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Corey Robinson Discusses Being Named Student Body President

Corey Robinson and Rebecca Blais will take over as student body president and vice president April 1.
Corey Robinson and Rebecca Blais will take over as student body president and vice president April 1.

Irish junior receiver Corey Robinson has plenty of experience as a “master juggler” during his time at Notre Dame, which is why he believes he is set to flourish as the university’s student body president while still participating in football in 2016.

Robinson and vice president Rebecca Blais, who will enter office April 1, reflected on him becoming the first football player to be elected for that position in school history.

“I don't think he ever gets tired,” Blais quipped.

“He is far from that first thought that people have. In one interaction with him, your first impression will be amazing. I don't think I've ever met a human being who dislikes Corey Robinson.”

Last fall, Robinson not only participated on the football team and took 18 credits, but he also wrote his senior thesis — as a junior — started a non-profit organization and served as an athletic representative in student government. He said he wanted to whittle that down to “only” football and student government in 2016.

Robinson, who is set to graduate in May, applied for a Rhodes Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship and pondered whether to apply for acceptance in Notre Dame’s ACE (Alliance for Catholic Education Program), which includes two years as a teacher that culminates in receiving a Master’s of Education.

“I had to seriously consider what I wanted to do,” Robinson said. “My parents asked if I wanted to pursue graduate studies. I think it was definitely worth it to run for student body president and coming back as an undergraduate as opposed to graduating and coming back as a [graduate] student.”

Robinson and Blais focused their platform on five areas of emphasis, including efforts to prevent sexual assault — an issue at Notre Dame in recent years — and provide resources to victims.

Once Blais sold Robinson on the idea of running, the receiver approached head coach Brian Kelly, associate head coach Mike Denbrock, director of player personnel Dave Peloquin and director of personnel development Ron Powlus for feedback and support.

“I told them, ‘This is something I want to do, but I want to make sure I have your support before I run and petition. This is something that is very important to me,’” Robinson told them. “They supported me, which I was thrilled about. I think they see, just like [director of athletics] Jack Swarbrick, that we can have an innovative athletic piece and be one of the few schools in the country that have a student body president who also plays football for a top-10 team in the country. That previously wasn't possible, but they are very forward thinking and they trust me and I appreciate their support.”

The San Antonio, Texas, native admitted that he considered ending his football career, but said he is committed to excelling in that area while serving as student body president.

“I really wanted to go do a year of service in Brazil or go do ACE and get my Master's,” he said. “There are a lot of things that are incredible opportunities that I really had to weigh out with my family. There was definitely a possibility.

“I talked to my dad and [former Notre Dame student body president and fencer Alex Coccia] and they both said you don't understand how valuable this experience is in college to be able to not only play for Notre Dame but also increase your impact here and give back to the university that gave you so much and that you love so much. Those things that I want to do, I can always do a year of service after this next year. I can always do ACE.”

Robinson said he hopes his commitment both on and off the field the past three years at Notre Dame dispels any notion that he can’t thrive in both areas.

“I've been involved in many things during my time at Notre Dame and I've given it everything I have in every regard,” he said. “It's one of those things that if you're a good time manager and you understand that when you do something you give your all at it, and then in your off time you're working toward the betterment of that goal and not destroying your work and the progress you've made. I think you can do multiple things and be at your best.”

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