Dupage Policy Journal

North Central College junior student-athlete Corey Phillips has been awarded the 2025 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Chris Martin Perseverance Award. This award honors a student-athlete who shows commitment and perseverance in overcoming physical challenges to compete at the highest levels of CCIW athletics.

Phillips, a sprinter for North Central’s men’s track & field team and a former football player, uses hearing aids due to hearing loss diagnosed at age six. Despite this challenge, Phillips has contributed to his team’s success, earning All-CCIW honors in the 200 meters at the 2024 CCIW Outdoor Championships and helping secure track & field titles for the past three seasons.

Born in Sugar Grove, Illinois, Phillips also founded Social Storm LLC, a media company focusing on youth empowerment through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Through his company, he has reached over 1,000 young people in Chicago. In addition to his athletic and business achievements, Phillips secured a summer internship with Related Midwest and is collaborating with the City of Chicago to develop financial education programs for youths.

Phillips expressed his vision by saying, “I believe in a future where young people across the world can realize their full potential, lead fulfilling lives, and build a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.” He aims to inspire future leaders through entrepreneurship and personal development.

The Chris Martin Perseverance Award was established in April 2019 to honor Chris Martin, the first full-time CCIW commissioner, who led the conference despite facing lifelong hearing challenges.