Illinois Men's Gymnastics Adds Grad Transfer Sam Phillips

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois men's gymnastics head coach Daniel Ribeiro has added graduate transfer Sam Phillips for the 2025 season, the program announced on Monday. 

"We are extremely excited to add Sam to the Illini family," Ribeiro said. "Sam is a proven competitor who earned two All-America honors this past year at NCAA Championships. He brings a vibrant, infectious, positive energy that will fit perfectly with our team culture. He is a veteran and a leader and will be instrumental in helping the Illini reach another level of success."

Phillips has spent his last four years at Nebraska, where he notched a career-high 14.750 on floor, a 13.050 on pommel horse, a 13.850 on still rings, a 14.700 on vault, a 14.400 on parallel bars, a 14.300 on high bar and a 82.350 in all-around. 

During his freshman year, in 2021, the West Hills, Calif., native took home a bronze medal on high bar at Big Tens and earned Second Team All-Big Ten. He was also an NCAA Team finals competitor, helping the Cornhuskers to a fourth-place finish. 

The following year, Phillips earned CGA Regular Season All-American status in floor and high bar. He was also a First Team All-Big Ten member and a nominee for the College Gymnastics Association (CGA) MVP award. 

Following a redshirt year in 2023, Phillips' 2024 season was his best yet. On top of helping Nebraska to a Big Ten regular-season co-champion feat, he was also an NCAA High Bar All-American and an NCAA All-Around All-American. Phillips also was a CGA regular-season All-American on floor and in all-around. Phillips was a Nissen Emery Award finalist and a CGA MVP award nominee, and he helped Nebraska to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships.