Bartlett, Ill.-native Kelsey Robinson continues to display true talent on the court and help instill a positive and winning attitude throughout the Tennessee volleyball team. Although Robinson is only a sophomore, she plays a key role on the court and brings skill, leadership and competitiveness to the Lady Vols.
“Robinson is a great player and a strong competitor and she brings that edge into our practices and competitions every day,” assistant coach Rachel Cooper. “She will do whatever it takes to win. Kelsey competes at the highest level and is the best all-around player and athlete that I’ve had the opportunity to coach.”
Kelsey’s skills on the court help the team come together and perform at a higher level.
“I touch the ball more than any one else on the court and I’m also captain,” she said. “Leadership is one of my main goals and I try to be as vocal and positive as possible.”
As a freshman, Robinson was named to the SEC All-Freshman team, honored as SEC Freshman of the Week twice and was on the Freshman Academic Honor Roll. She also led the Lady Vols in digs her freshman year.
In her sophomore year, Robinson was named SEC Player of the Week, Comcast Lady Vol Classic MVP, Virginia Tech Invitational MVP, and was selected for the U.S. National A2 Training Team.
The transition from high school to college carried numerous challenges on and off the court for Robinson.
“At first it was definitely overwhelming adjusting to everything and learning the game at a collegiate level,” she said. “Through the years I improved my time management, balancing homework, school, meetings, practice and games. It has been a learning process but my overall experience at UT has improved me as a person and as a player.”
The Lady Vols are looking ahead to next season where they will fight for a national championship and back-to-back SEC titles.
“As a team, we want to get to the final four and win the SEC again,” Robinson said. “We also want to remain in the top 10 the entire year.”
Robinson also said her personal goals are to achieve All-American status and just continue to get better every day.
“The best feeling in the world was beating Florida at home for the second time in a year,” she said. “We had never beaten them two times in a season so when we beat them at home, it clinched us the SEC. That moment was so amazing and we celebrated in the locker room after the match.”
In high school, Robinson also played basketball until she decided to focus on volleyball. Until then, Robinson expressed how she wasn’t the “standout” on the volleyball court, and was always on the second or third team in her club.
“I started working harder than anyone else and continued to improve my skills on the court and it defiantly showed,” she said.
Off the court, Robinson enjoys watching movies. Her two favorites are “Step Brothers” and “Remember the Titans.” She is majoring in broadcast journalism.
Brett Farve is a big influence for her, as she admires his all-round passion for the game.
