This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Beware the sleeping dragon that is Bizzy Phillips.
Falling short to Viewmont in double overtime in the Class 5A state championship has refocused and recommitted Phillips to next season. The midfielder isn't happy how the season ended and knows there is unfinished business for next year. With the help of 12 returning juniors, Phillips knows she is lucky to have a second chance, and nothing will stop her from retaking the state title.
"Every time I think of the game [against Viewmont], I get so mad and I just want to go back out there are re-do it," Phillips said. "I am completely focused on next year."
Phillips is dismissive of her team-leading 22 goals and is quick to credit her teammates for this season's success. She attributes it to the sense of unity the players share and Alta's winning tradition.
"The unity of this year's team has been awesome—our team this year was really special," Phillips said.
The junior already committed to BYU and constantly is improving her game. She works daily on conditioning, footwork and pace. She knows there always is room for improvement, and it starts with setting the right attitude for her teammates.
"I always try to be positive and set the right tempo for the team," Phillips said. "Because when we start playing well, we're unstoppable."
Her work ethic hasn't gone unnoticed by coach Lee Mitchell. He inserted her into the starting lineup last season, and it paid off with her scoring 11 goals and the Hawks winning the 5A state title. Mitchell said that Phillips' greatest strength is her leadership by example and complete commitment to the team.
"She is a very driven player who wants to be the best and works to be the best," Mitchell said. "She doesn't ask people to do something that she isn't will to do herself."
All-state girls' soccer team 2012
Talent doesn't trump everything. Winning takes more. Titles demand leadership and accountability. The MVPs and all-state players of the 2012 girls' soccer season understood this notion. Meet The Tribune's MVPs, first teams and second teams in each class: