Law school, professional basketball — or more likely both — are the career choices facing senior basketball player Hannah Phillips.
Phillips, enjoying her fourth year as a Lady Bison, continues to make her mark on the hardwood.
She scored her 1,000th career point a couple of weeks ago — making her just the fifth player in Lady Bison history to reach that milestone — and she’s got weeks to add onto that total before hanging it up.
Phillips downplays her own achievement to point to another Lady Bison who reached the 1,000-point mark: Beth Stark, who was also Phillips’ AAU coach.
“She scored around 3,000-something points,” Phillips said. “Now, that’s an achievement.”
Phillips said she’s thrilled with reaching such a milestone, but it was not a goal she had ever set for herself.
“The ballplayer I am now, and what I was freshman year, are two different players,” she said. “I loved defense, and my dad always coached me that my defense would create offense.”
Phillips began playing basketball when she was 5 in YMCA rec leagues.
“My family still has the game film from when I was 5. It’s pretty hilarious,” she said.
That 5-year-old continued to hone her skills for years until she was recruited by Lipscomb.
Phillips was looking at Division II, Division III and Ivy League schools, but they did not offer full rides.
“When a DI full ride scholarship was offered, I took it,” she said. “[The scholarship] turned out to be a blessing because my family has been at every game.”
“I really flourished as a player in this environment,” Phillips said.
During her time as a Bison, the senior looks back on a home victory against rival Belmont as a moment that stands out.
“I would say my favorite memory was my freshman year when we beat Belmont at home,” Phillips said. “All I remember is taking a charge on their best post player and getting her in foul trouble. Later on in the game, I had an offensive rebound and put-back that sealed the win for us.”
After graduation, Phillips has big dreams.
“I hope to play professional basketball overseas somewhere and then get my law degree,” Phillips said.
Phillips, with the help of Lady Bison coach Greg Brown, has sent highlight tapes to some professional teams.
“As for law school, all I know is I am taking the LSAT this June and hope to do well,” she said.
To Phillips, there is one overarching reason why she plays basketball — “you play because you love the game.” Basketball has taught Phillips several life lessons that she will carry with her forever.
“Confidence for me built over time,” she said. “Basketball has taught me to be patient, confident, a leader and an example for others. I love this game.”