Valencia High School has named Chad Phillips as head boys’ basketball coach for the 2014-15 season. Phillips has been a teacher, basketball coach and athletic director in the Hart School District since 2000.

Phillips comes to Valencia High School having served as the co-athletic director at Canyon High School since 2012, and also taught special education there. Phillips was the Canyon High School boys’ basketball coach from 2000 to 2012, stressing the importance of academic excellence, integrity and sportsmanship, while winning three foothill league championships. He has been hired to teach special education math at Valencia High School, as well.

“We believe Chad will work tirelessly to continue the academic and athletic prominence that Valencia basketball is known for,” John Costanzo, new Valencia High School principal, said. “We believe we have hired one of the finest teachers and coaches this valley has known.”

Phillips grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley and attended Canyon High School, then earned his bachelors of art in psychology from Sonoma State University in 1999, teaching credential in secondary education, special education from National University in 2004 and his masters of science in special education from National University in 2004.

Phillips had the distinct honor of being named District Teacher of the Year in 2012 and has earned other awards and honors including: 2012 Canyon High School Teacher of the Year; Most Motivational Teacher, Canyon High School, in 2007; SCVTV All-Star Coach in 2012; Daily News All-Star Coach in 2012 and the Signal basketball coach of the year in 2006.

“I will cherish the memories and friendships that I have made while at Canyon. I believe it is filled with wonderful students, staff, parents and administration,” Phillips said. “I am excited about the opportunity get back into coaching. The foundation for success is apparent at Valencia and I am hopeful that I could continue molding young men into responsible role models for years to come.”