The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1540860
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 ■ 45 was determined to not let them down, and in turn, he helped Kiski win two national titles before earning a scholarship to play at Oakland. Although he was featured at left back for the Golden Grizzlies in 2023, Phillip still managed to score 5 goals with 7 assists in 19 games as a freshman. He recorded 3 game-winning tallies, an early look into what Phillip could become. After his standout freshman season, Phillip wanted a tougher challenge. He entered the transfer portal and landed at NC State. The gauntlet of the ACC was intriguing, and Phillip fit right in with 6 goals and 4 assists during the 2024 cam- paign. Last spring, he was chosen in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft, going 62nd overall to the Colorado Rapids. It was a landmark occasion, one that left him and his mother in tears, but Phillip didn't think he was ready for the next level. Instead, he returned to NC State for his junior cam- paign with his sights set on continuing his development as a goal scorer. "I believed I needed another year so I could gain a little more experience and development before I go to the pro level where I'll play against grown men," the 20-year-old Phillip said. "I talked through that with the coaching staff, and we came up with a plan … so when I go to the pro environment, I'm ready." Increased Confidence Confidence is a unique trait. It can boost a player's output immensely, but the lack of it can be detrimental. In Phil- lip's case, a 12-goal summer with the Flint City Bucks of the USL League Two seemed to confirm his status as an elite goal scorer. He was named the pre-pro- fessional league's Player of the Year after totaling 4 game-winners and 9 assists. Phillip came away from that experience convinced those results could be repli- cated at NC State. As his performance to date has clearly shown, he wasn't wrong. "I feel like confidence is what really changed my game," Phillip said. "I knew if I averaged 1 or 2 goals per game this season, I could break as many records as possible. … That 'get at least one a game' mentality is what really makes me strive. I feel like one [goal per game] is really helping my confidence, so I know I'm on the right track toward meeting my goal." Although it was a lofty bar to set — Phillip thought 10 goals this season would be a dream come true — the for- ward has cleared it easily. He's been able to find the back of the net in a variety of ways this season by rocketing attempts with his left foot, while also using his aerial game to soar over defenders with his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame. Hubbard, who brought Phillip into the program in his first transfer portal class in Raleigh, thought the striker would fit his aggressive style. The second-year Wolfpack coach said Phillip's ability to elude defenders has been his best trait. "When he's on the ball, he's able to create a little bit of separation with his first few steps," Hubbard said. "He's con- fident and not afraid to shoot, but … in- stead of just always taking it himself, he has awareness within the moment, too. It's a good, healthy balance." Phillip's 15 goals are the Wolfpack's most in a single season since Aaron King scored 15 in 2005. And he still has one more regular-season match and a poten- tially deep postseason run left in which to add to his total. While his scoring is at a record pace, Phillip is unique in that he doesn't feel the need to put the ball in the back of the net every time he touches it. He's ready to make any play that will lead to wins, but so far, it's been with his scoring prowess. "I'll play for the team first, and then if it's my time to score, I'll score. If it's someone else's time, then it's someone else's time," Phillip said. "At the end of the day, I want to score goals, and I know that scoring goals will help my team win. We're trying to win the national championship and win the ACC. I know I have to hit the back of the net to help my team." ■ " We're trying to win the national championship and win the ACC. I know I have to hit the back of the net to help my team" Phillip