Episode Summary:
In this episode of Outside the Pins, UW-Oshkosh alum Robyn Kirsch reflects on her transformational Titan journey—from a season-ending ACL injury before committing to Oshkosh, to anchoring the team’s rise to back-to-back NCAA Elite Eight appearances. As both a quiet leader and fierce competitor, Robin became a cornerstone of the program’s evolution—on the court, in the classroom, and now as a coach and dental school applicant. She shares wisdom on resilience, learning through adversity, staying authentic in leadership, and why the relationships you build in a locker room can change your life forever.
Key Topics:
💪 Injuries & Resilience:
After an ACL tear during her senior year of high school, Robin didn’t give up—she adapted. She coached. She had two knee surgeries and an ankle surgery in college—but returned stronger. Her drive to contribute, even while sidelined, became a defining trait.
🏐 Quiet Grit, Loud Impact:
Though never the loudest voice, Robin became a high-IQ, high-trust leader. Whether crushing film breakdowns, writing playbook-level scouting notes, or anchoring serve receive with calm consistency, she embodied the “warrior” award she was given—and proved leadership comes in many forms.
🌊 Costa Rica, Community & Culture:
From surfing wipeouts and orphanage connections to zip lining and chocolate-making chants, Robin’s memories of the team’s international trip to Costa Rica captured the joy, depth, and long-term impact of global service—and how those moments still come up in dental school interviews.
🎪 Green Lake to Community Night:
Robin’s memories range from getting lost in Green Lake to throwing a ball into the net at the first-ever Community Night in front of 2,800 fans. These moments—funny, formative, electric—symbolize the power of shared experience and strong team bonds.
🧠 Authenticity in Leadership:
Robin didn’t need a captain’s title to lead. She leaned into who she was—a trusted listener, steady competitor, and deeply thoughtful teammate. Her belief: when everyone leads authentically, the group is stronger together.
🎓 Biomedical Brain & Coaching Heart:
A Biomedical Sciences major with a Chemistry minor, Robin has her eyes set on dental school—but she’s not leaving the volleyball world. Now a varsity assistant and club coach, she’s passing on the same mindset, grit, and growth she modeled as a Titan.
🏆 Progress Worth Pursuing:
Robin’s class helped build a program that grew from missing the NCAA tournament to two straight Elite Eight runs. Her advice to future Titans: “Embrace challenges, work together, and understand that how you grow as a team matters more than any outcome.”
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