Daniel Phillips, a 19-year-old Bermudian, has been named the first recipient of the Arizona State University Bermuda Scholarships, a new initiative to support Bermudians pursuing higher education at ASU. The scholarship covers four years of tuition and will be awarded annually to five deserving students.
Phillips, a 19-year-old Bermudian, has been selected as the first recipient of the Arizona State University (ASU) Bermuda Scholarships. This milestone marks the launch of an exciting new initiative designed to support Bermudians pursuing higher education at ASU. Phillips is the inaugural awardee and will receive four years of fully funded tuition to help support his academic journey.
The ASU Scholarship is the first in what will become an annual series of awards aimed at assisting deserving Bermudian students enrolled at Arizona State University.
As a student-athlete, Daniel is also an active member of the ASU Men’s Tennis Team, competing through Sun Devil Athletics. In a recent conversation, Daniel shared his experiences so far as a scholarship recipient, insight into life balancing academics and athletics, and his advice for other students hoping to follow in his footsteps.
To learn more about the scholarship process and Daniel’s journey, read on below.
Q. What does it mean to you to attend Arizona State University as a Bermudian who is also a recipient of one of ASU’s scholarships?
DP: Being a Bermudian receiving a scholarship at ASU means the world to me. I’m so grateful. The international athletic journey has been a challenging one for my family to finance and get me to where I am. The scholarship has taken some of that pressure off my mom and for that, I am eternally thankful.
Q.How did you find the application process when applying for a scholarship?
DP: Absolutely amazing. I would like to take this time to thank both BIOS and the team at ASU for their kindness and for giving me this opportunity.
Q.How has ASU supported you in your academic and sporting career?
DP: Both in the academic and sporting arenas, the professors and coaches are constantly motivating me to be the best version of myself. The two areas work together to ensure the team and I can travel to tournaments across the whole of the U.S. while constantly ensuring I don’t fall behind in my studies. I currently have a 3.5 GPA.
Q. How do you find the balance between tennis and school and what is some advice that you would offer a student in a similar position?
DP: I make sure I am 100% on court when I’m on court and give everything I can, and then when training or competition is over I make sure to give 100% focus to my academics. It is a balancing act, but the team here works together to help us find the balance.
Q. How has being a student-athlete shaped your experience at ASU from both an academic and athletic perspective?
DP: My experience at ASU has made me strive to be the best version of myself. I am truly so grateful to be here; I feel so blessed. I am constantly pushing myself to do better. I am around good people who are constantly looking out for me, networking with me and making this the best experience.
Q. Why would you encourage other Bermudian students to apply for one of the ASU scholarships?
DP: Tempe Arizona is an amazing location. I love the professionalism and energy that Tempe offers. The university is really diverse, and the environment is state-of-the-art. I think what I find most rewarding is the fact that I can train and compete in tennis at the level I am, and still be able to keep on top of my academics. I am grateful to the professors and the coaches for this. They really work together to be able to make this happen.
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