LaChina Robinson is a basketball analyst who calls college basketball games for ESPN and FOX.
Robinson earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Wake Forest University, where she was a four-year starter for the Demon Deacon basketball team. A member of the 1999 ACC All-Freshman team, Robinson finished her career third all-time in blocked shots and 15th in rebounds while being named to the ACC Honor Roll on three occasions, including 2002, when she was named Academic All-ACC.
In 2008 LaChina started her own company called “Stretch Beyond” through which she serves as a consultant and keynote speaker. Robinson’s passion is helping athletes transition into and out of college with a focus on career, community, and character development. LaChina is a native of Alexandria and was inducted into the city’s inaugural Sports Hall of Fame class in 2014.
Read what she has to say.
How did you land your current job?
I was a late bloomer in television, I started my career in athletics administration at Georgia Tech after obtaining my sociology degree at Wake Forest. My goal at that time was to be an athletics director but one day I tried my hand as a basketball analyst on radio and loved it. I chased television part time and after two years landed my first nationally televised game on ESPN.
How long have you been in your current position?
I am in my eighth year as a basketball analyst on television.
What do you find most enjoyable about your job?
I love basketball and having played as a scholarship player in college my passion for the game has only grown stronger over time. I love that I wake up every day excited to go to work and that I can give back to the game I love while simultaneously serving as an example for the young women who will come behind me.
When did you know that you wanted to be in media?
I didn’t know until I was in my late 20s, which is rare in the television industry. Most in my position major in broadcasting or communications but it was an afterthought for me. Once I was mature enough to unify my strength, passion and interest, it fit like a glove. Sprinkle in a lot of favor and a wonderful support system of advocates and I am living a dream.
What was your first job in media?
My first job in media was as the basketball analyst on radio for the Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball team. At the time I was was the Director of Operations so I traveled with the team and they asked if would be interested in adding value to the radio broadcast as the analyst. I knew as soon as I put the headset on and started calling my first game that I had found God’s purpose for me.
What is your philosophy about reporting and journalism?
My philosophy is to always be authentic, in order for people to learn from you and listen to you, they must trust you. Trust is developed when you are real, relatable, and knowledgeable on the subject at hand. That only happens when you are authentic and well researched, a lot of hard work goes into developing credibility.
How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition?
Success for me is about serving my God-given purpose. My purpose is to inspire, encourage, and motivate others to live their dream the way I am living mine.
How do you use social media?
Social media is huge for me because it allows me to let people into who I am and what I am passionate about. Basketball is the vehicle through which I am able to serve but you don’t know that while watching a game. You make that connection through the story I tell on social media. I also use social media to grow the interest in women’s sports.
How has social media impacted the way you do your job?
Social media has been of great value to me. Women’s sports don’t get a lot of coverage so its free way of giving fans information that they are missing in general sports coverage.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
I’ve definitely been inspired by my parents. I am one of 16 children from a blended family (all blood related) and my Mom and didn’t haven’t had close to perfect lives. Despite so many challenges they have accomplished so many things that I am proud of. I am most proud of how smart my parents are, I wouldn’t be where I am without their unconditional support and love.
What’s on your playlist?
Jay Z, Brian Courtney Wilson, Drake,
What’s the title of the last book you read?
The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
What’s the title of the last movie you saw?
Queen of Katwe … excellent!
What’s on your bucket list of places to travel?
Australia. I have been to Africa, Europe, South America, and all over the US. Australia is the next content I would love to tackle.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
If I could change one thing it would be to make the world more “tall girl” friendly! I am 6-foot-4 and the world has yet to stretch to accommodate me.
If we’re sitting here a few years from now celebrating what a great career it’s been for you in this role, what did you achieve? Is there something you dreamed of doing but haven’t done yet.
Yes, I would love to work with Oprah in some capacity.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I watch basketball all the time but I love “Scandal,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” and “Being Mary Jane.”
