Vance Phillips, Jr. can best be described as a “man of many talents.” Originally from Washington, D.C., he has spent the last 22 years in Arizona. Vance is a graduate from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications. He was a member of the University of Maryland Terrapin football team where he played three different positions. Despite being a walk-on, Vance earned a scholarship and helped his team return to a post-season bowl game after a three-year absence. Looking for his next challenge he began his career as a journalist with the United States State Department. The highlight of his career occurred when he wrote a feature story on the then newly elected President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

Years later, Vance decided to continue his education with a Master’s in Education Administration from Northern Arizona University. He finished with a 3.5 GPA while being a single father of two, serving as defensive coordinator for his son’s middle school football team and pursuing a career in post-secondary education. He held multiple positions with various positions within the Maricopa County Community College District in Arizona and served as a student services specialist for student athletes, where he was responsible for developing education plans based on NCAA academic requirements for transfer student-athletes. Vance continued to serve student-athletes as member of the Mesa Community College football coaching staff. His two favorite memories were having four of his five players earn scholarships to four-year colleges/universities. He has a total of 11 years of football coaching experience ranging from middle school to junior college.

In his “spare time” Vance enjoys watching his children compete and perform. He is a fitness enthusiast, and you can find him in the gym or hiking North Mountain when he is not on the golf course channeling his inner Tiger Woods. He has served as a volunteer coach for Special Olympics and youth group leader at his local church. He also enjoys painting and has published a book. Vance currently resides in Phoenix, AZ, and has a teenage son and daughter.