Being one of only five teachers left from the charter faculty and staff, football head coach Chad Phillips has decided to retire after 35 years of teaching, 27 of which have been at Starr’s Mill.
“[I will miss] the coaches and players, and the everyday growth and life experiences,” Phillips said. “And, of course, big games on Friday nights in front of thousands, winning games by the last second, and sharing the moment of bitter defeat.”
Phillips was the head wrestling coach at Cartersville High School for six years and at Sandy Creek for a year before coming to Starr’s Mill. His first year here he was head golf coach and assistant football coach, then after 10 years left golf, and became the football head coach.
Coaching has been what Phillips has always wanted to do. His mother was a physical education coach, and he played sports. He always wanted to be part of the life lessons and values athletics teaches. All the relationships with the players is what will be missed the most.
Despite the circumstances, you never let circumstances define you.”
— Chad Phillips
“Our staff treats them like, basically, our sons,” Phillips said.
After so many dedicated years of the time-consuming job of coaching and teaching, Phillips is looking forward to some free time. Staying active and outside will be important, as well as spending time with his one year old granddaughter, family, and trips planned in the fall.
Phillips hopes that wins and losses will fade and what sticks is the life skills of resourcefulness, resilience, relentlessness, responsibility, and respect.
Leaving an impact personally, Starr’s Mill always made Phillips feel like he had a purpose and a mission helping put the players, coaches, and community in a highly successful program after working so hard to bring the game to life.
“Despite the circumstances, you never let circumstances define you,” Phillips said.
Starr’s Mill gives a warm goodbye to Chad Phillips for his 27 years of service and dedication to the Panther family.