Phillips Coping With Tragedy

Colter Phillips is ready to return to football after overcoming an immense personal tragedy.

For Cavalier tight end Colter Phillips, this season is all about family and football. The sophomore from Darnestown, Md., comes from a tight-knit football family; all three of his brothers play football, and two of them also play at FBS schools. This year, the Virginia football family has rallied around Phillips and his immediate family after they suffered an unspeakable tragedy during the offseason. Colter Phillips’ return to football has been marked by an outpouring of love and support from his teammates, coaches, friends, and fans. Although this season may be the most difficult he will face emotionally, Phillips is determined to have his best performance yet on the field.

Phillips’ father, William “Bill” Phillips, tragically lost his life this summer in the same plane crash that killed former Senator Ted Stevens. For Colter, football has provided both an outlet for his emotions and a support system from all of his friends, coaches and teammates. Returning to football after missing two weeks of camp in August was tough, but the benefits made it worth the effort.

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