Interview #9- Giles Phillips

Giles Phillips (yellow) is an American professional soccer player for the Queens Park Rangers of the EFL Championship, and is currently on loan to the Wycombe Wanderers of EFL League One. A 22 year old defender, Giles has made a huge impact on the Wycombe Wanderers and has helped them keep strong across the back-line. Before his loan, he played for QPR's u23's. Giles is a very exiting talent with a bright future ahead of him.

1.  Growing up in America, what was your youth career like?

My youth career was pretty standard just playing with local travel teams in my area I played for ELA which is a club in Lake Zurich and FCX in barrington both local travel teams. 

2. In 2017, you moved from America to England to join QPR, how was that transition like?
The transition to be honest was very interesting it was a huge learning experience. I just wanted to and ended up soaking up as much knowledge QPR were giving me. 

3. How did you opportunity with QPR come about?
The opportunity came up via a scouting/ combine that I was just using to get fitter and reading for the upcoming collegiate season. I ended up impressing and the agents that were there got my trial at QPR and also Derry City. 

4. Recently you were loaned to Wycombe Wanderers, how has your time been with them so far?
I’m really enjoying my time on loan at the moment, recently made both my league and cup debut so I’m excited for the rest of the season and what’s to come. 

5. Coolest stadium you’ve ever played in?
Coolest stadium I’ve ever played in is probably Orlando’s that stadium is unbelievable. 

6. Best player you’ve ever faced?
Best player I’ve ever played against hands down Eden Hazard.

7. You took an unconventional route to professional soccer for Americans, do you think you made the right choice?
100% I made the right choice if I hadn’t I wouldn’t be living my dream. 

8. What are your main goals for the future?
Main goal is to play at the highest level I possibly can and for as long as I can.

9. What’s it like to play with Adebayo Akinfenwa?
It’s good you know exactly what he brings to the team once he steps on the field not only having a huge presence you know you have an outlet up top.

10. What do you do in your free time outside of soccer?
Outside of soccer I’m pretty boring, just hanging out with friends to spend time with my girlfriend and play video games.

11. What’s a common misconception about being a professional soccer player?
A common misconception would probably be that we’re all arrogant, in reality we are just all normal people.

12. What separates an amateur from a pro?
Hours they put into the trade as a professional we practice pretty much everyday if we’re not training we are trying to recover our bodies. It’s easier being a professional obviously since it’s our job, but we are able to put more hours in than an amateur. 

13. What are you favorite cleats?
My favourite cleats would be the ones I’m wearing now, the phantom venoms. 

14. Mesi or Ronaldo?
Both are world class players that we should just enjoy watching that try to compare them to one another!

15. What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My Family.

16.  If there was a movie about your life, who would you want to play yourself in it?
Kevin Hart because I feel as if he’d be able to portray me sense of humour.

17. How do you deal with failure?
Learn from it and try to move forward as quickly as possible.

18. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mexican food.

19. In five words, describe yourself?
Confident, Hardworking, considerate, caring, and honest.

20. If you could ask for one thing, what would it be?
For my family to stay healthy.

21. What’s your greatest strength?
Staying Calm in tough situations.

22. What’s your biggest weakness?
Being hard-headed.

23. Greatest achievement in your career so far?
Greatest achievement would be making my football league debut.

24. How have you adjusted at Wycombe? What’s it like to play under Gareth Ainsworth?
There was an adjustment to be honest, the dressing room of Wycombe is so welcoming, Gareth is a great manager always wants you to give your for him and he will give his all for you! 

25.  What’s one thing you believe that separates you from players you played with that didn’t make it to the professional level?
Ever since I was 3, my goal was to always be a professional footballer and I’ve never given up, no matter what the worlds thrown at me!

26. How do you stay calm in tough moments?
Think positively, things are going to go wrong and be tough, it’s inevitable, but you just have to believe in yourself and all the hours you’ve put in preparing for the tough moments.

27. What’s your advice for youngsters working to become pro?
My advice would be to never give up, I know it sounds cliche but there’s no easy route to get here you’ve got to be willing to put in the work.

28. Who’s your biggest role model?
My biggest role models are my parents without them I don't know where I would be, consistent belief and always telling me to never give up on my dreams I’m so thankful for them!

29. When you step on the pitch, how do you feel?
Calm, I’m always at my most clear headed when I’m playing football whether that be in a professional game or just kicking the ball around with my friends.

30. Any last words for the readers?
If you made it this far thanks for reading, and nothing in life is ever easy enjoy the challenge and when it does knock you down make sure you get straight back up and go again!

Interview by Chris Dailey

A big thank you to Giles for helping us create The Sports Court history! This interview has the most questions ever done! Giles is a class player on the field and person off of it. We wish him nothing but the best in his future. Thanks again Giles!

photo 1 via https://twitter.com/gilesphillips22
photo 2 via https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/teams/player-profiles/defender/giles-phillips/