Sports Locker • November/December 2024 • Kristen Robertson

Kristen Robertson, a senior at Fatima High School, has spent her high school years immersed in athletics and academics. As a multi-sport athlete and a leader in various school organizations, she embodies hard work, resilience, and dedication.

Her journey in sports began early—at the age of five, Robertson started playing basketball and softball, excelling in both sports through middle and high school, while also playing soccer for a few of those years. Her parents and sister are the ones who inspired her to start playing sports and have never wavered in their support. Her dad, Ryan, is the head basketball coach for the Fatima Comets and played D1 basketball. Her mom, Marla, played collegiate softball for Lincoln University, and her older sister, Alli, who has always been her biggest competition and motivator, currently plays softball for Columbia College.

When she’s on the field and the court, Robertson always reminds herself to have fun with her team. “The things I like most about playing softball and basketball are the amazing teammates I play with and the things we can accomplish when we work together.” And accomplish, she has! Robertson has been part of two state championship- winning softball teams and earned several individual awards, including second-team All-Conference, second-team All-Region, and first-team All-District honors. Additionally, the basketball team’s back-to-back district championships in 2023 and 2024 stand out as highlights of her high school career. “There is truly no better feeling than being given that medal and knowing that all of your hard work has paid off.”

Robertson plays third base during softball season and shooting guard during basketball. She trains all year playing school sports, on club teams, and doing workouts. She tends to put a lot of pressure on herself while competing, as she wants to make her community and loved ones proud. There is one thing her mom always tells her before a game: “All your focus, all your power.” This is her mom’s way of telling Robertson to play with all her strength and all her mind because when you do that, there is no losing.

Playing sports has formed Robertson into who she is today. “It has taught me some of my greatest life skills - hard work, leadership, communication, and resilience.” Lessons and qualities that exude into all other areas of her life as well, including school. Robertson is senior class president, student council president, and an active member of several clubs, including the National Honor Society. She has earned Academic All-State honors and ranks in the top 10% of her class.

As we know, the life of a student-athlete isn’t without its challenges. For Robertson, finding a way to balance academics and sports has been an ongoing trial. “The pressure and expectations can be overwhelming, especially trying to manage school, practice, games, and homework.” Despite the stress, Robertson has found that by spending time with her family and taking moments to rest, she can relax, reset, and find her steadiness.

There is one thing we know for sure: Kristen Robertson has an incredible work ethic. “I’ve been taught by my parents from a very young age that working hard and giving 110% in everything you do is so important.” As she prepares to graduate, Robertson hopes to leave behind this legacy of hard work and leading by example. Her advice to younger athletes is simple: “No matter what you’re doing, show up every day like it is your last. Whether you’re tired, upset, or having a bad day—show up not just for you, but for your teammates.”

Looking ahead, Robertson’s future plans include attending Missouri State University next fall and studying elementary education. Although her high school journey will soon come to an end, we know that the lessons she’s learned, the bonds she’s formed, and the impact she has made at Fatima will last a lifetime. The SLM team wishes you nothing but the best!