As he runs down a list of records and regional championships for senior Paige Phillips, Harlan County coach Ryan Vitatoe says Phillips has made her mark on the school’s track program. He is certain she will do the same at the University of Virginia-Wise.
“I have no doubt that Paige will contribute immediately at UVA Wise. I know they are just getting their program going, and she is undoubtedly someone they can build around, just like she was for us at HC,” Vitatoe said of Phillips’ decision last week to sign with UVA-WIse. “She’ll do great there. They’ve gotten a gem.”
Phillips has been a member of the HCHS track program since her eighth grade year, starting in distance events before finding a new role as a springer/jump her freshman season.
She won the high jump, the 100 hurdles and the 300 hurdles in the Region 7 meet last week. She holds the school record in all three events and has been a member of the school-record 4×100 relay team her career at HC.
“I’m so proud of Paige for the opportunity she’s earned herself. It’s safe to say she’s one of the best we’ve had in our program’s history at Harlan County,” Vitatoe said. “She is such an incredible athlete and brings a level of versatility to our team. There’s no event we could enter her in that she wouldn’t excel.”
Phillips said she’s proud of what she accomplished at HCHS and was impressed by UVA-Wise in her first visit.
“I went on a visit in April, and I really liked it,” Phillips said. “It felt like home.”
Vitatoe said Phillips, who was also a standout in basketball, provided more to the track program than just her records and championships.
“In addition to what she offers on the track, she is an incredible leader for our program,” he said. “I’ve always respected how seriously she takes her event(s), and she is a great example to all the girls on the team.”