Member Spotlight March 2026

If you’ve spent any time at Tennis Center Sandpoint, you’ve likely seen the Robinson crew in action. With four siblings playing at the club—and plenty of friendly competition to go around—this Seattle family brings energy, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of heart to our courts.

Growing Up at the Club Tennis has been part of the Robinson family story from the very beginning.

• Evie (11 yrs) began in 2018 in our Hot Tots program at the age of 4yrs.

• Otis (9 yrs) started in 2021 progressed steadily through Red Ball and into Orange Ball, continuing to build his game each season.

• Elsie (8 yrs) Her first class was in February 2023 when she picked up her first racquet around age five.

• Augie (5yrs) last summer in our 2025 Red Ball Camps.

Over the years, all four have grown through the junior development pathway, participating in advanced sessions and summer camps. Coaches have played a meaningful role in their journey. Coach Kyle is remembered for his fun but focused style—always clear, always pushing for proper technique (even when it felt “annoying” at the time!). Coach Christina is appreciated for her creativity and understanding approach, especially her inventive games that kept learning fresh and exciting. 

Often spotted around the club is Kathy—affectionately known as “Mutti” (German for mom) to her family. Visiting frequently from Wisconsin, Mutti treasures every moment with her grandchildren. Whether she’s playing board games in the café or cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines, she has become a steady and loving presence throughout the children’s tennis journey at TCSP. 

The siblings share a healthy rivalry. On any given day, one might have the edge—but it never stays that way for long. That competitive spirit keeps them motivated and improving. 

Beyond the Baseline When they’re not at the club, the Robinson kids stay busy: 

• Evie loves reading, especially mystery books and the Percy Jackson series. She’s hoping to defend her 2025 Battle of the Books win at school in a few weeks. During the school year, she also participates in her school’s basketball, volleyball, cross-country and track teams. 

• Otis plays baseball—rotating between second base, outfield, and a favorite spot at third. Somehow he also fit in cross-country in the fall and tried basketball this year. He’s a big history buff and loves reading non-fiction. 

• Elsie enjoys fencing, cross country in the fall, hiking with her family, and helping cook breakfast favorites like pancakes and waffles. 

• Augie swims (including a self-invented “banana stroke” that keeps practices lively). He has spent years cheering on his siblings from the sidelines, so he’s loves finally getting to participate in sports too. 

All four attend St. Joseph’s School, where math ranks as a favorite subject. 

At home, the family hosts their own “Mini Olympics,” complete with figure skating (running in circles), curling (using magnet tiles), and creative hide-and-seek variations. Even their dog sometimes joins the competition! Currently, the dog holds the record for the most medals awarded. 

Meet Winnie: 

Winnie, the family’s Shih Tzu, adds plenty of entertainment to daily life. Known for her carpet “zoomies,” dramatic hiding spots, and ongoing potty-training adventures, she keeps everyone on their toes. She even has her own tennis ball—and there’s talk she may eventually become the club’s unofficial ball picker-upper. 

Family Traditions:

The Robinson family loves being active together. Paddleboarding, camping trips, and hiking adventures are regular traditions (even if hiking isn’t always everyone’s favorite). Friday nights are sacred: it’s Movie Night. The movie choice rotates among Evie, Otis, Elsie and Augie based on who is the “Person of the Day” – a system that rotates every four days. Whoever holds the title also chooses breakfast (and sometimes lunch or dinner) and takes charge of setting the table and cleanup. Food preferences are wonderfully individual. Augie’s top treat? Soft sugar cookies with blue frosting and sprinkles —“blue cookies.” Elsie prefers mac and cheese or classic pizza. Family meals require flexibility, creativity, and sometimes a rotation of favorites. Elise likes it when her school serves teriyaki for lunch, and Otis is a big fan of pepperoni pizza from Pagliacci’s. 

Adventures Near and Far:

The Robinson family has roots in Seattle but strong ties across the country and beyond. They visit relatives in Kansas City, Colorado, and Wisconsin and have traveled to Florida, Ireland, and Peru—where memories of exploring Machu Picchu still stand out. A trip to London is coming up soon! Closer to home, Bainbridge Island is a favorite stop for ice cream at Island Cool— especially for the creatively named “Dark Elf,” a chocolate-brownie flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s Augie’s favorite flavor and he has everyone convinced that it was created and namedspecifically for him! 

A Club Family:

More than anything, the Robinson siblings value the friendships and growth they’ve found at Tennis Center Sandpoint. From “Up and Down the River” drills to performance pathway milestones, the courts have become a second home. We’re proud to have this energetic, competitive, and close-knit family as part of our community—and we can’t wait to see what the next season brings for all four Robinson players.