December 10, 2009 - He never intended to become a soccer coach when he started teaching at Seattle Academy in 1991. Nevertheless, Rob Phillips has created the top 1A team in Washington State, leading the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team to four Emerald City League titles in the past four years, and their third State title (2005, 2008, 2009). Not only did the girls achieve top honors this year; Rob was named Coach of the Year by the Seattle Times, a title announced shortly after the publication of a full article focusing on him in the Times. The Seattle Academy Girls’ Varsity team is well-known state-wide, but is also now a nationally-recognized powerhouse, having recently been featured in ESPN’s Rise magazine, which highlights high school athletics all over the country.
To the readers of the Seattle Times Rob may appear to be “just” a soccer coach, but he has been one of the core members of the Seattle Academy community since the early years. Now in his 18th year at Seattle Academy, Rob has had a major impact on the school, the students, the parents, and his colleagues in all areas. He started his career leading wilderness trips (which he continues to do every spring and summer); he has taught challenging Honors History and English classes alongside current Head of School, Joe Puggelli; and this year he has moved into a major leadership role as Assistant Head of School.
Rob insists, however, that he would not have been named Coach of the Year without the hard work and determination of this year’s girls’ soccer team. Achijah Berry ’10 said Rob “has a way of bringing a team together with a variety of different personalities and skills. We all connect on one level." It is that connection that has fueled such successful soccer seasons in the past and will carry the group to future wins.
Click here to watch a clip of the State game!
