LaChina Robinson is a 44-year-old American basketball analyst, host, and mentor. She is widely recognized for her work with ESPN and NBC Sports, covering the WNBA, NCAA women’s basketball, and major sporting events.
In adition to her personal life, LaChina Robinson is engaged to Jonathan Jones (JJ), a writer who proposed to her on September 2, 2024.
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Who is LaChina Robinson?
LaChina Robinson is a well-known basketball analyst, host, and mentor with a strong presence in sports broadcasting. She has built a successful career covering women’s basketball for major networks like ESPN and NBC Sports.
Her insightful commentary and deep knowledge of the game have made her a respected figure in the industry. She has been a key voice in WNBA and NCAA women’s basketball coverage.
Over the years, she has covered WNBA Playoffs, the NCAA Tournament, and the Women’s Final Four. In addition to broadcasting, Robinson is a passionate advocate for women in sports media. She co-founded Rising Media Stars.
She also runs Stretch Beyond, a consulting company focused on career development for athletes and professionals. Through these initiatives, she has helped shape the next generation of sports media talent.
Her dedication to the game has earned her numerous accolades, including the Mel Greenberg Media Award and the Dawn Staley Excellence in Broadcasting Award. She has also been honored for her work in mentoring and career development.
With a strong voice in sports media and a commitment to empowering others, LaChina Robinson continues to make a lasting impact on women’s basketball and the sports industry as a whole.
Early Life of LaChina Robinson
LaChina Robinson was born on October 25, 1980, in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. She is American and belongs to the African American ethnicity.
Her parents are Lynette Hart Robinson and Hillary Powell. However, they separated when she was young. After the divorce, both of her parents remarried and started new families.
Robinson grew up in a large blended family. She is one of 16 siblings, including step-siblings and half-siblings from both sides. She went to Alexandria City High School, where she finished her schooling. During this time, she joined Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball.
Robinson improved her game through Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, which helped her gain recognition. Her strong skills on the court earned her a basketball scholarship to Wake Forest University.
In 1998, she started college at Wake Forest University. Robinson studied Sociology and played basketball for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
She played for four seasons and made a strong impact on her team. She graduated in 2002 and took the first step toward a career in the sports industry.
LaChina Robinson Age
LaChina Robinson is 44 years old as of 2024 because she came into the world on October 25, 1980, in Alexandria, Virginia, United States. According to her birthday, her zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Early Career in Basketball Operations
After completing her college basketball career at Wake Forest University, LaChina Robinson transitioned into the world of sports administration.
In August 2002, she joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) as a Championships Intern, where she worked for nearly a year.
Following her time at the ACC, Robinson joined Georgia Tech Athletic Association in August 2003, where she played a crucial role in the women’s basketball program. She served as the Director of Basketball Operations and Special Assistant to the Head Coach until May 2010.
During this period, she handled various responsibilities, including recruiting coordination, program logistics, and player development. While working in operations, Robinson developed a strong interest in sports media and broadcasting.
Recognizing her potential, Georgia Tech provided her with opportunities to work as an analyst for their radio broadcasts.
Breaking into Sports Broadcasting
Robinson’s transition from basketball operations to broadcasting took a significant step forward in 2009 when she was hired by ESPN as a college basketball analyst. This opportunity allowed her to merge her deep knowledge of the game with her growing passion for media.
By 2010, she was working full-time as a basketball analyst for both ESPN and Fox Sports South. Her insightful commentary and in-depth analysis quickly established her as a respected voice in women’s basketball coverage.
She covered numerous high-profile events, including regular-season college basketball games, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and the Women’s Final Four.
Expanding Her Role at ESPN
As Robinson continued to grow in her role, she became an integral part of ESPN’s WNBA coverage and serving as an analyst for the WNBA Playoffs, Finals, and Draft coverage.
Her ability to break down plays, highlight key strategies, and bring engaging storytelling to her commentary made her a fan favorite. In 2016, she launched Around the Rim, a women’s basketball podcast under espnW.
The show gained widespread popularity and, in 2017, was recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of the best sports podcasts of the year. Seeing its success, ESPN transitioned the podcast into a weekly video series on YouTube in 2021, which Robinson continues to host.
Additionally, Robinson expanded her role by contributing to ESPN Radio, where she serves as a WNBA analyst. Her coverage of women’s basketball extends beyond ESPN, as she has also worked with NBA TV and the Big Ten Network (BTN) as an analyst and studio talent.
Work Beyond ESPN and Contributions to Other Networks
While Robinson is widely recognized for her work at ESPN, she has also contributed to other major sports networks over the years. In 2010, she joined NBA TV, where she continues to serve as a basketball analyst. She has also worked with Big Ten Network (BTN) since 2012.
