NEWPORT, R.I.-- "You're always competing no matter what," said 2026 Seahawk Hall of Fame inductee Phil Terio '15. "You always want to beat the person next to you even if you're tying your shoes. That kind of determination and passion that I learned at Salve has always stuck with me."
As a defensive back, Terio is known for his ability to pick off passes and return them for defensive touchdowns. In 2012 he set an NCAA record with four touchdowns off interception returns, scored on a punt return and a 93-yard kickoff return, and led the team with seven interceptions.
Terio was named New England Football Conference (NEFC) Defensive Player of the Year, Special Teams Player of the Year, Division II-III All-Region cornerback, BSN All-American, D3football.com All-American cornerback and return specialist. He bookended his four-year career with ECAC Bowl Championships in 2011 and 2014.
"I learned from the losses as much as the wins for sure," stated Terio. "There are little memories that I have on and off the field. Living off campus with friends is one of them. There were times when we would be in the library together or going to Miley during camp for an eating contest. Those are the kind of memories we joke about to this day."
Terio was recruited by Seahawk head coach at the time Bob Chesney, who currently serves as UCLA's head coach. Chesney was his first position-specific coach. He convinced Terio to take the chance and commit to Salve. Terio also credits Assistant coaches Jack Cooper, Mike Weick, Casey Goff and Kevin Gilmartin, current Salve head coach, as influential in his life and football career.
"I look at football differently because of my time with my coaches there—learning and watching film with all of them," said Terio. "That's such a big difference from high school. When you take that step to play in college you have to learn to prioritize yourself before a big game for example. You have to learn your position and what the person next to you is doing as well as the other players who are on the field at the same time."
Terio was presented with an opportunity to transfer after his sophomore year, following his NCAA recognition, however he couldn't imagine leaving the community that supported him in Newport.
"Staying at Salve was one of the best decisions I have ever made," said Terio. "I built friendships with the team. They're still my friends—some of my best friends and brothers. Don't doubt yourself. You don't want to regret anything in life. Staying meant I had an impact on the team, and I knew the program would continue to depend on me."
All the effort, and the time spent in the summers striving to be in the best shape to return to fall preseason camp, are factors Terio still remembers as contributing to his success and reinforcing his work-ethic.
"Everything is a competition—whether it's in work or in general. You always want to be better than everyone else because you never know who is watching. This mentality built my collegiate and professional careers."
Terio is a data analyst for Pennant Services but still finds time to play football in his postgraduate life. For a little over a year after graduation he played for the Boston Blaze, an arena football team.
"I still play flag football where we travel, and play against some pretty intense athletes who still compete for team USA," said Terio. "I'm still involved in football just in a different way. I played at a tournament at Fort Adams recently. I still want to be around the game."
The dedicated passion as well as stand out performances certainly garnered Terio a spot in the Seahawk Hall of Fame. However, the lasting brotherhood of the Salve football team, an intangible bond, is what truly defined his time in the Seahawk uniform.
