Phipps Named to SEC Community Service Team

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –  The Southeastern Conference office named its SEC Gymnastics Community Service team on Thursday afternoon, with Kentucky senior Tiara Phipps representing the Wildcats on the eight-person squad. 

Phipps has totaled over 15 hours of community service in the past year, volunteering in food banks, painting homes for Habitat for Humanity, helping at UK children’s hospital and packing food for those less fortunate. She has logged over 140 hours of community service during her career as a Wildcat.

“Community service plays a huge role for me,” Phipps said after learning about her spot on the team. “Especially at an SEC school like UK, you’re blessed with so much. I feel like it’s my duty almost to give back. I don’t need all of this just because I’m kind of good at gymnastics, and I know that there are people out there who don’t have as much. These people deserve it as much if not more. I just love the feeling of helping someone and seeing the look on their face.”

The senior from San Antonio has also had an impact in competition this season, providing a lift for the Wildcats on the floor exercise and vault. Phipps has competed in seven meets this season, saving her best for last posting her best two floor scores of the season with a 9.85 and 9.825 in the past two meets. 

This is the second time Phipps has been named to the SEC Gymnastics Community Service Team – she also earned the distinction in 2014.

Phipps is joined by Lauren Beers (Alabama), Heather Elswick (Arkansas), Kait Kluz (Auburn), Grace McLaughlin (Florida), Brandie Jay (Georgia), Ashleigh Gnat (LSU) and Blair Elmore (Missouri).