University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
Jean Robinson 1959 - Basketball
A 1998 UVM Hall of Fame inductee and one of the most successful coaches in Vermont girl's high school basketball history, Jean Robinson has distinguished herself beyond the Green Mountain State as she was named the 1997-98 National Girls' High School Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Federation of Coaches.
In 1998, she led Essex High School to their fifth straight Division I state championship and their third unbeaten season (24-0) in the past four years. Her overall won-loss record of 550-154 (.781) is one of the nation's best.
A 1959 graduate of UVM, Robinson was active in many sports when there were few, if any, varsity athletic opportunities for women. She began her high school coaching and teaching career immediately after graduation from UVM at Burlington High School. From 1959 to 1965 she lead BHS to a 85-18 record.
Moving over to Essex High School, Robinson took over the fledging Hornets' program in 1970-71 and in her 28 seasons she has a won-loss record of 465-136. She has taken the Hornets to twelve Division I title game appearances and Essex has won a record eight Division I Vermont State championships: 1979, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998. In the decade of the 90's, Essex girl's basketball exploded winning six state titles in eight years. From the 1993-94 season to 1996-97, the Hornets won 62 consecutive games. In a five-year span from 1993-1998, they were an amazing 115-4.
Eight Robinson-coached basketball players have gone to play NCAA Division I basketball: Libby Smith, Katie McNamara, Carrie LaPine and Kathy Ardell at UVM; Sarah Schreib at James Madison; Tammy Sweet at UConn; Carla Lawrence at Colgate and Heather Burroughs for Monmouth and UVM. Two other Robinson alumnae, Nicole Chalmers and Kelly Borch, have played for St. Michael's College.
In 1997-98 in addition to her national coach of the year award, she was honored by the National Federation of Coaches as the recipient of their Distinguished Service Award for Section I (New England and New York). Robinson resides in Essex Junction.
