Nicole Phillips.

LaGRANGE  — The sense of community at LaGrange College is second to none.

Rising senior Nicole Phillips of the LaGrange College women’s tennis team, who gradated from Tift County High school with honors, will certainly vouch for this assertion.

“My favorite part about being a LaGrange College Panther is the strong bond that we all hold as student-athletes,” said Phillips. “Specifically, for the tennis team, we are a close-knit community and we all hold each other accountable in team aspects, as well as academic situations. The same is true for other sports’ teams at LaGrange and I greatly respect the mindsets that we hold.”

Phillips often finds herself matched up against the top player on the opposing squad. This may hinder and distort her statistics, but it has molded Phillips into a well-rounded and resilient competitor. The Enigma, Georgia, native competed at No. 1 singles during all five matches in the 2019-20 season, which shows the amount of confidence that 11th-year head coach Matt Donnett has in Phillips.

“During my time competing at the No. 1 and 2 singles’ positions, I have not only been challenged physically, but I have also developed my mental game,” said Phillips. 

“Learning to play against experienced players, including manipulating my own game, is an important aspect on the road to success. Additionally, it is equally important to remain in a positive mental state even if things begin to shift in my opponent’s favor.”

Phillips has been a focal point over the last three seasons for the Panthers, as the team has won 17 matches during that stretch. 

As a rookie, the young woman won eight singles’ matches, with seven coming at the fourth slot. She also recorded a 7-6 mark, alongside Alexandria Chenowith, at No. 3 doubles during the 2017-18 campaign.

Phillips was named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar-Athlete during the 2018-19 season. She represents all the great qualities of an ideal Division III student-athlete and was named to the USA South All-Sportsmanship Team during her sophomore year.

In her second-collegiate season, Phillips was superb on the court, finishing with five victories at the No. 1 doubles’ slot, alongside Jenna Eppes. The two student-athletes went 4-3 together at the top slot in conference matches.

Phillips was kind enough to take some time out of her schedule and engage in a Q&A segment. She spoke about a wide variety of topics, including her upcoming senior season and career aspirations.

Q: What type of time-management skills have you learned as a student-athlete?

A: As far as time management, during tennis season, it has been a work in progress. As a rising senior, I am doing a much better job than my freshman year at keeping up my academia, as well as my dedication to team obligations. The most important thing during this busy time is putting sleep first. This potentially means starting on assignments or studying a few days earlier than normal because something could come up and result in us falling behind on assignments.

Q: What are your goals for the 2020-21 season?

A: I intend to further my leadership skills, alongside my teammates. I will be able to set an example for newcomers regarding competitiveness and work ethic, with the entire team in mind.

Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you?

A: The unfortunate effects of COVID-19 changed many of my plans. I was unable to complete my junior season of tennis, a summer-research program that I had been greatly anticipating was canceled and I had to abide by the necessary isolation restrictions that were in order. 

Although all these downfalls seemed to be detrimental at the time, I learned through all this that God has a reason for everything and that greater things can arise from what seems like chaos.

Q: What are you studying and what are your career aspirations?

A: I am currently studying biochemistry at LaGrange and intend to pursue a career in the medical field. 

The tight-knit community of LaGrange has been a great benefit for both my college and learning experiences. The class sizes are not overwhelming in number, which allows students the opportunity to engage in outside-of-the-classroom help and advisement from their professors.

Q: How would you sell the experience of being a student-athlete at LaGrange to a high-school student?

A: I would describe the experience of being a LaGrange student-athlete as an exceptional one. I thoroughly have enjoyed my time as a student, as well as an athlete at LaGrange. 

The professors and staff recognize that a vast majority of the student body is involved with athletics. They are fair and flexible when it comes to academic obligations and possible interferences with sports’ obligations.

Q: How would you describe yourself to someone you just met?

A: I would say that I am self-motivated. I want to reach my full potential in all aspects of my life. I also greatly value the relationships and experiences that are made throughout life. I believe living a life with no regrets and an appreciation for every moment and experience encountered.

Q: Which hobby have you perfected during the pandemic?

A: I have gotten more involved in strength and physical training. I am currently studying to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in August. I find a good amount of stress-relief in being able to go to the gym during the week. This will serve to benefit me as we go into the fall season.