FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University junior women's soccer standout Samantha Phillips/Chesapeake has been named the Longwood Female Athlete of the Week. The third-year midfielder scored two goals last week against Presbyterian and Charleston Southern, including the game-winner, while leading Longwood to a 2-0 road win at PC. She scored in the 58th minute against the Blue Hose, assisted by freshman Gina D’Orazio. Phillips also scored an unassisted goal in the 11th minute to tie the match early against CSU during a 3-1 home win. Through 16 matches, Samantha is fourth on the team in scoring with four goals for eight points.
Question and Answer Session with Samantha Phillips and Ashley Robbins
AR: Talk about being able to score in the last three games. Are you getting better looks at the ball?
SP: I’m a junior, so I think now I’m finally getting into the groove of things. I’m starting more, so I think getting more time and getting more looks at the goal are good, but my teammates are all passing around so well right now, so I think that’s what’s really helping our success so far.
AR: How exciting is it for the team to be performing so well late into the season?
SP: We’ve only lost one conference game so far, so I think we’re trying to maintain what we’re doing now. We started a little rough this season out of conference, but that only helped us with our in-conference games. We’re starting to get our flow on and we’re all really excited. We want to make it further.
AR: What are your personal and team goals for the rest of the season?
SP: Personally, I just want to keep doing well. I don’t have any particular goals, but as a team, we just want to win. We want to go onto the conference tournament and further. Right now, our biggest goal is to get a home game in the first round of the Big South Tournament, so that we can have all of the support of everyone here.
AR: Why did you choose Longwood?
SP: It felt right. I went and visited other schools, but none of them felt as homey as Longwood did. I really like that about it.
AR: What’s the best thing about your team?
SP: We are honestly a family. Not only are they 27 of my friends, but I feel like I have 27 sisters, plus my sister back at home. I like that.
AR: If you could swap places with a teammate, who would it be?
SP: I’d swap with Shelby Hall, our goalie. I’d like to see what it’s like to see the field from there. I think it’s kind of cool to be a goalie. I could never do it in my life! It’s a lot of pressure and a different look at the field, so if I had the ability, I’d swap with Shelby.
AR: Who is your funniest teammate and who is your most motivating teammate?
SP: Kelsey McDonald is my funniest teammate and Kelsey Pardue is our most motivating. It’s not even anything Pardue says, but it’s how she plays and how much she wants to win. She makes me want to play better.
AR: Who are your role models?
SP: My mom and my dad. I know it’s not easy raising one kids and they did two. I got very lucky. Not only do I see them as role models and parents, but I see them as two of my best friends. I can talk to them whenever I need to.
AR: What piece of advice would you give to someone hoping to play Division I?
SP: Never stop trying. Never give up on a goal. If your dream is to play Division I, do everything that you can to get there.
AR: What is your favorite movie and favorite band?
SP: Sweet Home Alabama is my favorite movie. I don’t have a favorite band, but I love country music.
