We’re thrilled to announce Olympian Krista Phillips has joined SPIRE Academy as Management Consultant for Women’s Basketball. Originally from Canada, Phillips played high school basketball, and for four years, (2001–2005) she was a part of Canada’s Team Saskatchewan.

Phillips was on Canada’s Junior National Team in 2005 and 2006, and was a member of the silver medal-winning team at the 2006 FIBA Americas Under-18 World Championship Qualification Tournament. 

After high school, she was recruited and enjoyed playing for the University of Michigan. She continued her basketball career following college, having played for Australia WNBL’s Dandenong Rangers in the 2011–2012 season.

Phillips was a member of Team Canada in the London 2012 Olympics. Now, she’s busy bringing a lifetime’s worth of basketball experience to SPIRE. She points out that in this sport, there are very few female coaches, which makes her especially excited to be a role model for young women starting their own basketball journeys.

Having only recently joined SPIRE’s coaching staff, Phillips looks forward to watching the women’s basketball program grow. She describes how they are currently focused on playing and recruiting. During the week she’s on campus working with the team, and on the weekends she often travels, recruiting players to join SPIRE. 

Candice Wiggins, Director & Head Coach of Women’s Basketball, is “beyond thrilled” with the addition of Phillips. “As a duo, Krista and I work brilliantly together in order to utilize our diverse skillset and experience. Through the unique opportunities presented to us during our own basketball careers, we have now found a common ground and a perfect platform at SPIRE… ultimately connecting our girls to their life goals as women.” With both Phillips and Wiggins, SPIRE Women’s Basketball becomes a driving, inspirational force to young female athletes across the world.

Perhaps the first step many of these girls will take on their athletic journey is summer sports camp, and Phillips is preparing for a busy season. SPIRE hosts these camp programs allowing students from the Geneva area and beyond to experience playing at the school.

On the subject of school, Phillips says she’s happy to be planning for the 2023–2024 year. She’ll be able to see the players progress from new students to well-trained athletes ready to take on their next steps. She says, “The ultimate goal is to be able to find good college programs for these kids where it’s a good fit and they have a good opportunity to play, not only at the collegiate level but in the WNBA as well.”

Phillips is thrilled to be able to share her experience of being an athlete who has gone to the pinnacle of her sport, and hopes to make a positive impact on SPIRE and its student athletes.

To learn more about the SPIRE Women’s Basketball program, visit their page.