Over the past four years Cayden Phillips has become extremely grateful for the opportunity he was given to sign and play baseball at Division I Kansas State University.
The Amarillo High graduate, who helped lead the Sandies to the UIL Class 5A state baseball tournament in 2021, has not only carved his own path with the Wildcats but has been trusted upon by his coaches and teammates as a leader after being named a captain this spring.
“Kansas State took me late in the process my senior year at AHS,” Phillips said. “This program and coach (Pete) Hughes trusted me and have shown me the right way. To be honest, if it wasn’t for Kansas State I may not have lasted anywhere else. This program has a blue-collar work ethic that and everyone is held accountable. It meant a lot to be named a captain this year. Again, the trust shown is incredible.”
Phillips, a now rotating starter at catcher for Kansas State, was a star for the Sandies baseball program being an All-State selection while leading AHS in home runs (seven) and RBIs (47) his senior season.
Coming to an up-and-coming program like Kansas State, Phillips knew the challenge was an uphill climb but one he was ready to overcome.
“I think what I’ve learned the most is knowledge of the game,” said Phillips, who has played in 66 career games for the Wildcats. “There are a lot of things you don’t anticipate at the college level from all aspects. I’m stronger, I’m smarter and I’ve always had great mentors to grow from to get me where I am today.”
Amarillo High head coach Randon Johnson keeps an eye on his former player and couldn’t be prouder of the young man Phillips has become.
“I love that Cayden has had such an impact on that program,” Johnson said. “I love the fact that he was named a team captain and has stuck it out in one place for four years. You always wonder how a high school player is going to adjust in college, but it was a smooth transition for Cayden. He’s an amazing guy and we are all so proud of what he’s accomplished.”
As a senior captain, Phillips knows his playing career is coming to an end soon. The Wildcats are getting set for the Big 12 Tournament this week in Arlington and then it’s on to the regionals. With a business degree in hand on top of aspirations to coach, Phillips goal now is to be that mentor for the young guys in the locker room.
“Knowing my playing career is coming to an end has crept up on me,” Phillips said. “But I’m at peace with knowing that I’ve made a difference on and off the field being there for the young guys like the older players that were there for me. That’s what this program is all about.”
In a day in age with an ever-moving transfer portal, one thing Phillips is extremely proud of is that Kansas State was his home and he couldn’t have played for a better program.
“I have all respect for any player that goes through the transfer portal,” Phillips said. “Everyone’s situation is different, but for me it was special to call Kansas State home for four years. One of my favorite things to see is when a transfer comes here, they immediately see the love in the program and how bright it is here. Everything is earned and we all respect that.”