How Marcus Phillips went from Iowa Western CC to the College World Series with Tennessee

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - One year can make all the difference—Marcus Phillips is living proof.

Phillips’ college journey began at Iowa Western Community College in 2023. One season later, the 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher is across the river, preparing for the College World Series finals as a Tennessee Volunteer.

“It’s awesome, it’s what you dream of as a kid,” he said. “I honestly wouldn’t have thought I’d be here last year.”

Phillips appeared in four games in his freshman campaign with the Riveters, striking out 11 batters in 12 innings of work.

That June, he went to Charles Schwab Field with friends to catch the College World Series.

“All I could think about is wanting to be on the field and part of the action,” he said.

Tennessee happened to be playing that day—he even sat next to Hunter Ensley’s family.

“I didn’t know him, I didn’t know who he was,” he said. “It’s kind of crazy. Fast forward four months and I’m teammates with him.”

In his first season with Tennessee, Phillips appeared in 18 games, striking out 21 batters over 19.1 innings. In his last outing, he closed out the Vols win over Vanderbilt to advance to the SEC championship game.

Admittedly, going from playing in front of 15 fans to 7,000 has been an adjustment, but Phillips is still in awe of where his journey has taken him.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to be here with any other team.”

Copyright 2024 WOWT. All rights reserved.