Karis Robinson came into SAU Tech's softball program undervalued, but determined to accomplish great things. Her performances and consistency as the Lady Rockets' starting pitcher have been nothing short of impressive. After two stellar years of being a part of a program-building team, Robinson is taking a big step in her collegiate career by transferring to Mississippi Valley State, a HBCU Division I program.
"We came a long way since last year and I would say we competed really good," Robinson said. "Off the field, (my accomplishments) would definitely be building stronger bonds with some of my teammates, they have now become some of my close friends. I've enjoyed my time at SAU Tech, but I'm excited for the future."
Robinson came into a young Lady Rockets softball program from Smackover looking to showcase her solid pitching form, her velocity and her reliability on both sides of the field. In 19 games played (13 starts) and 69.2 innings pitched, Robinson allowed 96 hits, 69 runs, 38 walks and an ERA of 4.02 while delivering 40 strikeouts. As a fielder, she accounted for 25 putouts, 10 assists, two double plays and only two errors. In her limited 22 at-bats, she accounted for three hits, one run, two RBIs and only five strikeouts.
One of her best pitching performances this past season was on the road in the first game against North Arkansas on March 30. Robinson allowed only three hits, one run and four walks while delivering five strikeouts in five innings pitched.
Robinson will now play at the division one level, where she will play for a growing Mississippi Valley State Lady Bulldogs softball program. She joins close friend and Lady Rockets basketball player Sh'Diamond McKnight and Jaylia Reed, who made the decision to transfer earlier in the spring.
"It feels good knowing that I have friends going to the same school, also an accomplishment, because all three of us are JUCO (Junior College) products," Robinson said.
"I knew to wanted to get out of Arkansas to play ball," Robinson continued. "I had five other schools looking at me, but Valley stuck out the most."
She went on to talk about the team structure and what she could provide to the team.
"After talking to the coach and him saying they needed pitchers, that was the only thing they lacked, I knew I could be that missing piece," she said.
The Lady Bulldogs have a lot of work to do to prepare for a more productive 2024 college softball season after finishing the 2023 season at 2-38 last month. MVSU finished with a season ERA of 4.22 while allowing an 7.3 hits, 3.5 run and 1.7 walks per game and a total of 16 home runs. The biggest problem on their team was the lack of depth in the bullpen. The Lady Bulldogs had two full-time pitchers and two replacement pitchers with one starting six games.
Robinson can add depth and production immediately to the pitching of the Lady Bulldogs. On top of her consistency, velocity and form, one attribute that Robinson feels makes her a valuable player is the ability to be coached.
When asked her best attributes as a player, Robinson said, "It would have to be me being coachable and willing to change for the better. Most us of, as humans, don't want to change, because we are comfortable, and I'm willing to be uncomfortable if it benefits."
SAU Tech's softball is seeing more of their former players go on to be highly efficient at a higher level as the program continues to develop. Robinson is in the next of players set to contribute more at the collegiate level after two solid years at SAU Tech.