Returning to Pumas: Stephen Phillips, goal scorer

Stephen Phillips was born on February 19, 1987 ... Son of Greg and Cynthia Phillips ... Older brother Greg Phillips also played varsity soccer at Whitman...Has three younger siblings -- Andy, Cami and Bizzy ... Loves to paint and paints murals as a part-time job ... Spent the spring 2008 semester studying abroad in Ghana ... Also enjoys skiing, mountain biking, writing and reading poetry, ping pong and playing racquetball.

You could hear the murmurs going through the stands at Memorial Stadium in Bremrton in 2009. The Pumas had just scored, and the hum was "who got that goal?" The answer was often "#14, Stephen Phillips."

Phillips, a Whitman graduate, led the debut of the Pumas in 2009 with 17 points, 7 goals and three assists in the regular season (9 goals, 4 assists overall.) It was tops on the club, just ahead of the 7 goals and two assists of Tony Kerr.

2010 training for the Bremerton side has seen at least a 50% turnover in the roster. Phillips is back for a second season, though, and shares some thoughts with us in the interview below.

Examiner: What were the most important things you learned from your first season with the Pumas?

Stephen Phillips: "In my first year with the Pumas I learned many things:  I learned, as cheesy as it may sound, how important it is to come together as a team and be willing to work for a team. I think that is why we had a lot of success last year and see much of the same qualities in the team this year.  During my off-season I gradually grew a greater appreciation for the Kitsap Pumas organization and for Bremerton.  I think that we already made a good mark on this community and with Robin, Ben, Vicki, James, Andrew, and Pete (the whole gang), we have something really special here in Bremerton and the potential is huge for the club and the community to grow and be amazing." 

There are a lot of new faces this year on the club. Did you feel pretty confident as you were going through the process that youd' be asked back? Was Pete Fewing familiar with you at all?

"Yeah, there are definitely a lot of new faces and good players, and it was painful to let go of some of the players from last year, but that is how soccer works and Pete has a vision, he is a winner, and the whole team has bought into it, so I know that we are going to have something special.  Pete Fewing (new Head Coach) was really familiar and respectful with us and I know with all the talent around there were some tough decisions, but he always made sure that we knew that he knew what a good season we had last year. As for me, you never know what can happen in soccer, but I was pretty confident that I would be asked back because I had a good season last year and helped the team. That being said, last year was great but this is a new year and I want to do better and want the Pumas to go further than last year." 

Meet more Pumas: Dustyn Brim, Tony Kerr, Cameron Hepple, Jamel Wallace (video), Tye Perdido (video), Robby Christner, Eli Gordley (video), Todd Wallenius

Video: Phillips scores twice to beat Seattle Wolves. Watch the post-match interview...

Describe your playing style and talents. What do you do best? How does that help the overall team effort?

"I think that I am a team player and am willing to work for the team.  I think that I am pretty technical for a bigger guy.  I am a possession player and love when we have a lot of possession. I think that I have good vision and passing is one of my strengths.  I personally believe that I am soccer-smart and have a pretty good understanding of the game.  Lastly, I think I am a pretty good finisher. "

You assisted on a goal for college buddy Todd Wallenius recently against Gonzaga. Was that just like the good old days? How do you see Todd helping the team?

"Yeah, that definitely was like the good old days. I think my senior year I had 6 assists and at least five were to Todd.  Todd is a good player, a team player, willing to do anything for the team, and that is what you need.  He will work hard and when he gets good service in the box he scores." 

Do you think there is any extra pressure on you to perform in 2010? Any extra pressure on the club?

"We have a target on our back.  We had a great season last year and we are a Pro team while most of our competitors are not.  I like this pressure and it only exists because we are a good team.  I think we have made winning a habit, so I am expecting us to win." 

What are your personal and team goals for the 2010 season?

"My personal goals depend on the team.  Each game, my goal is only to win.  When you think unselfishly like this, goals come, but if I don't score a goal all season and our team wins every game, I will be more than happy.  We need to take each game one at a time, but I expect to win each game."

Stephen Phillips scores early on the Seattle Wolves last June. (Jenni Conner)

Then there is the "Puppet Master" celebration, whose origins are a secret amongst the players. (Jenni Conner)

Will Phillips (#14) still do the "Pupper Master" after goals in 2010? (Jenni Conner)

How has this year's training camp differed from 2009's?

"Pete Fewing (Head Coach) is a great leader and knows how to retain a team.  John (Wedge, 2009 Head Coach) was a good coach and had a wonderful season with the Pumas.  I would say however, that Pete knows how to run a team very well and is demanding (in a good way).  The camp was very serious this year and we are going to be physically more fit than we were last year."

What injury do you have and when do you expect to be fully healthy?

"I had a high ankle sprain, which I have never done before.  I was just trying to get in shape for the season and landed on my ankle wrong in a indoor game.  This was a couple weeks before tryouts and was very unlucky and frustrating, but I am looking at it positively.  I have had amazing help from our trainers and my body is more balanced, I am going to come back from it a better and a more balanced player than I was before." 

Tell fans about your trip to England to practice with clubs over there. How did that come about? Who did you practice with? What did you take away from it?

"Last  year I had the chance to go to England and practice with Crewe Alexandria and Stoke City.  This was an amazing experience.  As soccer players in America, we are not far behind and I competed well.  A lot of the kids in England have a better understanding of the game at a younger age because they have grown up with soccer being everywhere.  In this past off-season I had the chance to play with three teams: Bastia FC (2nd division in France)  Racing Club Lens (1st division in France, and Strommen IF (2nd division) in Norway.  I was under contract with the Pumas, but wanted to get some good training in the off-season.  The Pumas would do well in the 2nd division of Norway, we are a really good team.  The clubs in France are really good and the players along with an amazing understanding of the game are amazingly technical.  I enjoyed playing there and would love to play in Europe.  However, my travels helped me gain a greater appreciation of what I have in Bremerton with the Kitsap Pumas.  I have an amazing opportunity and try to make sure I realize that every day." 

A Phillips highlight reel from YouTube...

What are your longterm goals in soccer and after soccer?

"I hope to go as far as I can in soccer and get better each day.  Soccer can be very political, which is something I try to stay away from.  I am going to work as hard as I can, not force any issues and what happens will happen. I hope my career has and can help the Pumas reach its full potential. 

"I was a Studio Art major and Anthropology minor, so I am not sure exactly what my plan is after soccer.  I have been thinking a lot about it and think that I might have to go back to school at some point.  I keep up my studies, have been painting, reading, and am trying to keep my mind on point. Right now, I am going to focus on this season and our team and see where that takes me."

More: Phillips studies art in Ghana

Phillips (left) on the attack last year against Spokane. (Jenni Conner)