As a setter, Brooke Phillips can’t make teammates better if not in the right place at the right time.
The Franklin Community High School graduate’s decision last spring to trade life in Nashville, Tennessee, for the familiarity of Indianapolis makes for a convincing case in point.
Phillips, a redshirt freshman contributor to Lipscomb’s 17-3 squad during the 2020-21 school year, decided to transfer back in March. With IUPUI being her destination, she’ll be closer to home and is virtually assured of playing a more significant role for a team that was winless in 12 matches last season.
Another switch, albeit more subtle, is her major. Phillips, who majored in exercise science the past two years, is switching to health sciences at IUPUI. Her ultimate goal is to become a physician’s assistant.
Residing two states away from family and friends did benefit Phillips. Nonetheless, she’s glad to be back.
“It feels really good. I feel IUPUI is the best fit. It’s a great school, and I get to play the sport I love while living in Indy,” Phillips said. “I’ve grown so much as a person, fending for myself and going out of my comfort zone.
“Nashville is a great city, and I’m sad to leave it. But I have to do what’s best for me.”
In the spring of her senior year of high school (2019), Phillips tore her left meniscus during the club volleyball season, which set her up to be redshirted her first year at Lipscomb.
Phillips finished last season with 178 assists, ranking her second on the team. The Bison qualified for the NCAA tournament before losing to Georgia Tech in four sets in the opening round.
Overall, she played in 13 matches, made five starts, and had two matches in which she produced 40 assists each. That level of experience is a significant addition for an IUPUI program looking to bounce back after dropping three-quarters of its matches last season in straight sets.
“It’s just knowing Brooke can compete at a high level,” IUPUI coach Lindsey Froehlich said. “Brooke is very athletic and has a really good knowledge of the game. I think she’s going to raise our level of play as a team.
“I’m very excited. Brooke fits in with our culture very well, and has that level of accountability we expect from our players and our team.”
Defensive specialist Alli Cook and middle blocker Corrissa Remter, both IUPUI juniors, were previously two of Phillips’ club volleyball teammates. They are among the nine players returning this season. The Jaguars also welcome in five freshmen and Phillips, with preseason practices to begin next Monday.
IUPUI opens the season Aug. 27 with the Panther Invite at Eastern Illinois. Phillips is expected to contend with last year’s starting setter, junior Darragh Dixon, and freshman Sidney Veatch of Southmont for court time.
“I’m just excited to get this opportunity to play and, hopefully, help turn this program around,” Phillips said.
