Former NC State soccer standout Donavan Phillip is nominated for best college athlete, as is former Duke basketball star Cameron Boozer. They join a formidable field of nominees that includes Penn State wrestler Mitchell Mesenbrink and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza of Indiana University. Boozer was recently selected third in this year's NBA draft, and Phillip, now with the Colorado Rapids, played his final collegiate season on the very field where fans first saw his rise.
NC State men's soccer head coach Marc Hubbard said the nomination marks a first for the program.
"Another first. I haven't had an ESPY nomination for one of our guys," he said.
Hubbard, now in his second year leading the Wolfpack, said Phillip's growth has been remarkable.
"First year that he was here, he scored six goals. And then, obviously, last year, scored, scored a lot. More than tripled his production," he said.
Phillip finished the 2025-2026 season with 19 goals, helping NC State reach the NCAA Division I Men's College Cup and advance to the national championship match against the University of Washington. Hubbard said Phillip's ceiling remains high.
"He was someone that just continues to get better. And it feels like he hasn't reached his full potential yet," Hubbard said.
The coach said Phillip's national recognition elevates the entire program.
"We're very proud of what we've done so far. And very much harp on trying to be better people make better players," Hubbard said.
ABC11 reached out to Phillip for comment, but he was unavailable.
The Carolina Hurricanes also earned national attention, securing a nomination for Best Team after their Stanley Cup-winning 2025-26 season.
Superfan and longtime hornblower Mike "Big Mike" Whiting said the nomination reflects the emotional journey of the championship run.
"I remember starting the countdown. I couldn't finish. Tears just started coming out," he said.
The Hurricanes lifted the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas, ending a historic season that many fans say will be remembered for decades.
"I heard one guy saying the Hurricanes have the best situation to repeat in any team since the 82-83 Islanders," Whiting said.
Whiting said the team's chemistry is a major part of its identity.
"This team has been together for so long. The core of the team feels like more of a team that, you know, their community can get attached to."
Eight other teams are nominated in the best team category, including the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers and the 2025-26 New York Knicks, who recently ended a 53-year championship drought by winning the NBA Finals.
Canes national anthem singer Adam Lee Decker said the nomination reflects the team's growing stature.
"I feel like we're on the brink of a dynasty," he said. "It's going to mean the world to Raleigh. It's going to mean the world to North Carolina. It's going to be great!"
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