NFL
By Keith Richards
At 14, Donavan Phillip left Castries, Saint Lucia, for Saltsburg, Pennsylvania. While his football life began in Saint Lucia at a young age, Donavan’s journey is just beginning. Seven years later, Phillip is now a MAC Hermann Trophy winner and a regular starter with the Colorado Rapids.
How did Donavan Phillip get here? Is he fitting in here in Colorado? In another life, is Donavan a famous cricket player? After training on Friday, I spoke with Phillip about those questions and much more. Join us on a journey as we get to know the forward who has everyone in Commerce City excited!
It’s been a whirlwind year for Donavan. First, he won the MAC Hermann Trophy. Then, started his career with Colorado Rapids 2. Before his injury, Phillip scored three goals in seven matches. Since the World Cup Break, Donavan Phillip is now breaking into the first team. With the first team, Phillip played 12 matches, starting 7. During that time, Dono scored three goals in three straight matches. I asked Donavan where his head is with this recent success.
Phillip said, “I feel like it’s in a good place knowing that I can show myself outside of the college world. Because people are talking about, like, ‘You can only do it in college.’” So, I mean, it’s a good spot knowing that I can come into the professional environment, and even at the international level, and do what I can do and showcase myself. Then, hopefully, there’s more to come.”
What more is there to come? Dono is ambitious. He said, “I mean, hopefully there’s like some postseason awards, and hopefully going to the playoffs and making a run and hopefully win the MLS Cup. I can add that to my resume.” So, I asked Phillip if he set any goals for himself at the beginning of the year and whether he’s accomplishing them. The answer to both questions is yes.
Donavan Phillip stated, “Yeah, I did set goals. I set five for the end of the year in terms of the MLS, and then with the twos, I was just trying to help them get points. I didn’t set goals for that because that was not part of the plan. But, I mean, at the end of the day, it really helped me development wise. So, I did set five at the end of the year, but I’m hoping to surpass that in the next four games.”
So far, Donavan has crossed off three of those goals. He hopes to check the rest off soon and then play in the MLS playoffs. In MLS, Phillip is the only player from Saint Lucia. So, I asked Donavan what it’s like to be the only Saint Lucian in MLS and to play for his national team. Dono said, “It’s a lot. I know a lot of the younger guys back home, and some of the players that play on the same team; they kind of look up to me and kind of like ask me different questions about what steps you take in their career and the little things they need to do to improve themselves and end up playing professionally.”
Donavan continued, “It just really helps me, kind of telling them my story, and basically the trials and tribulations I went through. Knowing and telling them, ‘Just don’t give up on your dream.’ Anything happens at any time. So, it can be today or tomorrow. You can sign a new contract with a professional team somewhere. You know what I mean? So, just don’t put your head down, keep your head up, and keep going.”
Donavan Phillip says he doesn’t feel the weight of being the only Saint Lucian player in MLS. He keeps it at the back of his mind. Phillip thinks of the club first. He knows that if you Google his name, Saint Lucia will be one of the first things that comes up. So, he feels no pressure because he knows that he will do everything he can to put his island on the map. When he returns to play for Saint Lucia, they know what to expect. What can they expect? A versatile player.
I asked Dono how he’s adjusting to what Coach Wells asks of him. He stated, “It really depends on the week. I’m one of those players where, unfortunately, I can play anywhere on the field. If he needs me at left back, I’ll go play left back. So, the position really doesn’t matter. It’s just sticking to the game plan. We do a lot of preparation all week in terms of who we are playing and trying to break them down; doing things in terms of our way.” For Donavan, it’s a big thing just knowing he can excel no matter where he plays. Winning is what’s most important, and he will do what it takes.
Donavan Phillip grew up in a football family. His dad played professionally in Jamaica. His uncle played for the Saint Lucia National team. Was there ever a time when Donavan thought that he wouldn’t play football? “There was a time when I was like seven or eight. We had to decide between track or football. So, kind of the one I needed to pursue, and which one I think I can go further from,” Phillip said.
Donavan continued, “But I always had the love for football. As a Seventh-day Adventist, football back home is always on Saturdays. So, I was kind of leaning more towards track at a point in time. But I was like, ‘Hopefully, God will forgive me.’ I know from time, keep going to church and keep praying that you understand that I’m making that sacrifice for the betterment of me. Then, yeah, I kind of made that decision that football is gonna be it. I’m gonna do anything in my power to become a professional.”
