew coming into the season that we had a lot of potential
to really make it far," Hooper said. "The team vibe this
year was incredible; it was so much fun to be a part of
a team that not only achieved success, but also enjoyed
every second of it."

A Coach's Journey

Years before he even dreamed of being the head women's soccer coach, Phillips visited Baker on a scouting
trip as a prospective student. Coming from a high-caliber
club team full of excellent athletes, Phillips said he had
been overlooked during the recruiting process. But what
at first might have seemed negative turned out to be a
blessing in disguise.
"On my recruiting trip, I went to a few other schools,"
Phillips said. "But as soon as I left Baker, my mom looked
at me and said, 'I think this is the place for you.' I said, 'I
couldn't agree more.' It felt like home."

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Baker Proud Spring 2017