Southampton Athletic Director Makes Hometown Proud

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The Southampton School District's director of athletics was honored with a prestigious award recently.

Darren Phillips was recognized as the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance's "Director of the Year".

He will be presented with the award at the organization’s annual conference on Friday, the district said.

"This is certainly an honor, to be named Director of the Year, knowing how many great directors there are on Long Island as well as across the state of New York," said Phillips. "While I am receiving the award, it is also a credit to our Southampton physical education and health teachers, both past and present, who have shared the same philosophy and vision for delivering the best physical education and health programs to our students, K to 12."

Phillips, of Southampton, has served as Southampton’s athletics director for the past 23 years, during which time, "he has worked tirelessly to bolster the district’s athletic program," the district said.

Over the years, he has garnered support for an after-school boxing fitness program spearheaded by Chris DeRosa, social worker, for at-risk students, the district said. He also integrated mindfulness and wellness into the elementary school physical education curriculum and a swim program for second and third grade students, the district said.

And, he secured funding for the installation of Gaga courts at the elementary and intermediate school. At the high school, he added new physical education programs, including yoga, Zumba, strength and conditioning, self-defense, a unified physical education class and more. Students also all receive hand CPR training, the district added.

Looking forward, Phillips is working to offer a unified physical education class at the intermediate school and will be piloting a unified golf program this winter at Top Golf in conjunction with Special Olympics, district officials said.

Phillips volunteers for the Dolphin Foundation Leadership and Life Skills Mentorship program, where he recruits students to participate in leadership programs and connect with mentors. He is also the Suffolk Zone president for the Council of Administrators, the district co-chair of the Wellness Committee, and has spoken at the NYS AHPERD conference multiple times. He previously earned the Suffolk Zone award for Director of the Year, as well, district officials said.

Phillips holds a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree from the University of Richmond.