With over 25 years of trailblazing experience, Patti Phillips has influenced the world of leadership and sports from countless angles. As CEO, executive director, NCAA program coordinator, color analyst, and coach, Phillips has remained steadfast and intentional about her career and overall leadership imprint.

Currently the CEO at Women Leaders in College Sports, Phillips reshapes how sports leadership looks. Creating space for women to develop skills and identify where they intersect with passions, she is paying it forward through mentorships, leadership training, and building a powerful community of women supporting women.

At the Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC), Phillips led as the Executive Director, promoting the benefits of sports and fitness for girls and women. She propelled the program into the national spotlight, and her direction elevated the community, leading to economic gain and a greater emphasis on wellness. 

And as NCAA program coordinator, Phillips focused on cultivating an environment that prioritized student-athletes’ development, equity, and overall well-being. In addition to her more prominent roles, Phillips has diversified scope and perspective as a color analyst at major broadcasts, including ESPN and FOX Sports Midwest, and as the head women’s basketball and volleyball coach at Ottawa University. 

Sports is at Phillips’ core. The athletic Hall of Famer views sports as a micro-laboratory in which people grow and evolve, leading to a macro-level impact on one’s life. This allows the opportunity to maximize one’s best self.

As a charismatic leader who speaks power into others, Phillips thrives off the notion of the “zone of genius,” where passion connects with skills and talents. She is a visionary and self-proclaimed possibilitarian who sees boundless opportunities within sports and beyond. Phillips is committed to helping women leaders take agency and lead confidently and as their best selves.

Ultimately, Phillips is leading by example. She aims to close the gaps in leadership while multiplying opportunities that positively impact the productivity and progression of women leaders in sports and beyond.