John Phillips, a member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and a longtime contributor to the game of lacrosse on many levels, died September 18 at the age of 89.
Following his collegiate playing career that began at Navy and finished at Cornell, Phillips began his longtime association with the Long Island Lacrosse Club in 1965, initially as a player and then serving as general manager and assistant coach. The club won 18 USCLA (United States Club Lacrosse Association) championships during Phillips’ tenure and claimed 12 additional runner-up finishes.
Phillips also served at various times as president and vice president of the USCLA, which was the premier post-collegiate lacrosse league prior to the advent of professional lacrosse. He later joined the New York Saints of the National Lacrosse League, serving as both a coach and general manager while leading the team to its only championship game appearance in 1989.
Phillips was also a longtime contributor to the U.S. Men’s National Team program and later, to the growth of international lacrosse. He served as general manager for three U.S. men’s teams that won world championships, and he remained involved with the program for three decades.
“John had such a great relationship with all the U.S. team coaches and players,” said Hall of Famer and former U.S. player Skip Lichtfuss. “He was so committed to the U.S. program and wanted to help it get better every year. Everyone had a deep respect for John and the great work he did. He was a gracious and humble servant who just got the job done.”
Phillips later became executive director of the International Lacrosse Federation from 1995 to 2002, and also served as a member of the board of directors for the Lacrosse Foundation from 1987 to 1989.
Equally committed to the growth of the game locally, Phillips coached varsity lacrosse at Seaford (NY) High School and served in volunteer leadership roles for many decades with the Long Island Metro Lacrosse Foundation, including a tenure as the chapter president. He was inducted into the LIMLF Hall of Fame in 1991.
“John was an icon,” said Harry Jacobs, who served alongside Phillips for many years on the LIMLF’s leadership board. “He was a really kind and compassionate man who always served as the voice of reason. He simply loved the game and stayed involved for decades as a labor of love. His service, often with his wife Sallie at his side, inspired people like me to become contributors.”
Phillips was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2006 in recognition for his great contributions in the fields of coaching, development, and service. A memorial service for Phillips has been scheduled for November 9. Further details to be announced.
