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The term student-athlete is normally reserved for athletes who play competitive sports in college along with studying to get their degree.
For Angel Robinson, that moniker has followed her to the WNBA.
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Robinson, who currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury, is now studying for what would be her second master’s degree, this time through the online program being offered by the University of Miami Sport Administration Program.
The University of Georgia product, Robinson sees the degree as a way to continue her athletic pursuits while setting her up to have a successful transition to life after her playing days are over.
“As a WNBA and international professional basketball player who competes year-around, the online program at the University of Miami has been flexibility with my traveling schedule, dealing with the time zone differences, and thankful my professors were able to help me and advised me to work ahead and stay track.”
It was this flexibility that ultimately pushed Robinson to apply as she was considering what she wanted to do once she was done playing basketball professionally.
Coming from a family that has put an emphasis on education her entire life, Robinson saw the second masters degree as an opportunity to marry what she has done on the court with her future career aspirations.
“As much as I love playing basketball, I know that I cannot play forever and that it is just a chapter in my life to travel around the world and compete at the highest level,” said the 6-foot-6 center, who is in her third WNBA season. “I was encouraged by my family to start preparing for my next transition in life after basketball and going back to school for my second master’s in sport administration was the start for me.”
“I grew up in a family where education is the key to what we want to do in life.”
For an athlete that spends much of her time on the road and traveling from city to city for games, Robinson needed a program that fit her needs. UOnline delivered.
“I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone who is working or raising a family or need a fresh start in their career to join an only graduate program,” Robinson said. “You work on your own pace, in the time that the professor gives you, with an opportunity to network in the field with people who are willing to help you achieve your goals.”
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Regardless of if she plays another year or five years, after she hangs up her sneakers, Robinson sees a future in helping other student-athletes, this time at the collegiate level, achieve their dreams and goals.
“Toward the end of my career, I want to work with student-athletes as an athletic director or athletic academic advisor. I want to be the role model to encourage these athletes to take advantage of their education and to teach the value of hard work and the importance of competing on and off the field.”
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As athletes get smarter about their future, Robinson is one of the many who are now taking both their business and educational aspirations seriously.
Her north star? This quote from Asa Hutchinson.
“You’re never too old to start learning, and you’re never too young to aim high and make great things.”
*UOnline is a proud partner of Front Office Sports