Former Kiski School and Pittsburgh Independence FC standout Donovan Phillip wins MAC Hermann Trophy

Former Kiski School and Pittsburgh Independence FC standout and NC State forward Donavan Phillip was named the winner of the 2025 Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy, on Friday night, at the MAC’s annual banquet.

Phillip, who is currently a junior, is the first player in NC State program history to win the award and the 22nd ACC men’s soccer player to win the Hermann Trophy.

The native of the small Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia (the same nation where Riverhounds’ First Class Hall of Famer David Flavius hails from), Phillip came to Pittsburgh to attend Kiski Prep and played club soccer with Pittsburgh Independence FC (previously

In his return to Pittsburgh earlier this Fall, Donovan scored in the opening minutes of NC State’s match vs Pitt at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

In leading the Wolfpack to the NCAA national championship match, Phillip racked up a nation’s best 19 goals. The native of Saint Lucia played in 22 of NC State’s 23 total matches this season, totaling 1,482 minutes and averaging 67 minutes of action per game.

Former Kiski School, Pittsburgh Independence FC standout Donovan Phillip leads NC State into College Cup

He was the first-ever Wolfpack player to be named ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and he also was a First-Team All-ACC and First-Team All-America selection.

Phillip scored the most goals by an NC State player since Sam Okpodu scored 20 goals in 1984. He recorded the most points by a Wolfpack player (40) since Roy Lassiter racked up 40 in 1991.

The MAC Hermann Trophy, a 10-pound crystal soccer ball, is awarded to the United Soccer Coaches National Players of the Year in NCAA Division I men’s and women’s soccer based on voting conducted by member coaches.

When Phillip played in Pittsburgh in September, he had a large rooting section with many current players from Pittsburgh Independence FC, along with his former Kiski School Head Coach Jonty Lukes in attendance that night.

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John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).