Robinson's experience helping Falcons on and off the court

MEQUON, Wis. – DeShaun Robinson's journey to finish his education and basketball career at the collegiate level has taken some time, but that journey has taught him many things along the way. He is now more mature, has clearer goals and aspirations, and his faith guides him every day.

Robinson may be 28-years-old, but he isn't and won't be defined by his age. He is enjoying his final collegiate year to earn his degree in Business Marketing and to lace up the sneakers one last time for the Falcons. He started his voyage in 2005-06, taking classes and suiting up for the Falcons. Robinson studied and attended class like every other student-athlete, while scoring and rebounding night-in and night-out on the court for three years. Sometimes life takes its twists and turns, which forced him to postpone his senior year.

Fast forward seven years and he returned to CUW to finish his degree. However, upon his return he set on going to class each day and learning things that would help him in the business marketing world. He had learned that education and a bachelor's degree were mightily important to his professional world.

"More times than not I didn't realize how important education was in the business world," Robinson stated. "I was one of those people that thought knowing a couple of people and gaining experience would be enough. I realized I needed a degree to move forward with my career goals. So, I decided to come back and finish my degree from a professional standpoint, but also as a personal accomplishment and for my family."

Robinson worked at numerous jobs over the last couple of years; helping his family in the restaurant business, coaching different levels of basketball and applying for jobs in business marketing. At times he was qualified for positions and thought he would get the call as the chosen one, but not having completed his degree affected the outcome in a negative way.

"One day when I have a family I can then tell my kids to go to school, but if I didn't have a bachelor's degree how can I preach to my future kids how important education is," said Robinson. "Think about me not having my degree and then trying to persuade the kids I coach to go to school, get grades and do all those things if I didn't do it myself. It is a plus for me to go back and get my degree."

He had continued to play basketball since he left in 2007-08 and was contacted by head coach Shawn Cassidy months ago and by several members of the team asking him to return. They wanted him to complete his final year of eligibility, which he was undecided was the right thing to do.

"At first I said no because I was set in what I was doing and trying to accomplish," Robinson expressed. "My thought was just get my degree, go to class and learn something this time around. I decided to take a lot of classes that were going to help me after graduating in May – business, business statistics and Spanish courses. Coach (Shawn) Cassidy kept asking me to reconsider and then James (Mitchell) was a big influence saying 'we need your help to keep on the right path'. I talked with a lot of friends and coach again, and decided this was an opportunity of a lifetime many people don't get."

Robinson's experience and work ethic has helped the Falcons win on the court, but also do things positively off the court. His words of wisdom with many of his teammates, especially the underclassmen have helped them understand the importance of playing hard all the time and using faith to their advantage.

"I grew up in a house where my father, grandfather and uncles were pastors," he said. "So, faith has always been in my family and it has been the biggest part of me. I believe and understanding who I am and what God can do for me. I have also relayed that to some of the younger guys on the team because you just have to believe and have faith. When you are young, you just go through the motions and don't understand the possible consequences later on, and I was that way at one time. Just being there and telling my younger teammates that whatever you put your mind to can be accomplished with faith."

Over time people change and mature as they gain experience and understand things. Robinson was a solid player during his first go-around, scoring over 10 points per game and starting a combined 49 games his sophomore and juniors seasons, and not much has changed since. He still is one of the strongest and hardest working players on the team, but he isn't shy in stating that he has matured.

"I have become a lot more mature," Robinson said with a smile. "What I mean is that I know where I am, have a purpose and am doing what I need to accomplish my goals. I have just become more mature all the way around, including studying and spiritually. I am now doing the things I know I didn't do between the ages of 18-22. I am also getting the chance to relive the senior moment I didn't have, so I am having fun while also soaking it all in."

There is one thing for sure, whatever Robinson sets his sights on he knows who he is and what he needs to do to accomplish his goals. Through his maturity, it wouldn't surprise many if years from now if Robinson is still on a path for success.