Women's Basketball's Za'kkria Robinson is officially headed to a four-year school to continue her basketball career after signing with Point University on Tuesday.
It was two years ago that Head Coach Evelyn Thompson received a phone call about a "smart, hardworking girl who deserved an opportunity" to play basketball at the collegiate level. Head Coach Shayne Morin and Assistant Coach Courtney Braxton at Riverdale High School in Fort Myers, Fla. spoke to Robinson's potential and intangibles.
"In my lifetime, I've never met a more resilient person," said Morin. "Za'kkria has overcome many challenges in her life to become the driven, dedicated and charismatic young lady she is today. She was a pleasure to coach."
Braxton also spoke to Robinson's potential on and off of the court. "Za'kkria is a great young woman, with all the obstacles she has faced, she still comes out stronger and better. I definitely enjoyed my time coaching her as she was always ready to play and battle for rebounds."
Though Thompson's recruiting class was practically finalized when the Riverdale coaches reached out to her, she decided to take a look at Robinson's film and, at the very least, use her connections to help her find that coveted opportunity to continue playing. However, a conversation with the 5'9" guard changed everything before she'd even had a chance to look at the film.
"That conversation changed everything," said Thompson. "Even before I received her film, I decided to offer her a scholarship because I was so impressed with her composure, her determination, and desire for something better."
Two years later, Robinson leaves Cleveland State with an impressive career for the Lady Cougars, averaging 8.7 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds per game. She was named to the TCCAA All-Conference Second Team this past season and was third on the team in points and rebounds per game in the 2019-20 season. While Thompson is excited for what is ahead, her transfer to Point is bittersweet.
"I have always believed that God has a plan for everything and, in everything, God has a plan," said Thompson of Robinson's time at Cleveland State. "It was certainly God's plan for Za'kkria to be at Cleveland State. She has worked hard in the community, classroom and on the court. Her desire to be a social worker speaks to her big heart. She has persevered through injuries and she is tough. It is that toughness, perseverance and determination that has gotten her the opportunity to continue her basketball and academic career at Point University. Coach Wooley and his staff are lucky to have her. She will be a tremendous asset to their program. I am losing a daughter, but Point and the world are gaining a very special and determined young woman. She will make Cougar Nation very proud."
Morin and Braxton also see big things ahead for Robinson. "It's been a pleasure to watch Za'kkria develop into the wonderful, smart and genuine person she is today. I get the feeling that her success story is only in chapter one," said Morin.
Robinson will cherish her time at Cleveland State forever. "I am beyond grateful for being able to experience JUCO for the last two years," said Robinson. "In that time, I was blessed with some of the most amazing people, who I now consider my family."
Robinson also expressed thankfulness for her support system who has been with her on the journey. "I would like to thank my grandma, aunt, and my mom for all of the love and support," she said. "Thank you Coach Thompson, Coach Wright, Coach Morin, and Coach Braxton for pushing me nonstop to be a better woman and player. Thank you to all of my current teammates for always being there and having my back. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to my successes, I appreciate all of you dearly."
Point University is an NAIA member institution located in Point, Ga. We congratulate Za'kkria on her signing and wish her the best of luck at Point!
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