Sue Phillips was celebrated over the weekend as one of the legends of women’s basketball.
In Knoxville, Tennessee — the town where the great Pat Summitt led the University of Tennessee to eight national titles — the Archbishop Mitty girls coach was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame alongside luminaries that included former players Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus.
“Thank you to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame for this prestigious honor, and congratulations to my fellow inductees,” Phillips, who has coached the San Jose private school for 31 years, said during her introductory speech on Saturday night. “You are amazing women, and I am humbled and blessed to share the stage with you tonight.”
She continued by saying, “I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude, humility and immense pride as I accept this incredible acknowledgement. This moment is not just a personal achievement, but a culmination of the dedication and support of countless individuals who have been instrumental in my journey.”
During her trip to Tennessee, Phillips posed for a photo in front of a statue of Summitt, with the caption a quote from the late coach that read, “Winning is fun… Sure. But winning is not the point. Wanting to win is the point. Not giving up is the point. Never letting up is the point. Never being satisfied with what you’ve done is the point.”
Winning might not be the point, but few coaches have piled up victories at the rate that Phillips has during her time at Mitty.
Phillips’ resume made her inclusion, which was attended by legendary UConn coach Geno Auriemma and four-time WNBA champion Cheryl Reeve, an easy decision.
Legendary coaches Geno Auriemma & Cheryl Reeve. GREAT connecting with two of my FAVES! @WBHOF pic.twitter.com/GdYXYFIzEe
— Sue Phillips (@coachsphillips) April 28, 2024
She has 819 victories at Mitty, often developing future college players and even WNBA stars.
Phillips has led her alma mater to six state titles, 16 regional championships and 25 Central Coast Section crowns.
Her 2023-24 team was among her greatest, going 31-0 before falling to Etiwanda in the state Open title game.
“Thank you to Archbishop Mitty for taking a chance on me, an inexperienced math teacher, as a coach,” Phillips said. “Over three decades later, I’m just as eager and excited to teach young people and tip off another season for the Monarchs.”
Prideful Monarch @mitty_wbb coaching staff! Thanks for coming to Knoxville! @WBHOF @tamimonson @Joeaguerra3 @J_Iwanaga #goMonarchs pic.twitter.com/kHmcXGNlsy
— Sue Phillips (@coachsphillips) April 28, 2024
Several of her assistant coaches, as well as former players, were in attendance on Saturday night.
Phillips has coached four McDonald’s All-Americans, the most-recent being UConn-bound Morgan Cheli. Two of her players, Danielle Robinson and Haley Jones have reached the WNBA.
“It has been a privilege to watch your growth, not just as athletes but as people,” Phillips said. “I am forever grateful to be a part of your lives. To my coaching staff, some of whom are here tonight, your guidance, wisdom, friendship and unwavering support have been instrumental in my success and growth as an educator.”
Phillips also thanked her parents John and Victoria, both watching on TV back in California, for their support.
“I also want to express a heartfelt thank you to my family for all of the love and support and patience,” said Phillips, whose siblings were in the crowd as she gave her speech. “You are my rock and will always be the wind beneath my wings.”
Mitty’s coach was also inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
Over the past few summers, Phillips has led the national team in U-17 and U-16 competitions. The definition of a winner, the San Jose native coached the team to gold both years.
Carol Callan, the director of the USA women’s national basketball team, was Phillips’ presenter at the hall of fame ceremony.
“I am a proud member of the USA basketball family,” Phillips said. “Thank you to USAB for the opportunity to be part of the gold standard.”
Thanks to HOFer Carol Callan for being my Presenter at the @WBHOF.
Incredibly grateful for Carol’s “ships”…friendship, mentorship & stewardship of our game. @fiba @usabasketball pic.twitter.com/Llom5znj1s
— Sue Phillips (@coachsphillips) April 28, 2024
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Phillips’ Mitty program has been the gold standard in the Bay Area for the past three years, winning CCS and NorCal Open titles.
Phillips and the Monarchs are still searching for the program’s elusive first state Open Division title, a game the Monarchs have lost in three consecutive seasons.
Phillips said that while championships and accolades are nice, that’s not how she measures her success as a coach.
“Together, we don’t just build better jump shots,” Phillips said. “We build better leaders. Our work together has been a testament to the power of teamwork, teaching life lessons through athletics, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
