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Everyone’s always looking for what’s next. Who has that “it” factor. Allow us to introduce you to Jerzy Robinson, who has “it” and more.
The Sierra Canyon star is proving why her name is everywhere. Her family took a leap of faith and uprooted their lives from Arizona to California for the love of the game, and now Jerzy is one of the nation’s top prospects.
Her journey seemed destined from the start. Around age 6 or 7, she dropped a 20-piece for the first time, foreshadowing the future star power we now see coming to life.
“I really fell in love with basketball,” Jerzy says, when thinking back to where it all started. “It was the aesthetic, like, the swish of the net, the leather in your hands, the squeaky shoes. I just had a liking for that at a young age.”
Darnell Robinson, Jerzy’s father and trainer, knew what it would take to ensure success. He’s been training Jerzy since she first became interested in the game. A former linebacker, Darnell started her early with bodybuilding to emphasize the importance of strength.
When asked what attributes she has taken from her dad, she’s quick to answer. “The fire and the passion of the sport, the motivation and dedication,” she says. “That’s definitely my dad.”
From fifth grade to eighth grade, Jerzy played on an all-boys team. As the only girl, she embraced every challenge and used the experience to build her confidence and grit.
“Of course, they’re trying to assert their dominance, let it be known a girl can’t play with them,” she says. “But, you know, the cream always rises to the top.”
Jerzy called her practices during that time “homework,” using the opportunity to study the game and figure out how to piece everything together. Watching her now, it’s clear how intentional each play and movement is. Her finesse and flair are uniquely hers.
“I can really say that it gives a lot of versatility,” Jerzy says, when asked how she’s evolving. With a mix of drills including ballhandling, finishing, shooting in the paint and stretching it to the perimeter, she shows it all.
Every great game needs balance, and in Jerzy’s life, that comes from her mother, Taryn Uperesa. “She rounds me out. My dad is super competitive. My mom’s elegant, classy, focused,” Jerzy says.
That steady foundation keeps Jerzy grounded, even as the spotlight grows. She continues to emphasize her roots, her community and the people who shaped her. And the basketball community shows up for her in return. Whether it’s love on social media from A’ja Wilson, a postgame “good game” from Tyson Chandler or words of encouragement from LeBron James, everyone’s watching.
“The work is always going to show,” says the two-time gold medalist. “It might show up in ways you don’t think, but it definitely does always show.”
Time and time again, Jerzy’s number gets called. And every time, she shows up. No matter what lies ahead, Jerzy understands what separates the average players from the greats.“ The most important thing is consistency,” she says. “Motivation comes and goes but that discipline that you can rely on, that will get you really far.”
If you haven’t figured it out by now, when it comes to Jerzy Robinson, you should expect the unexpected. Plan for her to go left? She’ll go right. Think she’s staying in the paint? She’ll bring it out to the perimeter. When asked to break down her own scouting report, she puts it plainly.
“Be ready for a show.”
