Story and photo by Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

College of the Canyons All-American women’s soccer player Hailey Phipps has signed a National Letter of Intent with Lubbock Christian University and will continue her career as a member of the Chaparrals.

Lubbock Christian University is an NCAA Division II program located in Lubbock,Texas. The Chaparrals compete in the Heartland Conference. In 2017, LCU head coach Alex Denning and the Chaparrals posted an overall record of 9-7-2.

“This really means a lot to me,” said Phipps. “Ever since I was a little kid I’ve wanted to go away to school and play soccer.

“I feel like Lubbuck Christian is a really good fit for me, and perfect for what I want to do with both soccer and school, so I’m really excited,” added Phipps who will be majoring in exercise science.

Phipps, who attended Saugus High School, earned All-Western State Conference (WSC) honors as a defender in 2017 and was named to both the 2017 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Southern California All-Region and All-State Teams.

She was also named a United Soccer Coaches Junior College Women’s Division III All-American.

As a sophomore in 2017, Phipps served as team captain and made significant contributions on the defensive side of the pitch every time she took the field. She also scored the game-winning goal in a tight 1-0 victory over Moorpark College on Oct. 3.

During her freshman campaign at COC Phipps recorded six goals — including three game winners — to finish the season in a three-way tie for second on the team. At the end of that season Phipps was named the WSC, East Division Player of the Year.

Always ready to make an impact on the COC attack, Phipps was a reliable weapon for COC head coach Justin Lundin to turn to on free kick and penalty kick opportunities. Coincidentally, her PK goal vs. Victor Valley College on Oct. 18, 2016 was the first goal scored at the new state-of-the-art COC Soccer Facility, which opened on the same day.

“My two years at College of the Canyons have been two of the best years of my life,” Phipps said. “Coach Justin (Lundin) and Charles (Martinez) and the entire staff have been amazing in preparing me for what to expect at the next level.

“And just being able to play soccer with these amazing girls,” added Phipps.”I’ve made some of my best friends that I think I’ll have for life.”