IC thrower nominated for national Division III LGBTQ award
An Illinois College student-athlete has been nominated for a national NCAA Division III award recognizing the academic achievements, athletics excellence, and service and leadership of LGBTQ college athletes.
Track and field athlete and business administration major Asia Robinson ’22 is being considered for the 2020 NCAA Division III LGBTQ Student-Athlete of the Year Award. The award is in its first year.
Robinson thanked the NCAA and Assistant Track & Field Coach Olivia Raya.
“This nomination means everything to me,” Robinson said. “I struggle everyday with knowing my worth in this world and this award just proves that I can achieve anything I put my heart in. Illinois College gave me a chance and I am forever grateful and honored to be a Lady Blue and to be nominated to be the LGBTQ student-athlete of the year.”
Originally from St. Louis, Robinson was recruited and came to IC as a discus thrower, Raya said. She has since added the hammer throw and weight throw events to her arsenal. Robinson threw a finals qualifying 41’8 in weight throw at her last contested competition in her sophomore indoor season. She set personal records of 98’1 in discus and 109’11 in hammer throw her first year, with the 2020 outdoor season being interrupted by the pandemic.
“She is a junior and has been an essential glue to our core group of throwers,” Raya said. “She is incredibly hard working and is always willing to help her team out and listen to any advice they give her.”
The award winner will be notified in November and announced at the virtual 2021 NCAA Convention.