"I definitely didn't think I would get it, but receiving this is such a huge honor." This was the reaction to Eastern Michigan University’s Kate Robinson winning the Mid-American Conference Soccer Freshman of the Year award.
In her 2023 season, Robinson totaled 13 points, which included three goals and a conference-leading seven assists. She was also the first EMU freshman in 16 years to record seven assists and the first EMU player with over seven assists since 2013. Robinson, the EMU soccer freshman phenom, is already setting an example of being a positive role model at EMU. Robinson opened up about her upbringing, her success, and her goals.
"I've been playing soccer since I was six, and I have loved the sport since. I started out living in Madison Heights all my life, where I went to Madison High School where I played soccer, and my dream was to always play for a D1 school. While looking for colleges, I felt Eastern was perfect for that opportunity," Robinson said.
Studying sports medicine and biology, Robinson believes getting a chance to play will help her in her career and possibly lead to her working with children.
"It helped me to get a great opportunity to play for a D1 school, which I feel so great about, as I love kids, and I've always wanted to work with them."
Robinson talks about balancing life by being a student-athlete: "It's not as hard as people think it is, but balancing classes and sports, you really don't get a lot of free time."
Now in the off-season, Robinson has set high expectations for herself as her team finished this year with a 1-12-6 overall record.
"I want to try and improve myself to get better. We definitely didn't get the record we were hoping for, but we hope with a new coach, we can move in the right direction," Robinson said.
Longtime EMU women's soccer Head Coach Scott Hall announced his retirement at the end of this season. As of now, there is no current replacement.
"Scott has been here for 25 years; that's a long time to coach in general, I just hope whoever takes Scott's place should know they have a big role to fill," Robinson said.
While managing the life of a student-athlete can be difficult, she has enjoyed her time here at EMU.
“Eastern has been so good to me. I get along with my teammates and coaches. I really have enjoyed my time here so far. This is a great place," Robinson said.
