Meet Antoine Robinson II - Class of 2025
Antoine Robinson II (Baltimore, MD) arrived at Bridgton Academy this August with an honest assessment of his high school career. “I was a two-time MVP (Most Valuable Player) in lax (lacrosse), but not in the classroom,” admits Robinson. A graduate of ACCE Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, Robinson struggled with distractions in the classroom, did not always do his best work, and found himself hoping something would work out for him somehow. Fortunately for Robinson, he did put forth his best effort on the lacrosse field as a member of the Harlem Lacrosse program from seventh to twelfth grade; and it was life changing. “Harlem Lacrosse changed my life,” noted Robinson. “And Harlem Lacrosse got me to BA.” Coach Lantz Carter, who joined Robinson and his mother on his Bridgton visit, and organizers Joel Censer and Jenny Moe, all played an integral role in providing the necessary support and help with recruitment for Robinson. “With the help of Harlem Lacrosse, I was able to come to Bridgton for the year that makes the difference.” If you talk to Robinson for only a few minutes you quickly see that this decision is already paying off.
Robinson is direct and candid about his short time in Bridgton. “I’ve matured a lot already,” he shares. “I’m being a professional. I’m getting faster and stronger in the weight room and I’m focused on the season and raising my GPA (grade point average).” With a clear sense of purpose, Robinson talks firmly and confidently about what this year is all about. Though he is undecided about school (Frostburg and Virginia State are on the list) and major (engineering, sports medicine, business management are considerations), he is not undecided about why he is at Bridgton. “This is a business trip,” emphasizes Robinson. “I’m not here to mess around.” One gets the sense he is honoring those who have given him the opportunity, and he is going to do so with his best effort in all facets of life at the Academy.
“You’ve got to put the work in and be willing to do it on your own,” he advises. “Sure, you’ll get help here, but I’ve become more self-directed. It has to be like college. Do the work!” Not only has his effort improved Antoine’s academics, but he continues the work in lacrosse as well. A key factor in his success is executing his assignments. Whether as a long stick or short stick midfielder, Robinson takes pride in doing his job. Thus far at Bridgton, that job has been scoring goals as a two-way middie, but he likes defending and preventing goals just as much. And, he credits his coaches and teammates for that drive and support. “Everybody builds off of each other,” notes Antoine. “Early on my teammates motivated me to keep going. Now they are my brothers.” That well known Bridgton brotherhood happens when Wolverines not only decide to come to the Academy, but when they commit to all of the opportunities that are here for them. Antoine Robinson II has certainly set a high bar in this area.
