Blazing speed, quick hands and the ability to get to almost any fly ball from right to left-centerfield. These are the tools that have made the University of North Alabama’s Josh Phillips one of the best outfielders in the Gulf South Conference.

The former Cullman and Wallace State star led UNA with 37 stolen bases last season, while maintaining an incredible .401 batting average with 31 RBIs as the Lions’ No. 2 hitter. He also was one of UNA’s best defenders, recording a .980 fielding percentage with only two errors in 98 chances as the Lions’ centerfielder.

“I was fortunate to play on two great programs at Cullman and Wallace State,” Phillips said. “Both coach (Bryan) Bowen and (Randy) Putman are great baseball coaches and they really got me prepared for this level. I think that has helped me take the next step here at UNA.”

With that type of resume in his first year at the Division II level, UNA coach Mike Lane believes the boundaries for Phillips’ success during his senior campaign are unlimited.

“We’re definitely looking for Josh to be one of our leaders this year,” Lane said. “Josh is the type of player that expects to be successful, and he is going to lead by example. When he arrived here at UNA, he bought into our system immediately. We’re expecting a lot out of Josh this year, but he also expects a lot out of himself.”

Phillips is already living up to his high expectations this season. With multiple stellar performances at the plate, the senior was named the GSC’s Player of the Week. Phillips led UNA with eight hits, nine runs scored, six RBIs, three stolen bases, three triples, four walks and a double.

“Some of the guys on the team were teasing me, saying they thought I had a shot at winning it,” Phillips said. “I’m not the type of guy who gets caught up in stuff like that, but it’s really an honor now that I have.”

During his tenure at UNA, Lane has helped the Lions consistently remain at the top of the GSC every year. With an aggressive philosophy, Lane’s teams have built a reputation for stealing bases and putting pressure on opposing defenses. With Phillips’ blazing speed, the senior quickly found himself penciled into UNA’s lineup.

“We’re always going to be the type of team that does the little things right,” Lane said. “So we expect our players to be able to run the bases the right way, lay down sacrifice bunts and execute hit and runs. When we got Josh, he had already been part of two very successful baseball programs (Wallace State and Cullman High School). He had been taught the right way to do things. Josh has been a good fit for us.”

One of the main reasons Phillips has been so successful during his baseball career is partly due to his speed. Lane said the senior outfielder not only is a good contact hitter, but he’s also the type of player that can rely on his legs to get on base. Cullman coach Bryan Bowen said the standout was the same way in high school.

“Josh is a ferocious player,” Bowen said. “He’s a great outfielder and a great athlete. Even though Josh had a lot of extra base hits and a few home runs for us in high school, his biggest strength is his speed. He’s got a great set of wheels and they’re a huge asset to him.”

When describing why Phillips has been so successful at every level, both Lane and Bowen said the same thing — strong work ethic.

“Josh is an outstanding young man with an outstanding work ethic,” Bowen said. “There’s been times when Josh has driven all the way back to Cullman after class to help me, and then drove all the way back. He’s a great player that’s worked very hard to get where he is.”