HighFIVE: Mike Phillips

With 26-plus years coaching youth and tennis, 17 of them at the Division I level, Mike Phillips coaching bio is as big as his passion for working with young athletes. He’s worked with elite players from all over the world and was also inducted into Class of 2017 Montana State University Hall of Fame.

With six Coach of the Year Awards, including four-time Collegiate Coach of the Year, Mountain Region Coach of the Year, and USPTA Intermountain Coach of the year, Mike coaches all youth athletes, but has a particular passion for coaching collegiate athletes.

“College tennis is the best sport,” he said of getting to spend 4 plus years developing youth athletes to succeed both on and off the court. “This is a true team sport, and we get to spend massive amounts of time together to really make an impact.”

Mike was introduced to tennis by his father at the age of four. He said to this day, 45 years later, those times playing with his mentor are still his fondest tennis memories. 

Having coached elite players from all over the world Mike said this generation faces unique challenges including social media and parental pressure.

“Social media is scary. It makes it hard for young athletes to be fully engaged. It’s hurt the independent thinking that’s required to excel at sports that require that ability to focus and trust yourself,” Mike explained. “Strong players are independent. They have to develop those critical thinking skills and trust in themselves not just for success on the court, but in their lives, as well.”

He also said parents can often add even more pressure and he works hard to help young athletes navigate that situation, especially when parents have unrealistic expectations.  

“Kids always want to do their best on the court and please their parents.”

In terms of what the future holds, Mike is currently in transition allowing him the time to explore the right opportunity for the next phase of his life. 

“I am excited to see where the next opportunity takes me.”