By Derrick Smith

High school student-athletes have a delicate balance that they have to follow. They have to focus on their class work and keep their grades up, but they also have to make sure that they are prepared to compete. This can require extra practice time if necessary. Carmena Robinson says that she helps her kid’s prioritize the things that they have going on. 

“For me, it’s about balance,” she said. “You can do more than one thing, but you have to know what comes first. School work is a must, get the grades and sports becomes your priority, don’t get the grades and the reflection shows sports is not your priority.”

Robinson and her husband of twenty-three years, Carnell are the parents of two children. Her oldest daughter, Shala, is a 2017 Moore graduate. She was an outstanding basketball player in high school and is currently a senior in college and is majoring in Biology and plays basketball at the collegiate level. Carmena’s youngest daughter, Caitlin, is a junior at Moore high school. She plays school and competitive softball, is a manager for the basketball team, and is an honor student.

While her daughters are in two different stages of life, Robinson makes sure not to miss anything that they are involved in.

“I attend all of their scheduled events, whether they are local and out of town,” she said. “I have done this since they were little. I am a strong believer in supporting your children no matter what.”

She currently works in accounting, but before the pandemic hit, Carmena worked for the Hertz Corporation for twenty-four years in upper management. When she is not working, Robinson has other ways to spend her time. 

“I enjoy spending time with my family, small circle of close friends, sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.” she stated. “Also, watching my oldest daughter play college basketball, traveling and watching my youngest daughter play competitive softball.”

The town of Moore has been great to Robinson and her family and she is thankful to be a part of it. 

“I love the diversity at Moore high school,” she said. “Both of my girls have gained many friendships throughout the high school and the Moore community in general.”