From 2008 to 2023, she served as the color analyst for the Atlanta Dream, providing in-depth coverage of WNBA games. Additionally, in 2021, she joined NBC Sports as a seasonal host and basketball analyst, further expanding her presence in sports media.
Her career showcases her versatility as she seamlessly moves between covering college basketball, the WNBA, and working across multiple networks.
Awards and Recognition
Robinson’s outstanding contributions to sports journalism have earned her several prestigious awards. In 2018, she received the Dawn Staley Excellence in Broadcasting Award, which recognizes excellence in women’s basketball coverage.
In 2021, she was honored with the Mel Greenberg Media Award, one of the most prestigious awards in women’s basketball media, presented annually by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
She became only the second Black woman to receive this award in its 30-year history, following in the footsteps of her mentor, Robin Roberts (2001). In 2020, Robinson was recognized with the Giving Gracefully Award.
Entrepreneurship and Mentorship
Beyond her work as a broadcaster, Robinson is dedicated to mentorship and supporting the next generation of women in sports media.
In 2018, she co-founded Rising Media Stars, a mentorship and training program designed to help young women of color break into sports broadcasting.
Through this initiative, she has provided training, career guidance, and networking opportunities to aspiring female journalists. In addition to mentoring, Robinson is also an entrepreneur.
In 2008, she founded Stretch Beyond, a consulting firm where she works as an NCAA-certified facilitator and career transition coach. Through this firm, she helps athletes and professionals develop their personal brands, prepare for career transitions, and navigate life beyond sports.
Robinson has also served as a keynote speaker at various universities, including Cal, Florida, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, and Penn State, where she shares her insights on leadership, personal branding, and career development.
Legacy and Hall of Fame Inductions
Robinson’s impact extends beyond broadcasting. Her contributions to basketball and sports media have been recognized in her hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, where she has been inducted into two Halls of Fame.
In 2015, she became an inaugural inductee of the Alexandria City Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame. The honor recognized her achievements as a player and her success in the sports industry.
Her continued influence in the world of sports journalism, mentorship, and advocacy for women’s basketball makes her a trailblazer and an inspiration to aspiring broadcasters and athletes alike.
LaChina Robinson Net Worth
LaChina Robinson has an estimated net worth of $3 million as of 2025. She earns money primarily through her work as a basketball analyst and broadcaster. She has long-term contracts with ESPN, where she covers WNBA and college basketball games.
Additionally, she works with NBA TV, Big Ten Network (BTN), and NBC Sports, further expanding her reach and earning opportunities. Her career as a color commentator for the Atlanta Dream and her appearances on various sports media platforms contribute to her income.
Beyond broadcasting, Robinson generates revenue through entrepreneurship, public speaking, and mentorship programs. Additionally, she earns from guest speaking engagements, brand partnerships, and advisory roles with organizations like the Women’s Sports Foundation and Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
LaChina Robinson Husband and Kids
LaChina Robinson is engaged to her fiancee Jonathan Jones (JJ), a writer. The couple has been in a committed relationship for some time. On September 2, 2024, Jonathan proposed to LaChina. Their engagement became a special milestone in their journey together.
LaChina and Jonathan have not yet married. They are likely planning their wedding. LaChina continues her career in sports broadcasting. Jonathan remains focused on his work as a writer. Both support each other in their personal and professional lives.
LaChina Robinson does not have children. She has focused on her career in sports media and mentorship. Her nonprofit Rising Media Stars helps young women of color enter the sports broadcasting industry. She remains passionate about guiding the next generation.
LaChina Robinson Height and Weight
LaChina Robinson stands tall at 6 feet 3 inches which is equal to 193 centimeters or 1.93 meters. Her height played a key role in her basketball career and continues to set her apart in the media industry.
She maintains a healthy and athletic physique and weighs around 70 kilograms which is equal to 154 pounds. Her presence commands attention on and off the screen.
LaChina has a striking appearance with her radiant smile and signature short, curly hair. She often styles herself in elegant yet professional outfits which fits her role as a top sports analyst. Her bold and confident look matches her strong personality and expertise in basketball.
Social Media Presence
LaChina Robinson stays active on multiple platform of social media including Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. She posts updates on WNBA games, college basketball, and her work as a sports analyst.
She also uses her platform to support young women in sports media and promote her mentorship programs. Her social media reflects her passion for basketball, media, and personal growth.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, LaChina Robinson has built an impressive career as a basketball analyst, mentor, and advocate for women’s sports. Her dedication to the game and passion for media have made her a respected voice in sports broadcasting.
Beyond her work on television, she continues to inspire and support young women in sports journalism. With a successful career, numerous achievements, and a new chapter in her personal life, she remains a powerful influence in the world of basketball.
Let us know what you think about her in the comments! We’d love to hear your thoughts.
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