We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Philip McRae. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Philip below.

Alright, Philip thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

Prior to starting TPH St. Louis, I played professional hockey for 10 years. I had a short stint in the NHL, but most of my career was in the AHL and Europe. Before starting TPH St. Louis, I had never opened a laptop for business. I didn’t use email. I wasn’t involved in business or education. I didn’t go to college — I played junior hockey and signed my first professional contract at 18. So when hockey ended and I stepped into building this program, I was starting from scratch.

The biggest lesson I learned from playing — and the one that has helped me most as a Director — is that success comes from the same habits. Work ethic, consistency, being coachable, competing every day, and responding the right way when things are not going well.

There were seasons I wasn’t playing much. Times I was sent down or cut. Lonely times in Europe. What I learned in those moments is what has helped most in my career today.

Running TPH St. Louis has been no different. Show up every day. Stay organized. Be prepared. Communicate clearly. Hold a high standard. When something goes wrong, adjust and keep moving forward.

Hockey taught me discipline, accountability, and how to push through uncomfortable moments and adversity. TPH St. Louis has given me not only a place to apply those lessons, but the opportunity to share them with unbelievable student-athletes I’m fortunate to work with every day.

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?

TPH St. Louis Academy provides a structured, organized, and supportive environment for student-athletes in grades 4–12 (Hockey and Soccer). Our students come every day to be around like-minded peers who share similar goals and passion for their sport.

We build the school day from 8:00am–3:30pm to integrate both academic and athletic development. Instead of trying to balance school and high-level sports separately, we bring it together in one structured environment. We provide the support, resources, and accountability needed for students to pursue big goals while developing strong habits and life skills.

What sets us apart is the balance between structure and individualized support. We hold a high standard, but we also truly know our students and care about their growth — not just as athletes, but as people.

What I’m most proud of is our culture. The best compliment we receive is when parents say their child jumps out of bed in the morning and doesn’t want to miss a day.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

This isn’t connected to the capital it took to start the business. It’s about the funds we’ve raised through our TPH St. Louis Scholarship Program under our 501(c)(3), the Impact Player Foundation, since the program began.
In the 2025 calendar year, we are proud to have raised $250,000 from generous donors who believe in what we’re building and who truly believe in our mission and vision. Every dollar goes directly toward scholarships for student-athletes who are the right fit for our program but may not otherwise have the financial ability to attend.

The scholarship initiative has been a priority from day one. Select sports demand a lot from families — time, travel, finances, and long-term commitment. We never wanted cost to be the sole reason a motivated, driven student couldn’t be part of TPH St. Louis.

Our goal: if a student is the right fit for our culture and a positive contributor to the environment of the program, we want to create a path for them to be here — regardless of financial hardship.

That’s something we are extremely proud of, and we will continue to grow.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The largest pivot for me has come through growth and expansion.

We started TPH St. Louis Academy in 2020 with one location at Centene Community Ice Center — the TPH St. Louis Hockey Academy — with 25 students, one classroom, two groups, and five staff members.

Each year since, the program has sold out. We’ve grown from one classroom to three, from two groups to three, and from five staff members to 25+ academic and athletic staff members between our two locations.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, we are launching a second location and sport — the TPH St. Louis Soccer Academy at Soccer Park. Between both academies, we expect to serve 120-130 student-athletes in grades 4–12.

That level of growth forces you to pivot.

In the first couple years, I had my hands in everything. As we’ve grown, I’ve had to learn how to delegate, trust our staff, and allow people to lead in their roles.

I’m fortunate to have an unbelievable staff with a wealth of knowledge and experience. My focus has been not just getting the best people on the bus, but making sure they’re in the right seats — doing what they’re most passionate about and most fulfilled doing.

When that happens, the impact on our student-athletes is the greatest.

Growth is exciting, and challenging, at the same time. It requires structure, trust, and letting go of control in certain areas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tphacademy.com/st-louis-hockey/
• Instagram: philip_mcrae9
• Facebook: Philip McRae
• Linkedin: Philip McRae
• Twitter: philip_mcrae90
• Other: TPH St. Louis Soccer Academy: https://tphacademy.com/st-louis-soccer/

  TPH St. Louis Hockey Academy: tphstlouis

  TPH St. Louis Soccer Academy: tphstlouissoccer