NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
And we are BACK with another DOPE Q&A that I am sure you will enjoy. This month, we feature an athlete who is cooking on the field as well as being a strong role model for her child and other moms out there. Showcasing that goals can always be achieved with a plan and a little bit of faith, anything is possible. Representing Mission Viejo, California, we get to know a two-time Big West champion in the heptathlon from UC Irvine, Jolie Robinson.
Joe Cardoso: Let’s start from the beginning. How did you discover and fall in love with track and field?
Jolie Robinson: I actually started running in high school just to stay in shape for volleyball season. Volleyball was always my main sport, and for a long time, I assumed it was what I’d play in college. But as time went on, I realized I had real potential in track, so I began taking it more seriously. I truly fell in love with the sport my freshman year of college, when I started competing in the heptathlon. Challenging myself across seven events, mentally and physically, was incredibly rewarding and showed me a whole new side of what I was capable of.
JC: What is the process of figuring out which event(s) to compete in?
JR: I started as a jumper: high jump, long jump, and triple jump. That was my foundation. But once I learned what the heptathlon was, I wanted to try everything to see where my strengths might be. Even now, there are still events I’d love to try someday, but finding the time is the hard part.
JC: How were those early months of starting track?
JR: Those early months were all about technique, form, and learning how my body worked. Preseason, especially, is tough with a lot of conditioning and behind-the-scenes work that no one really sees. But once competition season arrives, you really feel the payoff from all that hard training.
JC: Who are some of the people you looked up to or who helped you along the way?
JR: My biggest inspiration has always been my mom. She raised me and my three siblings so well, and she’s always been my best friend and the person I turn to when anything good or bad happens. My son is another huge source of motivation for me. He doesn’t realize the impact he has, but he truly makes me a better athlete and a better person.
JC: Being a superwoman as a standout athlete, mom, and student. What does a “normal” week look like for you?
JR: I try to keep some consistency in my week, even though life doesn’t always cooperate. I homeschool my son for kindergarten, and most of my college classes are online, so I can save time. I train five days a week, and I’m also a content creator, so I spend a lot of time filming and working on brand collaborations. Most of my schoolwork happens after my son goes to bed. My life is busy, but I’m blessed with support from my son’s dad. He helps a lot, and my coaches and academic advisors are there for me, especially on the days when I need to bring my son to practice or class.
JC: What does it mean to you to not only be a strong role model for your son, but also for other women?
JR: I feel like I’ve been given a unique opportunity to inspire young women who’ve faced setbacks. Not just teen pregnancy, but anything that leads to self-doubt or people telling you you’re not capable. I’m living proof that you can still accomplish what you set your mind to, no matter what others say. It’s not easy, but anything truly rewarding never is.
JC: There’s a lot of negativity surrounding single motherhood and teen pregnancy. I don’t want to glorify it, but I understand deeply that life doesn’t always go as planned. What matters most is how you respond in those difficult moments. I’ve always trusted that God has a plan for me despite my sins and imperfections. I’m constantly learning, growing, and asking for His grace and forgiveness. More than anything, I hope my son sees the resilience I had while raising him and that it helps him build his own resilience as he grows.
JC: What is ONE thing you want to do before the end of 2025? It could be professional or personal.
JR: One thing I want to do before 2025 ends is strengthen my walk with God and be more intentional about slowing down and appreciating the blessings in front of me.
JC: Who is Jolie Robinson?
JR: I’m someone who has learned to find strength in every challenge life has brought me. I’m an athlete, a heptathlete at UC Irvine, and a content creator. I’m also a mom, which is one of my greatest blessings and biggest motivators. My son is the reason I show up every day with resilience and purpose.
My faith plays a huge part in who I am; I believe God has a purpose for my life, even when the path isn’t perfect. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve taken detours, but I never stopped moving forward by the grace of God.
I hope to be someone young women can look at and see that setbacks don’t disqualify you. Whether it’s a teen pregnancy, self-doubt, or people telling you what you can’t do, none of that defines your future. I want my journey to show that with hard work, trust in God, and a lot of resilience, you can create the life you want. At the end of the day, I’m a mom, an athlete, a student, a creator, and a woman constantly growing.
That final answer, Whew! Preach! Keep up with all of the exciting things she is doing on and off the track by following her on social media:
(1) Instagram
Jolie Robinson | TikTok
Jolie Robinson (@jo_rawb) • Threads, Say more
I want to thank Jolie for making time to share her story and inspire us heading into this holiday season. As always, keep up with Team NBS Media for more exciting interviews and unique content.
