Written by Athletic Communications Assistant; Dustin Parker
BEREA, Ohio – To compete in college athletics is a feat in and of its self but to make it to the college level without having any high school athletic experience is another statement. That was Jayde Robinson (Cincinnati/School for Creative & Performing Arts) journey.
At a young age, Jayde and her sister Imani Robinson '19 (Cincinnati/School for Creative & Performing Arts), who also played tennis at Baldwin Wallace University, were introduced to a multitude of sports.
"Tennis is the one we really liked. It was one of the sports we saw significant improvement and it was within those moments that the two of us fell in love with the sport," Jayde stated.
To begin their tennis careers the sisters started playing in local novice tournaments. The administration of those tournaments told the Robinson parents that the two were too strong for novice tournaments and that they should be competing at the United States Tennis Association(USTA) level, where they could play against similar competition and also get rankings to help them get recruited. So starting at the age of 11, the Robinson family would travel every weekend to go play at more prestigious tournaments.
Despite early success, Jayde and her family were faced with some hurdles, one of those challenges being financially. Jayde recalls her mother having to call off work a lot so she could get them to tournaments.
"I still to this day appreciate what my parents did for us so we could play," Jayde said.
Not only did her parents sacrifice, but so did the sisters.
"We had to sacrifice not having friends and not being able to hang out because we were trying to better ourselves and accomplish something," Jayde stated.
When the two sisters weren't off playing in tournaments, they were practicing in at different tennis clubs around Cincinnati. After trying a couple, a family friend showed them club that they still attend to this day, called the Riverside Athletic Club in Hamilton, Ohio.
"At this club everyone got to learn and play together, and it felt more like a family atmosphere than an organization," Jayde said.
At the Riverside Athletic Club, Jayde met her new coach, tole model and mentor – Roland Lutz.
"He was my biggest role model. He worked with us when we were younger and even until now, if I wanted to go there to hit, he would be available to help. He has groomed me into the player that I am now," Jayde added. With numerous tournaments and coaching under her belt, Jayde was ready to compete at the high school level. Unfortunately, her high school did not offer athletics, which was both a challenge and blessing to Jayde.
"Since we went to an art school, we were able to gain other skills like music, drama, vocal and dancing" Jayde stated. But with no sports, Jayde had to time manage and plan her practices after school. This time management helped her throughout high school and into college where she had to balance academics and athletics.
After four years of high school and theater experience, Jayde knew she wanted to continue on that path, which is what brought her to BW. Jayde wanted to be in an atmosphere that had great academics, athletics and arts.
"BW is an amazing school," Jayde went on to say as an active member of the BW conservatory. "I enjoy playing at the Division lll level because they care about our academics and our sports and as a person. We're more than just a number."
Playing alongside her sister at the college level was both different but also familiar for Jayde.
"We were both used to playing together as doubles at tournaments but playing on a full team was new. Her introducing me to the team and teaching me how to be leader on the team was great," Jayde expressed.
Heading into her sophomore season, Jayde and the BW women's tennis program ushered in a new head coach, Dean Morse. Over the past two years, Dean Morse has got to coach Jayde and watch her develop not only as an athlete, but a person.
"Jayde has improved every day that I have been the coach. She played her best match when we were in Orlando this year, but unfortunately it was the last of this year. She has pushed everyone else on the team to get better and will do the same for the new freshman coming in," Dean said.
After college, Jayde wants to teach English abroad and get into journalism. With her theater minor, she wants to do script analysis and script writing.
"Throughout my years at BW and with this current global crisis, BW faculty and the athletic department have been so supportive. I'm really glad to be a part of this community".
