Mayfield sophomore playing
January 19, 2011
Mayfield soccer coach Jon Caraco always knew sophomore Conner Phillips had talent. Now Conner gets his chance to further prove it in place where it’s the national sport.
After trying out for the team in November, Conner
was
selected by UK Elite to play football (that’s soccer in the U.S,) with
the U16 team throughout Italy in July. He’ll travel to Milan, Rome, Lake
Como, and San Marino with the UK Elite coaches and team. He will also
compete in the San Marino Cup tournament on the Adriatic coast of Italy.
At just 15, Conner is the youngest player on the team.
Coach Caraco, whose been coaching Conner since he was in fourth grade, praised his athletic ability.
“He goes from zero to full speed in one step and his timing is unbelievable,” he said. “His most remarkable characteristic is his aggression because he’s not intimidated by anyone; the ball is his.”
Conner enjoyed a successful fall season with the Mayfield varsity team. He started every game at forward and finished the year as the leading scorer. The team finished second in the WAC North division, and made it to the first round of sectional playoffs. Conner was also among the many Mayfield players named as a division All-Star.
Recently, coach Caraco has cultivated a relationship with UK Elite. He organizes the summer UK Elite training camps offered to Mayfield soccer players and hopes to send more players to camps in the future.
To support Conner and help form a scholarship for other players from Mayfield to play for UK Elite, you can go to a breakfast fundraiser from 7-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 in the Mayfield High School cafeteria. There will be plenty of pastries, breads, and pancakes.
You can also buy a raffle ticket to win a trip for two to Lake Como, Italy. All proceeds support the player's trip to Italy.
Conner is the son of Bruce and Samantha Phillips. Mrs. Phillips teaches third grade at the elementary school.