Kardin Robinson has spent years growing alongside the teammates who now surround her for one final high school softball season. The Oktaha senior has watched those friendships deepen from youth ball through varsity, creating the kind of chemistry that shows up as much in the dugout as it does on the field.
“We are very loud and never give up on each other,” Robinson said. “We have grown up together and watched as each of us grew as a person and athlete.”
That connection is one of the reasons Robinson, who pitches and plays third base, enjoys coming to the field every day. While the competition matters, she says the relationships are what make the experience memorable.
“I enjoy the fact that we always find a way to have fun and help each other whenever it is needed,” she said.
Robinson credits much of her own growth to the examples set by her family.
“My mom, because she has always worked for what she has and has always gave me the best life I could ask for, and my aunt because she was always one to push herself and to do everything to the fullest,” she said.
Those lessons have helped shape her approach to the game, where confidence and preparation are central to her success. Before stepping into the batter’s box, Robinson keeps her focus simple.
“To get a base hit and have a good mindset when stepping up to bat,” she said.
Playing both pitcher and third base means there is little time to hesitate once the ball is in play.
“The most difficult thing about both of them for me is the reaction time you have to have when a ball is hit right back to you,” Robinson said.
Robinson believes the game also teaches important lessons about character. For her, one unwritten rule stands above the rest.
“To always show respect to other teams and coaches and clean up after yourself after every game,” she said.
She sees those same values reflected throughout Oktaha’s roster. Robinson describes Kadence Strube as the team’s most vocal leader, while Hadley Branan and Tyann Stacy keep the dugout loose with their humor. Asked who is most likely to finish a game covered in dirt, Robinson laughed before pointing to Strube.
“Probably Kadence Strube because her catcher’s gear usually leaves her pretty dirty,” she said.
When she isn’t practicing or competing, Robinson enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies and creating diamond art. She and her teammates also have a favorite local tradition.
“The Oktaha Eazy Mart, where me and my teammates go get snacks and food during breaks,” she said.
As Robinson prepares for her final season in an Oktaha uniform, she hopes to carry forward the confidence others once instilled in her.
“To always have confidence in yourself and that even the hard things are possible,” she said.
