Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Philip McRae . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Philip, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My mission is to have a positive impact on each student athlete I have the opportunity to work with at our Academy. To help them grow and develop as students, hockey players, and most importantly young people. I was fortunate enough to play hockey for the USA National Team, Jr hockey in the OHL, and 10 years professional including time in the NHL, AHL, and Europe. I try to use my experiences, good and bad, to mentor my students, and assist them in taking ownership for their own development.
Philip, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have always had a passion for working with youth. Specifically, youth hockey players that have a love for the same game I do, hockey. When the opportunity came to me to transition out of playing professional hockey, to mentor and develop the youth players in my hometown of St. Louis, I took it and have not regretted it for a day. I truly get to jump out of bed each morning and do something I am passionate about, and make a difference. Going to TPH St. Louis Academy, ever day, to help our students to the best of my ability, has never felt like work. At the academy, we provide four main areas for our students. Academics, individual on ice development , individual off ice training, and mentorship. Our goal is to have like minded students with similar goals, dreams, and interests excited to come to school everyday and work towards their own goals. To come to a culture and environment where students push each other, motivate each other, and encourage each other in all areas. In a facility that provides them with all the resources and tools needed, and with an experienced staff to assist them in reaching their full potential and allowing them the greatest opportunity to reach those goals. The 22-23 academic year is the third year for TPH St. Louis Academy and we currently have 50 student hockey players (grade 5 – 12) attending the program full time. Our short term success has been having a class GPA of 3.71 , 93% of students on honor roll, advancing 6 students to the “AAA Tier 1 hockey level” for the first time, and having two students drafted into Junior A hockey. Long term, our goal is to have our students learn about commitment, work ethic, time management, priorities, and many other character traits and life skills that will help them be successful in their own path in life, whatever that might be.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What I believe has helped myself, and TPH St. Louis Academy, to grow and thrive is three things. Number 1 is truly caring about each student we have the opportunity to work with. Not just as an athlete and a student, but more importantly as a person. Learning how we can motivate each individual and inspire them to do their best and give everything they have to their goals and dreams. Most importantly for myself and our staff is that students are excited for the day and mentally in a good and healthy place while they are at the Academy. The best way for myself to accomplish this is by showing how much I care, leading by example, and creating a competitive, structured, and fun environment. Secondly, is staying innovative and continuing to evolve each day as a teacher, mentor, and hockey coach. Adapting and adjusting in areas that it’s needed and staying open minded to ways to improve myself and the students. Lastly is simply improving the students as hockey players and advancing them within the game. Weather that is from A2 hockey to central states, or AAA to Junior.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The biggest pivot I had to make in my life was simply transitioning from being a professional athlete to running a business. As an athlete, it was a much different life. You really only have one focus as that is to perform in your sport to the best of your ability. There is lots of down time, travel, and no such thing as weekends, weekdays and work hours. It is just a lifestyle. You do not have co-workers, but teammates, which is much different. There are endless skills and tools I learned from the game of hockey I have been able to bring with me into my new career path, such as the work ethic, commitment, dedication, and focus. At the same time, I did not go to college and I never opened a laptop before becoming the Director of an Academy. Learning about budgeting, marketing, software programs, recruiting, staff management, and much more has been challenging. It has also been very rewarding getting to learn so much, in a short time. The biggest adjustment for myself has been not having the camaraderie and tightness that comes with being on a team. The long bus rides, nights on the road in a new city, saunas after practice, and morning coffees in the locker room are what I miss the most from my previous career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tphcenterofexcellence.com/st-louis/
- Instagram: TPHstlouis
- Facebook: TPH St. Louis
- Linkedin: Philip McRae
- Youtube: TPH St. Louis
- Other: Tik tok: TPH St. Louis
Image Credits
TPH St. Louis Instagram