Libertyville senior defender Shannon Phillips has had a guide throughout her soccer career.
Phillips’ older brother Andrew, a sophomore at Wisconsin-Eau Claire, was the North Suburban Conference defensive player of the year and a Class 4A all-state pick for the Libertyville boys soccer team in 2022.
“Being able to watch him was inspiring for me, seeing how much he grew in the game through the years,” Shannon Phillips said. “He’s a big aspect in how I play now. He was a great leader and so selfless and played so good.”
As Phillips begins her third season as a starter for Libertyville girls soccer team, her brother continues to be an influence.
“He always asks how things are going and is always there for support by making sure I’m at my best,” she said. “We even train together sometimes. Playing with him and his friends who play at a faster pace helped my skills get better.”
Libertyville, which started the season with a 3-2 win against Hersey on Tuesday, is counting on that. The IU Indy commit is one of seven returning starters for first-year coach Ian Taylor, who was an assistant last season.
More important, Phillips is the anchor of the back line after three-year starting goalkeeper Kate Hopma and conference defensive player of the year Erin Kelly graduated. Phillips helped the Wildcats (14-5-1, 7-0) limit opponents to nine goals en route to the conference title and the sectional finals last season.
“Shannon is so composed and poised and makes sure the defense is always organized,” Taylor said. “She’s a vocal leader back there as well as an emotional leader for the team. She plays her heart out, plays smart and never gets too far ahead of herself in the game.
“Her biggest thing is her composure on the ball. She takes every play as a new event. She’s not mad at the last play. She keeps her head level, especially as it gets to the deeper part of the game.”
Phillips’ teammates have also noticed that about her.
“Shannon’s ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations makes her such a quality defender,” Libertyville senior defender Anna George said. “This allows her to not play rushed and make the best decisions for the team.
“She also is never afraid to put her body on the line. Even if she’s not the biggest defender, she knows how to position herself in order to make big-time plays.”
Phillips is ready to make more big-time plays for Libertyville this season.
“I’m one of the only returning varsity seniors,” she said. “That’s huge for me. I have to step up. Communication is important and being a voice and saying what I see, especially as a center back because I get a view of the whole field.
“I have to show them and help them out. I have to make sure everyone is on the same page and we’re a unit.”
Libertyville senior midfielder Teresa McGormley said Phillips has excellent communication skills for that.
“Shannon looks out for the team as a leader, a friend and a teammate,” McGormley said. “She builds up and motivates her teammates to be their best.
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“Don’t let her kind demeanor fool you. Her competitive energy makes her a true threat to any offensive line.”
Phillips, a captain on her FC 1974 club team, said playing defense suits her.
“I never got as much out of scoring compared to protecting our goal,” she said. “It’s fun to be a leader back there. It takes a lot of communication. I love that part of the game.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.