Tripp Phillips

Biography

University of North Carolina alumnus Tripp Phillips joined the Tar Heel men’s tennis coaching staff in 2006 and has excelled as head coach Sam Paul’s chief assistant ever since. He was promoted to associate head coach in the summer of 2013. Entering his 22nd season on staff at Carolina in 2026-27, Phillips continues to be one of the top recruiters and coaches in the nation. In 2021, he won the ITA Carolina Regional Assistant Coach of the Year award. In his 21 years as an assistant coach, the former professional player has made a huge impact on the UNC tennis program during an era in which the Tar Heels have advanced to the NCAA Tournament all but two seasons. His work in recruiting has also lifted the Tar Heel program to new heights, with UNC players earning ACC Freshman of the Year honors twice (William Blumberg in 2017 and Benjamin Sigouin in 2018). Phillips also played a key role in recruiting 2023 Australian Open doubles champion and 2025 Wimbledon doubles finalist Rinky Hijikata. After graduating from Carolina in 2000, Phillips began a highly successful professional career. The righthander achieved a career-high Association of Tennis Professionals’ (ATP) doubles ranking of 29th on October 6, 2006. In singles, Phillips reached his high point as the 343rd-ranked player in the world on May 19, 2003. Phillips was coached as a professional by both Paul and Charlotte Country Day varsity tennis coach Calvin Davis. While he enjoyed success as a singles player, notching victories