Though football has been a part of his family growing up, only one member of Donavan’s family has seen him play here in the States. That family member is his uncle. By luck, his uncle first saw Dono play when he scored his first goal against Seattle. It means a lot to Phillip. However, Donavan hopes to convince his mother and little brother to visit and see him play. For now, though, we can confirm his uncle did enjoy his goal celebration. Uncle Andrus originated the dance, but Donavan Phillip adds his own flair at the end.
As expected, Donavan looked up to his father and uncle as he grew up playing football. However, on the professional and international level, he looked up to Lionel Messi and Didier Drogba. Messi because he’s left-footed like Dono. Drogba because he was a Chelsea fan. Also, though, because Drogba is a true 9. Phillips admired the goals he scored, the areas he got into, and his overall presence.
There is not much downtime during an MLS season, especially if you’re with the national team during international breaks. However, Donavan still finds time to unwind when he can. “I would say that I like to go on walks. Just see the area and just watch around Colorado, like the places I stay,” Phillip said.
He continued, “Then, I bowl a lot. I actually have a little session bowling on Monday when I just go with a couple of friends, sometimes by myself. That’s how I just take it easy, kind of unwind, take myself away from football. Because when you do it every day, sometimes you get a little complacent. So, just take away from it, and then step back and realize how blessed I am to be in this situation.”
With Rafael Navarro now with St. Louis CITY SC, three players are now in active competition for the starting center forward for the Rapids: Sayed Abu Farkhi, Darren Yapi, and Donavan Phillip. It’s a good relationship, according to Donavan. About the relationship, Dono said, “It’s pretty good, honestly. When we get on the field, at the end of the day, you’re always trying to prove yourself that you’re the better one and outscore the other person, or play better, run harder, or press more.”
He continued, “Then, I would say in the locker room, we both understand, like all three of us are good players, and it just depends on who’s having the best week is gonna start and gonna play. So, that’s just how it is.” Even though Sayed and Darren have U-22 designations, Matt Wells and Padraig Smith both have a lot of faith in Donavan Phillip. During the Summer Transfer Window, the Rapids could have added another attacker. They decided to stick with Phillip instead.
I asked Donavan Phillip how he feels about the team’s trust in him. Dono said, “It really meant a lot. The gaffer called me and told me about that too. He was like, ‘Yeah, this is the situation.’ And he was like, ‘I have faith in you, I trust you, and I believe your potential is through the roof.’ Then, it’s just the same belief I have in you; you gotta believe in yourself. So, that really meant a lot to me, knowing that now I have something to prove. You know what I mean? Where I could have just been replaced or be on another team just like that, you know. So, know now I’m gonna do anything in my power to stay on the field and do anything for this club to be successful.”
As the interview ends, we discuss adjusting to life in Colorado. In Saint Lucia, there are volcanic landscapes and rainforests. While Colorado has mountains, it’s much drier and colder. Donavan says the guys give him a hard time wearing long sleeves, gloves, and pants to practice when it’s in the 60s, but he’s getting used to it. He’s getting used to it and hopes to see more of the mountains and some home before going back to Saint Lucia.
With Halloween coming up, Donavan plans to dress up if Coach allows, but he’s not too big on Halloween. He says he doesn’t understand it. His favorite holiday is New Year’s. His birthday is just a few days later, but more importantly, he appreciates being blessed to see another year. New Year’s is definitely bigger here in America. In Saint Lucia, they gather at Rosy Way, watch the fireworks, and chill.
Donavan Phillip’s ceiling is about as high as Pikes Peak. Though it doesn’t affect him, he carries the weight of an island of over 180,000 people. Just in the few months we’ve gotten to know Donavan, I can think of no better person to carry that burden. He carries himself with so much class, grace, and humility. As a person, he’s a fantastic steward of the Rapids badge. As a player, he has big shoes to fill if he’s looking to be the next great 9 to replace Rafa Navarro.
Dono is more than capable of filling those shoes and helping the club reach the next level. Am I on an island in that belief? Maybe. Maybe not. Luckily for me, and other believers in Donavan Phillip, he thrives in island life.
