Jackson County Senior Brooklyn Robinson doubled her season goal total during the district tournament, scoring five goals in two games to close out her final district postseason.
Robinson entered the tournament with five regular-season goals before scoring three against York Institute and two against Smith County. Her three-goal performance against York marked the first hat trick of her career.
“It’s my first ever time scoring one and especially it being in the district championship, that’s not something many people can do,” Robinson said.
Robinson said knowing it was her final opportunity to compete for a district title added to the significance of her performance.
“With it being my last district tournament, I knew that this was my time to shine and when I can show my skills the most,” Robinson said.
Robinson said she worked throughout the season to improve her footwork and the power behind her shots. She credited the people around her with helping her develop the confidence to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“My coaches have always had faith in me,” Robinson said. “My teammates, even if I can’t make a shot, they will always back me up, tell me I’m doing a good job, and without the coaches, I wouldn’t have faith in myself.”
Jackson County finished the season 10-8-2 overall and 4-1-1 in district play. Robinson said the connection among the players helped the Blue Devils throughout the season.
“We have a very close relationship throughout our team, and without friendship on a team and the communication that we have, then we wouldn’t have scored as many goals as that we have,” Robinson said. “And it’s just been a really good team this year.”
The Blue Devils also recorded their first victory over Smith County.
“It was our first time ever beating Smith County, and that was a huge thing for all of us, even the freshmen,” Robinson said.
Robinson said she learned to move on quickly when a scoring opportunity did not go her way.
“I just gotta stay focused and have confidence in myself that even if I’m missing that shot, I will be able to have another chance to make it again,” Robinson said.
Robinson said that mindset was reinforced throughout her career by her coaches.
“My coaches will always encourage me that if I don’t score during a game, they will lift me up and keep me focused,” Robinson said.
