The 2013-14 recruiting season continued for the Niagara College women's basketball program as the Niagara College department of athletics & recreation announced on Thursday, March 27th the addition of standout local guard Sydney Phillips. Phillips competed for the Governor Simcoe Secondary School Redcoats and is a member of the Niagara JUEL program.
In a media event held at the Welland campus athletic centre, Niagara College women's basketball head coach Mike Beccaria commented "Sydney was a major target in our 2014 recruiting plan. She possesses an excellent basketball background and pedigree coming out of a tremendous high school program and the JUEL system. We are excited to have Sydney in a Knights uniform."
Phillips is a five-foot-four native of St.Catharines with the ability to play both the point and shooting guard positions for the Knights.
When asked why she chose Niagara College Phillips said "I felt welcomed by the coach, I am familiar with the campus, and the school is close to home for me. It was also important to me that the women's basketball program did very well last season."
Phillips will join a Knights women's basketball program that finished the 2013-14 season with a record of 11-7. The team will graduate impact guard Tara Giallonardo and veteran Katie Beaucock, and Coach Beccaria hopes that the addition of Phillips will make for an easy transition.
"Sydney has been a target of ours all season. She is a very well-known talent with the potential to be an impact player at the post-secondary level."
Phillips will enroll in the Niagara College two-year Fitness and Health Promotion program beginning in September of 2014. The 2012 high school league all-star noted that academics played a major part in her decision to join the Knights.
"My program really interests me. I've heard some great things, and I'm hoping that the experience will help me narrow down my options for a career and help me become a great student."
Phillips will join former Governor Simcoe graduate Mary Ingribelli on the Knights roster. Ingribelli finished her rookie season with the Knights averaging eight points and five rebounds per game.
When asked what he felt the addition of Phillips brought to the Knights women's basketball program Beccaria said "she is a combo guard that brings a real intensity. She is also a tough defender, who is the type of player that can really shoot the ball."
