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The FHS senior pitcher and third baseman on Wednesday signed to play collegiate softball for Montreat College, making the decision to join the Cavaliers ahead of her final prep season on Independence Boulevard.

As a junior, Robinson pitched 113 2/3 out of a possible 134 innings with an ERA of 5.11. She allowed 139 hits, 83 earned runs and 58 walks while striking out 110 batters. At the plate, Robinson was third on the team with a .304 batting average, tallying 21 hits, 15 runs scored, 14 RBIs, five doubles and four home runs. She also stole three bases.

In her sophomore season, Robinson pitched 31 1/3 innings with an ERA of 4.91. She allowed 39 hits, 22 earned runs and 19 walks, also striking out 19 opponents. She hit .164 with nine hits, 10 runs scored, five RBIs and three doubles. Robinson led Freedom with four stolen bases.

And as a freshman, Robinson pitched 33 2/3 innings with an ERA of 5.41. Robinson allowed 47 hits, 26 earned runs and 28 walks with 19 strikeouts. She led the Lady Patriots with a .418 batting average, amassing 23 hits, 10 runs scored, four RBIs and seven doubles. Robinson added one stolen base.

When eyeing possible college destinations, Robinson wanted to go somewhere that both wasn’t physically far from home while also metaphorically feeling close to home. The campus in Montreat, located in Buncombe County, checked both boxes.

“So, I visited two different colleges and when I visited Montreat, it definitely the one that felt like the closest to my home,� Robinson said. “I really don’t want to go far away, so because it felt like home, it definitely felt like it was the right one.�

In addition to the homey feel, Robinson also was impressed with the campus and coaches.

“The campus is really beautiful,� Robinson said. “That was definitely something I was looking for in a college, to have that kind of campus. And coach (Corbin) Weeks was very straightforward. He seemed like the kind of coach I would like to push me. Also, he’s turned their program around so drastically that I just can’t wait to see what happens next.�

Likewise, FHS coach Connor Townsend thinks the Cavaliers’ coaches will find that Robinson is the kind of player they will like to push.

“Obviously, I think she’s a worker and she’s earned every second of any kind of playing time she’s gotten at any level,� Townsend said. “I think she’ll do the same going into Montreat. She’ll be a great fit up there. I’ve told any coach who’s going to put a jersey on her next, they’re going to be a really lucky coach because she’s a great kid.�

Versatility also is a big part of Robinson’s game, both at Freedom and, potentially, at Montreat.

“I think she’ll probably do a little bit of everything,� Townsend said. “I think she’ll pitch for them and, like us, when she’s not pitching, she’ll probably play her at the hot corner at third (base) or they’ll put her in the outfield some.�

Robinson, who plans to major in exercise science with a focus in physical therapy, already has some goals set for her time with the softball program.

“I definitely want to become a starter,� Robinson said. “I’m willing to do whatever it will take to get that spot and hold it, hopefully.�

Robinson said her favorite memories of Freedom softball have been formed both on and off the field, and she still has her senior campaign left to make a few more.

“My most recent favorite memory was when we beat Ashe County for the first time since I’ve been here,â€� Robinson said, referring to a 4-3 home win in eight innings over the Lady Huskies on April 19 in Â鶹´«Ã½. “It was in extra innings and felt pretty great.

“We do a lot team-bonding, so we went camping together my sophomore year. It was great.�

Robinson will be the kind of player who’s hard to replace for the Lady Patriots, but at the same time, Townsend is excited for Robinson’s future and sees virtually no ceiling to what she can accomplish at Montreat.

“She’s definitely been a strong player for us,� Townsend said. “I think, ultimately, she has a relentless work ethic and drive to get better and go to the next level. She’s going to put it all out there for her teammates. She’s a really trustworthy kid to have out on the field, and I know that her friends and teammates would say the same.

“With her work ethic, I think the sky’s the limit, truly. Montreat is a really special place, and I think she’s going to fit in great up there. I know that she’s going to continue just to get better. She’s going to do big things up there.�

Added Robinson:� “I definitely want to thank my mom and dad, my grandparents and my sister, and, of course, all the friends I’ve made here in the program.