September 24, 2024
Whitney (Vamos) Robinson of Wiggins has a love of sports, especially softball, which she has taken to the next level by working as a physical therapist. Attending Pearl River Community College helped her launch into a successful career that she enjoys.
Originally from Poplarville, Robinson had The River running deep in her veins. Her mother (Dawn Harrell Vamos) was a cheerleader at PRCC in the early 1980s, where she met John “Johnny” Vamos, a baseball player. Her aunt Faith Harrell Johnson played softball when attending. Younger sister Kelsey Vamos Graeter was on the soccer team from 2007 – 2009 while her high school sweetheart and future husband, Ashley Graeter, was on the baseball team.
From 2003 – 2005, Robinson worked towards an Associate of Arts degree on the Poplarville Campus while playing on the Lady Wildcat Softball Team. Living in Marion Hall with most of her fellow softball teammates, Robinson considers those years as some of the best years of her life.
“I met some of my best friends there, who I am still close with to this day,” said Robinson. “We enjoyed having water balloon wars with the baseball team that lived in Huff Hall. I remember a security officer providing us with water guns to give us more ammo.”
“We made it a point to attend all other sports games and support all of our friends on other teams. You really do just become a big community! We also made the road trip to Coffeeville, Kansas, to watch the football team win the National Championship!”
Coach Leigh White had a major influence on Robinson. White was an assistant under Coach Laurie Neelis until taking over as head coach for the 2004 season. White currently serves as Head Coach at East Central Community College and has many fond memories of her first team as a head coach.
“Whitney was very determined, and I am sure she still is,” said White. “She worked hard in the classroom and on the field. That group was special, and she was a big part of our success. She definitely left her mark at PRCC.”
Robinson has only good things to say about being part of the softball team.
“Being part of Leigh White’s softball program helped mold me into the person I am today,” said Robinson. “I will never be able to thank her enough for the qualities instilled in me from being a part of that program. I will always be thankful for all the memories and relationships made.”
After graduation, she transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiotherapy. After working as the Wait Staff Manager at Mack’s West Seafood, Robinson felt called to enter the world of physical therapy. She returned to PRCC in the Physical Therapy Assistant program on the Forrest County Campus.
Robinson has now been a practicing physical therapist for a dozen years. She has worked in various settings from inpatient rehab and nursing homes to home health and outpatient PT. Her happy place is working in outpatient settings, particularly with athletes and women’s health patients.
Robinson took her passion for women’s sports a step further by earning her certification as a Sportmetrics Specialist – Level II. The certification is geared toward injury prevention in female athletes. Robinson uses the certification as a volunteer with the Stone County High School girls soccer and softball teams during their off seasons.
“I am so grateful and blessed to be able to use my skills to empower female athletes and provide them with skills that help propel themselves forward, with the potential to become college athletes,” said Robinson.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Headshot by Lauren Johnson. Other images supplied by Whitney Robinson.
