Flint Bucks Alum Donovan Phillip Shocks NCAA by Winning Unprecedented Honor – What’s Next?

By EVM Staff

In a remarkable achievement for collegiate soccer, Flint City Bucks alumnus Donavan “Gusto” Phillip has been awarded the prestigious 2025 MAC Hermann Trophy, recognizing him as the NCAA Division I men's soccer player of the year. This accolade, comparable to college football's Heisman Trophy, is awarded based on votes from Division I coaches and is considered the highest honor in college soccer.

Phillip's victory was announced during a ceremony on January 9, 2026, in St. Louis. According to a press release from the Flint City Bucks, Phillip had one of the most impressive seasons in the franchise’s history in 2025, scoring 12 regular-season goals and earning the USL League Two “Golden Boot.” His playoff performance was equally stellar, adding five more goals and leading the Bucks to a Central Conference title. He was also honored as the USL2 Player of the Year for his outstanding contributions.

Flint City head coach Paul Doroh expressed his pride in Phillip's achievement, stating, “I couldn’t be more pleased that Gusto received this award. I’m also very proud of the hard work he has put in to become the player he is. He has earned it. It’s rewarding to have a chance to work with a player like Gusto. He’s a phenomenal talent and person, and I’m happy that the Flint City Bucks were able to be part of this incredible journey. We wish him every success in the future.”

Phillip's journey in collegiate soccer is impressive. This past fall, as a junior at NC State University, he tallied 19 goals, helping the Wolfpack reach the NCAA College Cup final and earning the title of ACC Offensive Player of the Year. Phillip began his college career in 2023 at Oakland University, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting 19 matches and scoring five goals while assisting seven. He then transferred to NC State, where he continued to excel, registering six goals and four assists as a sophomore.

In addition to his collegiate success, Phillip was selected as the No. 62 pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids, signaling a promising future in professional soccer.

Notably, this marks the second consecutive year that a Flint City Bucks alumnus has won the MAC Hermann Trophy, following the victory of midfielder Michael Adedokun in 2024 after his season at Ohio State University. This trend highlights the Bucks’ growing prominence as a significant breeding ground for soccer talent, emphasizing their impact on the sport at both the collegiate and professional levels.

As Donavan Phillip continues to make waves in the soccer world, his journey serves as an inspiration not only to young athletes in Flint and beyond but also to all who aspire to achieve greatness in their respective fields.