Amidst the bittersweet emotions of becoming a senior in school, Natalie Robinson continues to make a lasting, welcoming impression on her teammates and classmates.
Robinson, a senior on Marquette Catholic High School’s Girls Basketball team, is committed to fostering a positive team environment. Underclassmen look up to her for her patience and hard-working attitude. Robinson was influenced to be this type of player by a group of older teammates who were there for her when she was new to the team. The kindness and positive energy of those girls stuck with her, affecting her behavior and attitude on the court going forward.
“I had a couple of seniors I looked up to,” Robinson said. “They were really nice and mature on the court. I looked at them and was like, ‘I should do that too.’”
A belief and following in God, instilled within Robinson through her family, has also had an impact on her behavior. Her family taught her to respect others no matter how they treat her. Robinson takes this guidance to heart on and off the court.
Robinson is collaborating with a friend to create a multicultural club at Marquette. One idea they have for a club initiative is to support those interested in future advancements, such as entrepreneurship and higher education, by bringing in experts to talk with the group. The main desire is to create a club space any student can feel welcome at.
“I think it would have a great impact on Marquette,” Robinson said. “If they feel alone, they can join the club.”
Marquette has helped foster Robinson’s interests. Along with basketball, Robinson participates in softball, track and cross country. The student athlete commends the teachers at Marquette for working with athletes to maintain their grades and showing compassion when the students need more time for assignments. The commitment Marquette has to student success allows Robinson to not burn out and compromise her positive outlook as a player.
Robinson has a natural inclination towards caring for others. This is evident in how she treats her teammates and her desire to become more involved at Marquette in her senior year. As a part of Marquette’s required yearly service hours for students, Robinson assists adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities at Camp Sharing Meadows. It’s no surprise then that she wants to pursue a degree in which she can tend to the needs of others. Robinson aspires to study nursing while continuing to play basketball in college.
“I'm interested in helping people out,” Robinson said. “I'm the type of person who likes to help people and listen to whatever is going on with them.”
Making others feel welcome and secure in their abilities is one way Robinson gives back to her community. She values respect and kindness, inspired by mentors throughout her life. Robinson attributes how she’s able to excel on the court to her humility, teamwork and willingness to learn from her mistakes.
“I know that basketball is a team sport, so I'm always sharing the ball with my teammates, listening to them and listening to my coaches,” Robinson said. “I learn from my mistakes and put my team's needs above my own. Having the mindset of being humble helps me become a better player.”