College track star Jolie Robinson is breaking records on the field all while balancing motherhood.
Robinson recently won two events, broke the program record in the heptathlon at the Southern California Regional Finals, and set numerous personal bests for Saddleback College’s women’s track & field team, according to Saddleback College Athletics.
She started competing in track her freshman year of high school where she experienced an unplanned pregnancy during her senior year, according to Live Action.
Robinson and her boyfriend at the time were together for three years and as a pastor’s daughter, she explained what it was like sharing the news of her pregnancy to her family.
“So much was going through my mind regarding sports, school and my family. I have such a loving and supportive family that I knew they would accept me through this…but breaking the news was still difficult to do. When I finally told my family, they hugged me and let me know everything would be all right. I felt a type of peace over me, knowing that this is all part of God’s plan for me,” she told Live Action News.
Congratulations! Heptathlon: Jolie Robinson (Saddleback) 4,651 pts. pic.twitter.com/NSvV7JL2Xt
— 3C2A (@3C2Asports) May 21, 2022
Every child conceived is planned by God and He has a purpose for their lives. God told Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
For two years, Robinson focused her time and energy solely on motherhood before making the decision to go back to school and into sports again.
“My son is my biggest motivation,” Robinson said.
She continued, “I knew I would have a different experience than most people around me starting college late and with a toddler, but my parents were supportive of me going back to school, and I have seen so many other single moms accomplish going to school and working, so I knew I could do it, too. The extra step was knowing if I could play sports again or not.”
Congrats to Jolie Robinson on winning the CCCSIA Athlete-of-the-Month. Read about it at https://t.co/kpqwoJiwxc
— Saddleback Bobcats (@GoSCBobcats) June 8, 2022
@CCCAASports @SportsOEC @OCSportsZone @OCRegSports pic.twitter.com/1cQMAZpm2p
Despite the challenges, Robinson has not let being a single mother stop her from following her dreams.
She shared, “It can definitely be hard to manage my time being a mom, student, athlete and a social life, but it keeps me busy and it’s always a lot of fun. My friends, teammates and coaches are so supportive, and love having my son around, even if that means he will be at a practice every once in a while. I had always been an athlete, and then I stopped playing sports — I felt like I lost a part of me. But I had to experience that I could still be me and do the things I love, and also be a great mom.”
Robinson also has some words of encouragement for young mothers just like her.
“I appreciate being able to play sports even more now, and I would encourage other young moms to keep working hard for what they want in life,” she said. “I would also like to encourage young moms that may be expecting and scared about what may happen to stay positive and know it’s possible. My biggest piece of advice is to have a support group of people close to you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!”
Robinson posted a heartwarming photo on Instagram where she is standing in first place on a podium holding her son.
The caption reads, “I never thought I would be able to compete in sports after finding out I was pregnant in high school. And now I am a state champion in 3 events. I am so thankful for my supportive family, friends and coaches. I wouldn’t be able to do this alone. I thank God everyday for my wonderful son. He motivates me to be a better person and keep working hard towards my goals… For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11.”