Eloff BIO
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport University has had enormous success since starting its rugby program in the fall of 2009 and a lot of that can be credited with the help from assistant coach Thabu Eloff. The third year coach for the Panthers has played in three World Cups (2003 in Australia, 2005 Sevens in Hong Kong and then in the 2007 in France) and has shared his knowledge of the game with a program that is among the nation's elite. Take a closer look at Eloff in this week's Q&A with an assistant coach.
Name: Phillip “Thabu” Eloff
Birthplace: South Africa
Hometown: Northam
High School: Frikkie Meyer
College: NEIU
How and when did you start playing rugby? When I was 5 years old in the backyard with all the other kids from the neighborhood
Do you play any other sports as a recreation? Golf, mountain biking, windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding, snowboarding.
Do you have any lifelong goals? To live a simple life with greater balance, strength, courage, and abundance of love and happiness.
How has your experience been coaching at the collegiate level? It has been a very fulfilling experience to see so many players progress to become great rugby players but more so to see their development into confident, educated, respectfull and hardworking individuals.
What does it mean to work with head coach Kruger van Biljon? I'm very fortunate to be able to coach a sport that I love and have a passion for, with my best friend. I've learned a lot from Kruger in regards to rugby but it is the life lessons such as 'suck it up, tomorrow the sun will come again' and 'stand up for what you believe is right even if it is not what everybody else wants to hear', that means the most to me.
From your experience as a national level rugby player, what were the challenges did you have? And how did you overcome it? I've had many 'supposedly' career ending injuries but I wouldn't except it. After every injury I refused to give up. I fought through the pain, worked hard, dedicated myself and believed that I can overcome this. I was also very fortunate to have some amazing people around me to help, motivate and support me.
What is the best advice for a high school athlete looking to play in college in any sport: Your education comes first. Make sure that you base your decisions on that.
Favorites
Color: Blue
Food: Traditional South African Barbeque
Restaurant: Mastros Steak House in Chicago
Vacation Spot: Maldives
Book or Movie: Long walk to freedom
Hobby: Guitar, fixing things
TV Show: Saturday Night Live
Sports Team: Blue Bulls
