Prairie State Profile: Robinson gives Bombers leadership, confidence heading into new year

MACOMB, Ill. — As challenging as 2023 seemed to be at times for Kylie Robinson and the Macomb girls basketball team, the year ended with the right springboard to brighter days.

The Bombers finished fifth in the 41st Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic, winning four of five games over a four-day span the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Robinson, the junior guard, averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game in being named to the all-tournament team.

Macomb now carries an 11-11 record into the new year with the chance to make some noise in the Prairieland Conference.

For Robinson, who is a four-sport athlete and the daughter of Macomb softball coach Shawna Robinson, it’s the opportunity to help lead the Bombers in the right direction with the faith this group has learned to play together.

Robinson chatted with Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman about the Bombers’ rise in confidence, adapting to life with her older sister, Katelyn, away playing softball at Heartland Community College and maintaining good grades for this Prairie State Profile, brought to you by Sleep Tight. 

Q: How much confidence does finishing the first half of the season strong give you heading into 2024?

A: Actually, quite a lot. We definitely did not have the best start, but we started playing stronger as a team and that really brought us together. We have everyone back from a few injuries and sickness, so we’re all together now.

Q: What has made you click?

A: Our communication. As a team, we started having a better bond. We started playing for each other and not playing separately.

Q: When could you tell it was changing?

A: Definitely during the Beardstown tournament, we were all going in there wanting to win and playing strong and doing a lot for each other. We were putting all of our effort together for one common goal.

Q: How much does the success of other Macomb programs inspire this group?

A: Seeing their success makes us want to have a really great season. We want to enjoy winning big games just as much as they did.

Q: How much do you enjoy playing basketball?

A: I really love playing basketball. It’s definitely my favorite sport.

Q: Do you ever take a day off?

A: Nope (with a laugh).

Q: If you got 24 hours off without sports, what would you do for that day?

A: I’d probably hang out with my family and friends. If it was nice out, I’d do something outside with them.

Q: When you can get away from sports, however brief that is, what do you like to do?

A: I like to go on bike rides and spend time with my friends and family?

Q: Is there a specific place you like to go bike riding?

A: All around my neighbor and throughout town with my friends. Biking at Spring Lake is fun.

Q: What made you fall in love with basketball?

A: I grew up playing it with my dad and sister. That was just really fun for me.

Q: How tough was it to decide between soccer and softball in the spring?

A: It was really hard. I was listening to pros and cons. I then realized I still have travel softball and my travel team was done. So that helped.

Q: When you told your mom it was soccer over softball, how’d she take it?

A: She was good with it and she supported my decision.

Q: What about your sister?

A: She would have liked for us to play together on the softball team, but she was good with it, too.

Q: What’s it like not having your older sister around this year?

A: Not fun. I used to do a lot of stuff with her and basically all of my sports seasons were with her. I was never really without her until she went off to school. It’s been a big adjustment. I can’t just walk to her room and talk to her. I still have her on the phone, which is good.

Q: How often do you two communicate?

A: Everyday. We are constantly staying in touch.

Q: Is she checking on your progress and how the Bombers are playing?

A: She watches all the games, at least all the games she can. I will do the same during her softball season.

Q: What has the relationship with her meant to you?

A; So much. She does a lot of stuff for me and is a big role model for me. We do a lot for each other. We’ve made so many memories, and it’s like having a built-in best friend.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge you face on the court?

A: Probably my height. I’m around 5-foot-4, maybe a little closer to 5-foot-3.

Q: How do you use that to your advantage?

A: With my speed. I feel I can get up and down the floor and get past defenders with my speed. Being able to work around defenders and being shiftier helps, too.

Q: How have you adapted to being a leader on this team?

A: I told myself I have to go out there and cheer on others to make sure they know they can do it and they can step up. It’s definitely similar with soccer. With volleyball, there are others who are leaders so we have a lot of people giving each other confidence.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge this group will face this spring in soccer?

A: A lot of my teammates are in their first or second year of playing, so we have to work on more beginner stuff and build from there.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from mom or dad?

A: Even if you don’t have the greatest game, keep working hard and believe in yourself.

Q: How much pride do you take in academics?

A: I like to keep my grades as straight A’s, and if I don’t, I’m not very happy about it.

Q: What’s your favorite class?

A: Usually it’s math, but recently it’s been U.S. history. It’s really interesting. The way the teacher (Ryan Wilson) teaches it is really engaging. He tells stories and makes it more interesting. The history is just interesting itself.

Q: Have you given any thought to what you might study in college?

A: For now, engineering or some type of business. I’ve given college a thought a little bit. Once in a while it will pop up in my mind, but not too often. I’m just enjoying everything right now.