Reel Urban News Exclusives
By: Michael G. Reel
On Tuesday, July 1st, Darnell Robinson, father of Jerzy Robinson, the nation’s number one female high school basketball player, shared insights into the rich relationship he enjoys with his daughter.
Robinson is not only Jerzy’s dad but also the basketball phenom’s trainer and coach. “I work out twice a day because I know my daughter is going to be like, dad, did you work out? My son is going to be like, dad, did you work out? I try to lead by example.”
When Robinson was at his athletic peak as a starting linebacker for Oregon State, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat were nonexistent. “I had to educate her about the Name, Image and Likeness and the O’Bannon brothers,” Robinson stated. “Kudos to them for setting that trend back in the day with the NCAA.”
Robinson describes himself as a “tour guide” when it comes to charting his daughter’s academic and athletic career. “Being a former athlete, I played high school football at a very high level, I played collegiate football at a very high level and I had some NFL opportunities at a very high level – it’s almost like I have the compass to navigate my daughter through this because I’ve done it already.”
As we approached the security gate of Sierra Canyon High School, I asked Robinson to reflect on his and Jerzy’s first arrival on campus. “It was foreign,” Robinson recalled. “We didn’t know what to expect. We knew about the prestige of the school and we knew they have a phenomenal basketball program and culture.”
With excitement in her voice, Jerzy exclaimed, “Dad, we’re here.”
“She was really hyped up – she knew of Sierra Canyon High School and she knew Juju Watkins came through here, and as we walked onto campus, you can’t help but get excited especially as a young hooper.”
Robinson is quick to acknowledge divine intervention as paving the way for Jerzy and her younger brother to attend Sierra Canyon High School. “It was by the grace of God, His favor and a lot of prayers and hard work that we are here,” expressed Robinson.
Robinson, who was raised by his mom in a single-parent home in South Central Los Angeles, doesn’t hesitate to credit Jerzy’s mom for being an excellent parent and resource. “Jerzy’s mom does a phenomenal job keeping her balanced,” Robinson explained. “Jerzy mom challenges her while showing her the world from a different perspective.”
Jerzy’s basketball résumé reads like that of a seasoned veteran. She has accomplished a lot for her young age, both on and off the court. “It’s really unimaginable to sign with Nike at 15 years old and to be put in this position humbles me, it allows me to be grateful for everything that comes my way.”
