Maryland head women’s basketball coach Brenda Frese announced the hiring of assistant coach Shay Robinson Tuesday. Robinson comes to College Park after spending last season with the Kansas women’s basketball program.
Prior to his season with the Jayhawks, Robinson worked at Air Force and worked as the head instructor at one of the most elite basketball performance centers in the country, the EDGE Training Facility in Orlando.
“We’re really excited about this hire and what Shay Robinson brings to our program,” Frese said. “It’s always great when you get new ideas and new energy. He’s a dynamic guy that can help us in a lot of different ways. We also love that we’re adding his wife Tonya to our team. With their passion and values, they’re going to fit right in here at Maryland.
“I always want to surround our players with great people that can help them get better. The player development piece is something that’s really important to me and it’s helped us be successful. Developing our players has always been a team effort shared by our staff and it was crucial to me that Shay is terrific at it. He was endorsed by some people in the business whose opinions I really value. One of those people is Dee Brown, who’s considered one of the best in all of basketball at player development. Shay will be working with our perimeter players and I know he’s really excited about getting started with our team.”
"First, I want to thank everyone at Kansas for a great opportunity and a memorable experience," Robinson said. "I learned a lot under Coach Henrickson and value all the relationships built in my time at KU, especially with the players.
“I am extremely excited and looking forward to the opportunity to work for Coach Frese and with the rest of the staff. I am eager to get started and to have an impact on the program as well as continuing to grow. I have always had respect for Maryland Basketball and am thankful for the chance to contribute to its continued success and future legacy. It’s an honor to join this program and my wife and I are elated to be a part of the Maryland family… GO TERPS!"
Robinson served for five years as the assistant director and head instructor at EDGE Training Facility, known as the premier training facility in the state of Florida. In conjunction with former Boston Celtic Dee Brown, Robinson managed daily basketball operations while performing individual and team skill development sessions, camps and clinics. His vast clientele ranged from beginning players to elite high school, college and professional athletes in the NBA and European Leagues.
A native of Greensboro, N.C., Robinson worked the coaching ranks for many years. He coached the girls’ basketball team at Viera High School during the 2010-11 season, helping the squad win its first district championship while posting a 22-3 overall record. Robinson also served as an assistant coach with the boys’ varsity program at Viera from 2006-09.
During the 2009-10 season, Robinson served as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Brevard Community College. There, he was in charge of guard and post player development, while assisting with offensive and defensive philosophies. Other responsibilities included recruiting, team film sessions, scouting, academic monitoring and mentorship of student athletes.
Robinson graduated from James B. Dudley High School before enlisting in the Air Force in 1996. Robinson served more than eight years on active duty in the Air Force. While enlisted, he deployed on numerous tours of duty, including three tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, spending time as a Weapons Load Crew member on F-16s, as well as Special Operations Senior Command Post Controller.
During his military career, Robinson received various medals and was awarded the distinguished John Levitow Award in 2002. He was also named Air Force Special Operations Command, Command Post Controller of the Year in 2002-03, before his honorable discharge in 2004.
In August 2007, Robinson earned a bachelor of science in sports and fitness with a specialization in coaching theory from the University of Central Florida. He also holds a master of science in athletic administration from Nova Southeastern University (2010). Robinson is an active member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) organization. Robinson is married to Tonya, who is also an Air Force veteran.
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