Kevin Robinson Jr. is ready to fly.
Robinson, 45, was named The Catholic University of America’s athletic director April 13 after a nationwide search. In an interview before the hire was announced, Robinson rattled off the University’s teams that have won Landmark Conference championships and national titles with a palpable passion.
It was as if he was meant to be a Cardinal.
“There’s always been a tradition of excellence at Catholic,” Robinson said. “There’s an energy around Catholic that I’m really lucky to be a part of right now.”
Robinson has served as associate director of athletics for advancement at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, for the last two years. Prior to that, he led development for the athletic program there for six years. Robinson holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mount St. Mary’s and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. He will start at Catholic University in early June.
Robinson is no stranger to campus. As a basketball player at St. Mary’s University in southern Maryland in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Robinson played the Cardinals frequently. In addition, his sisters Kate and Mary, were lacrosse stars at Catholic.
Kate was an All-American and a two-time Landmark Conference Player of the Year with her number of goals and points still standing as Catholic University records. She was also a two-time captain of the basketball team. Knowing the family legacy is already strong on campus, Kevin Robinson will make a name for himself with his enthusiastic approach.
“The way of coaching has changed over the last 10 or 15 years,” Robinson said. “The one constant is that you lead with love. When you lead with love, you build trust. And when you build trust, you build connection. That’s where the magic happens. That’s where the inspiration happens."
Robinson and his wife, Trish, have two daughters, Kathleen and Emily-Jane. Robinson grew up near Mount St. Mary’s and attended Catholic schools throughout his childhood. He says the mission at those institutions is why he is so passionate about coming to Catholic.
“It’s that dedication to the holistic development of the individual,” Robinson said. “It’s not just what you do on the playing field. It’s the totality of the person.”
Robinson said he has already noticed that feeling among student athletes, who spoke of supporting one another on the field and off.
The new athletic director is aiming to immerse himself in the Catholic community and meet faculty, staff, alumni, and students.
“I’ll be high-fiving and fist-bumping everyone,” Robinson assured. “You won’t meet a bigger fan of Catholic athletics than me. What you’ll see is energy and passion.”