In the first week of the 2006 season, senior Sam Robinson was the Sunshine State Conference’s Player of the Week. It was a great way to kick off her final season with the team. She won the award for her performance against Armstrong Atlantic in the first game of the season. Robinson scored a goal and recorded four assists. She led the team to a 5-1 victory.

The award was a recognition that she truly appreciates.

“It was really exciting, especially being the first week of the season. It’s an honor because it’s an award that is voted on so it shows that you are being recognized for your efforts.”

Robinson’s passion for soccer developed while growing up. She had always participated in various sports such as gymnastics, track and cross-country, but it was soccer that was always her favorite.

“Soccer won out. It beat everything else. It was what I had the most passion for, so I focused on that.”

As a student at Clearwater Central Catholic High School, Robinson excelled in soccer. She won awards for Best Offensive Player in 2001 and Most Versatile Player in 2002. In her senior year she was named Captain and Most Valuable Player. She was quickly building a reputation as one of the great local soccer players. When the time came to decide which college to attend, it came down to the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida.

“When it came time to picking between USF and UT, it was clear that Tampa was much better.”

As a freshman in 2003, Robinson immediately had an impact. She was named first-team All-SSC and tied the school record with 12 assists, a record she would later break as a junior. She led the team with 27 points and nine goals. Each year Robinson became a better and more complete player, something that she noticed herself.

“It’s been a tremendous difference from my freshman year until now. I’m more humble now because I came in freshman year thinking I was so good. Now looking back on it, I still had a lot to learn.”

Robinson has been a staple in the increasing success of the women’s soccer program. They have made the NCAA II tournament the last three years running and have come out of the gates with an impressive start to this season with a 4-1 record. Robinson recognizes the steady rise of the team the last few years.

“I thought coming to Tampa may have been a bit of a gamble. It was a young program, but our wins have gone up the last few years, and we’ve really improved.”

Entering this season, Robinson’s run with the team has been historical.

She has the most assists in school history, tied for first in game-winning goals and second in goals and points. She has developed into one of the best women’s soccer players to play at UT. However, there is a bit of sadness that it is all coming to an end.

“I’m going to miss the lifestyle. Everything is on schedule right now. I get to do all the things I’m passionate about.”

As for after college, Robinson plans to still be involved with sports.

“I think I’ll always be involved in sports whether it’s marketing or something else. I coach right now. It’s something I’d definitely be interested in the future and give something back for everything that I’ve been given.”

Whatever path Robinson decides to go, her performance as a member of the women’s soccer team proves she’s ready for any challenges that await her.