Lips grew up on Long Island in Hauppuage NY where he played youth, club and travel soccer.
He then returned to the United States where he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, playing on the men's soccer team from 1987 to 1991.
After completing his collegiate eligibility, he moved to Switzerland where he played for FC St. Gallen from 1991 to 1994.
He then played for the North Jersey Imperials in the USISL before moving to the New York Fever.
In February 1996, the New England Revolution selected Lips in the 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft.