Phillips signed a letter of intent to play college soccer at Gonzaga University of the West Coast Conference (WCC).
[1] Phillips also spent time with Seattle Sounders FC U-23 in the USL Premier Development League in 2013, appearing in seven games and scoring a stoppage-time goal to tie local rival Kitsap Pumas.
[2] Following unsuccessful trials in Germany with MSV Duisburg and VfL Osnabrück, he signed with FC Tucson, also of the PDL.
He signed his first professional contract with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, a new USL Pro franchise set to begin play in 2015.
[6][7] Following a very successful first professional season in Colorado, Phillips was invited by the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer for their preseason camp.