playing for protecting the planet
Nicole Robison is an NCAA Beach Volleyball student-athlete at Florida International University. Learn how her passion for beach volleyball meets the purpose of Team Ocean, and how sheâs using her voice for good.
Q: What do sports mean to you?
A: Sports are fun and the catalyst to developing every intangible skill you need to be a successful adult.
We build time management, discipline, mental and physical strength, communication and collaboration skills. We also have to strategize, take direction, adapt, craft a public image, deal with pressure, prepare for a sometimes-nomadic lifestyle when traveling for competitions and more.
Another remarkable aspect is the unifying aspect of sports. Nearly everyone all over the world watches, plays or engages in sports in some way or another. Not speaking the same language or having the same culture is no barrier to the joy that sports bring.
Q: What first drew you to the beach, and how did it inspire your journey into beach volleyball and becoming an eco-athlete?
A: I’m from St. Petersburg, Florida, so I always went to the beach growing up. I’ve always been active, loved competing, being an athlete and being outside, so becoming a serious beach volleyball player was a no-brainer.
Unfortunately, I have seen many environmental issues affecting the ocean and beaches firsthand; namely red tide, hurricanes and flooding. These are prevalent, and only getting worse as time goes on, and have fueled my desire to do what I can for environmental advocacy.
Q: How does the ocean influence your mindset and performance?
A: The ocean is a massive reminder of peace and how big the world is compared to how small we are. No matter what’s going on in my life, the ocean’s vastness is a reminder of God’s awe and helps me put my many blessings into perspective. This is helpful for life in general and performance on the court. Athletes can often get tied up with every detail in our preparation and performance, which can spiral into mental detriment, especially if you get caught in the middle of a game with these thoughts. Looking at the ocean’s waves is a great visual for letting these things go and refocusing on the present matter at hand.
Q: Can you share a specific moment when playing beach volleyball near the ocean made you feel incredibly connected to nature?
A: Beach volleyball can be played on the beach or at a human-made sand facility nowhere near the water (which is the case for most NCAA competitions). Whenever I get the chance to play near the ocean, it is an extra blessing because I already love the ocean and the connection I feel to God and nature, but I also love how I get to run to the ocean and wash off in between each match. It’s a mental and physical reset. Also, sunrises and sunsets on the beach are unmatched.
Q: How do you use your platform as an athlete to raise awareness about ocean conservation/environmentalism?
A: I love partnering with EcoAthletes because they help me stay aware of environmental issues, connect me with resources and other athletes who also share a love for conservation and involve me in initiatives where I can use my voice and platform to spread the word to my community.
Q: What challenges have you observed for the ocean, and how have they motivated your advocacy work?
A: Red tide has explicitly been a big challenge in my hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s very sad to see all the dead animals and extreme algal blooms. It just fuels the fire regarding my desire to be an advocate for environmentalism.
Q: If you could inspire your fans to take one action to protect the ocean, what would it be and why?
A: One action I would ask of my community is to use the least possible, in any realm/area possible. Consumption is a huge problem with enormous consequences, but individual actions can make a huge difference. Use reusable grocery bags instead of disposable paper or plastic and reusable containers for, to-go packaging. We can also call on our elected officials to do something to create lasting change. There are many more, but those are a few examples to get started. đ
Q: Do you have any other personal notes about why you’re excited to be part of this movement to Protect Where We Play?
A: I am so excited to be a part of Protect Where We Play because I love storytelling, the cause, the ability to make a difference through meaningful content and a chance to share my passion with the world. The opportunity to Protect Where We Play should be important to everyone and anyone, and I’m happy to do my part.
Nicole’s turning her passion into action, so we can keep on playing for generations to come. Are you? It’s time to #ProtectWhereWePlay!
