Some were surprised by Gwyneth Philips season with Northeastern, but the NCAA Goalie of the Year has always been a star.

Gwyneth Philips is the NCAA Goalie of the Year. She was invited to USA’s national team selection camp and she was a Patty Kazmaier nominee for NCAA player of the year.

Her accomplishments and ability are exemplary, which is why the limited opportunity Philips has been given is confusing. In her first three seasons at Northeastern, Philips only played 16 games. This season, she played 38, and was an almost unbeatable force. Hidden in plain sight, Philips’ stardom is a secret no more.

“The first 3 years of my college career were different than I expected than when I first committed, but I took it in stride and tried to always be ready and play my best when I was given an opportunity,” said Philips, who recorded a 13-1-0 record in that span, a 0.64 GAA and .969 save percentage.

“I was able to focus on my development rather than my performance, which I think was very helpful. That being said, I was definitely excited to assume the starting role, I was very hungry.”

When she took those starters shoes, taking over from Aerin Frankel, Philips proved she was not only an NCAA starter, but the best in the nation. She was named a Hockey East First Team All-Star, and NCAA Goalie of the Year. She beat out Abbie Levy for both titles, who would eventually be named Team USA’s third goalie, and Team Sweden starter Emma Soderberg.

For Philips, stepping into Northeastern’s starters role was a welcomed challenge, which she met. Her team advanced to the NCAA final four before being shutout by Ohio State.

“I was a bit nervous stepping into such big shoes, and having gone three seasons without being too tested, I definitely worried about my ability to compete and play every day at an elite level. But as the season started, and I got the hiccups out, I started to feel more comfortable. I felt like I could feel my teammates gaining trust in me as their goalie, and that grew my confidence and play tremendously,” she said.

Soon, Philips was having fun again. No longer relegated to the bench, her star began to shine again. Alongside her NCAA accolades, Philips was also invited to USA’s national team selection camp. Although she did not make the roster, the recognition was welcomed.

“It’s a huge honor,” she said of her recognition this season. “Truly, I don’t focus on the accolades or achievements. Sitting back for three years, all I wanted to do was play hockey. I wasn’t shooting for any awards or recognition, because I was just excited to get to play again. Regardless, being recognized and invited for these things is still an honor.”

Although there would undoubtedly being suitors waiting at the professional level to sign Philips, she’s returning to Northeastern for a fifth season. After putting up a 34-3-1 record this season, alongside a 0.87 GAA, .960 save percentage, and 10 shutouts, Philips has set her own bar high.

She knows she’ll have a leadership role this season in continuing Northeastern’s winning culture, and it’s a challenge she’s ready to take on.

last year I was stepping into the starting position, so I had my hands full learning a new role then. But, as a 5th year this year I will have an obligatory leadership role. I think that will be a focus of mine. The culture of this program is so great, I want to do everything I can to keep it like that and improve it, if possible.

While Philips knows a future in professional hockey is possible, for now, she’s keeping her eyes on Northeastern, and helping the program win.

“I’m just going to focus on my next and last NCAA season, and I'll reevaluate pro hockey things later in the year,” she said. “I’m just taking it all in, watching the leagues develop and women’s hockey grow is really great, so I’m happy I get to be a part of that, and I’m confident it will all work out for the best. “