PAUL PHILIPS

2015 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME     

Paul Phillips was the first All-State swimmer from North Providence High, earning Journal Bulletin and RI Coaches Association honors in the 100 fly in 1991.  In his early years, Paul competed for the Little Rhody Aquatic Club, Cumberland-Lincoln Boys & Girls Club, and MacColl Field YMCA, then later the East Providence Boys & Girls Club.  When the North Providence Natatorium opened in 1988, Paul’s family was instrumental in petitioning the town to start a competitive team at the high school.  Representing the Cougars, he earned Journal Bulletin and Coaches Association All State honors in the 100 yard butterfly, and was a 1991 Interscholastic Swimmer of the Year nominee. After high school Paul attended Brandeis University where he became a school record holder and team captain.  Upon graduation, Paul returned to Rhode Island and became the head coach of the Cumberland-Lincoln Boys & Girls Club Penguins, Lincoln High School, and MacColl Field YMCA.  At Lincoln High, his girls teams won three consecutive RI Interscholastic League State Championships and a co-ed Class-B State Championship, while the Lincoln boys were the top public school team in the RI from 2001-2003.  At the club level, the Penguins more than doubled in size during Paul‘s five years as head coach, winning four straight RI/MA league championships and he was named RI/MA League Coach of the year in 2002.  Since 2004 Paul has been the head coach at Clark University in Worcester, MA and Assistant Athletic Director since 2007.  At Clark his women’s team recorded two program-best finishes in the NEWMAC conference, and he has coached numerous All-Conference swimmers and NCAA qualifiers.  In 2011 Paul was named NEWMAC Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year.