TCNJ the perfect fit for defensive ace Phillips
When tournament time rolls around there’s usually a few nerves and a butterfly garden growing inside, but it’s not that way for Sabrina Phillips.
No, The College of New Jersey junior is a get off bus and let’s go play kind of girl.
“Eagerness has to be the biggest emotion I take onto the field, especially this year,” said Phillips, a defender for the Lions’ lacrosse team.
“Eagerness that starts from getting every draw control and every ground ball,” added Phillips. “I just want to get one step closer game by game to winning a national championship.”
The Lions (16-2) got off to a good start on another national championship run on Sunday with a 20-12 win over St. Mary’s (MD).
Phillips had eight draw controls and was a part of the TCNJ defense that allowed the attack to build a 12-4 halftime lead.
Phillips’ efforts earned her the NJAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Phillips and the Lions have another test on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex at TCNJ when Cortland State comes to Ewing. The Red Dragons are 17-4 and after starting the season 1-4 they have reeled off 16 straight wins.
Phillips doesn’t have to look far for her motivation, she’s right next to her, on and off the field, it’s her twin sister Nikki.
“This season Nikki’s position on defense got moved to what I think is the hardest defensive position,” Sabrina said.
“This was a huge adjustment for her, but she figured it out fast and now the defense wouldn’t run the way it does without her. Nikki’s motivation and work ethnic not only in lacrosse but in school as well pushes me to stay focused and keep her same energy.”
While her twin keeps her motivated and focused, her parents, Dionne and Colin, have been her guiding light.
“Off the field my role models are my parents,” said Sabrina. “Without them, I would not be the athlete or young adult I am today here at TCNJ.”
After a great high school career at Notre Dame, the twins headed to TCNJ where it has been the perfect fit.
“TCNJ has been everything I hoped and more,” Sabrina stated. “I could not ask for a better coaching staff, or better teammates to play with. The atmosphere on and off the field at TCNJ is full of joy, opportunity, and success. I could not ask for anything more.”
As a top defender in the conference, Sabrina earned Honorable Mention on the All-NJAC team.
The Phillips twins earned plenty of honors playing at Notre Dame, but more important it was the perfect stepping stone to college.
“Playing at Notre Dame prepared me for college with the help of Coach Bob Henderson,” Sabrina said. “Bob has coached me
from when I started playing lacrosse in 8th grade. He was my coach all four years of High school at ND and continues to critique my playing at TCNJ. The traditions, legacy, and competition of ND lacrosse prepared me for the college level game.”
At a college that every year keeps its standards high and the goal is always the same, a national championship.
“I am beyond excited and grateful to be able to play again for a national championship,” Sabrina said. “Each game is a new opportunity to get better and come out on top. Our team is even stronger than last year so I am excited to see the great things we have coming. We are not done yet”