Koda Robinson has had his sights set on attending the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis since seventh grade.

Thanks to hard work, focus, dedication, a recommendation from Representative Derek Kilmer and acceptance through a rigorous application process, the Sequim High senior has achieved his goal.

About two weeks after graduating from high school, Robinson will check into his new quarters in Maryland on a full scholarship with stipend at the four-year school. He will then serve as a military officer for at least five years.

“They have a really good STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program,” Robinson said. “I want to combine my interest in engineering and STEM and serve my country.”

Robinson applied to and was accepted into both the United States Military Academy at West Point and Annapolis. The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), he said, was always his first choice.

“My inspiration started with my brother,” Robinson said. “He got into the (U.S.) Coast Guard Academy; that’s when I started researching the military academies.”

Robinson’s father Kim was his inspiration, too.

“He has been a big role model in my life,” he said. “My dad was in the Marine Corps, his dad before him. I want to continue that tradition of that branch of service.”

Said Kim Robinson of his son, “He is an incredibly hard-working and grounded kid.”

Koda Robinson, right and Richard Meier prepare to hand out doughnuts for Sequim High School’s Winter Wishes assembly in December 2021.

USNA is known for being extremely selective, with an 8.5- to 10-percent acceptance rate; applicants who are strong in community service, leadership, academic achievement and physical fitness are sought.

“It’s a three- or four-year journey,” Kim Robinson said. “You build a resume during your whole high school years.”

Robinson worked and volunteered for the past two years at the Boys and Girls Club in Sequim.

“I really respect that Koda balanced academics with extracurricular activities,” said Mary Budke, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula. “He is a hard worker and finishes the job, which is rare to find.”

She said that he has continued to volunteer after receiving his acceptance letter.

“His character shines through,” Budke said.

Robinson tutors younger children, primarily in math.

“He really connects with the kids he’s tutored,” said Tessa Jackson, unit director at the Sequim unit. She and Budke said that Robinson is very good at helping struggling students and is an inspiration for the middle-schoolers and teens.

“Koda makes it easier to wrestle (with math) and to learn,” said Budke.

Hard work in, out of classroom

Robinson has earned straight A’s since kindergarten, according to his father, and the two of them drove to Idaho so Robinson could take the SATs when Washington schools were closed because of the pandemic. His scores were high.

At Sequim High, in addition to leadership and fundraising roles, Robinson started the chess club in ninth grade and started a letter writing club as a junior.

“I noticed that the elderly were affected the most” by the pandemic, he said, “especially in home-care facilities.”

To help alleviate seniors’ isolation, he and other club members began a letter exchange.

“Each member has their own resident they write to,” at Sherwood, the 5th Avenue and the Lodge at Sherwood, he said. Everyone writes at their own pace and they meet once or twice a month to check in with each other.

“I’m hoping the club will continue even when this is all over,” he said, emphasizing the value of the stories the residents share with young people.

In addition to all those activities, Robinson is also employed by four families doing landscaping, gardening and handyman work. He said he started the summer before sophomore year.

“I have a lot on my plate,” said Robinson, who noted he gets an average of about seven hours of sleep a night.

“I thrive being active and having a full schedule. I really enjoy keeping busy and helping others.”

An active youth

Robinson ran with Sequim High School’s cross country and track and field teams, competing as a freshman and sophomore with the cross country squad in 2018 and 2019 — earning district meet berths both seasons — and in middle- and long-distance events as a freshman and junior with the track team.

Sequim’s Koda Robinson competes in the 4x400 relay in the Wolves’ season-opening meet against Olympic in March 2021. Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell

“I still run on the side,” said Robinson. “I’ve always like running, exercise, keeping myself in shape.”

Robinson started playing tennis in his junior year and continued as a senior, improving from a sixth place doubles varsity position as a junior to the Wolves’ No. 2 singles player as a senior in 2011, racking up a 14-2 singles record.

“I’ve only been doing tennis a couple seasons. I’m really passionate about it so if I can make the team (at USNA) I’ll be really happy about it,” Robinson said.

“(In Sequim) I had a good coach, and really, really enjoyed it.”

File photo Sequim’s Koda Robinson looks to hit a backhand in his two-set win over North Kitsap’s Indigo Gallagher in October 2021.

He said that the eye/hand coordination he developed playing baseball when he was younger helped with learning tennis.

Robinson also helps students learning Tae Kwon Do at Kathrin Sumpter’s Sequim Martial Arts, as he pursues his black belt.

“Koda is a dream student for any instructor,” Sumpter said. “Always prepared and liked by all. He’s such a stand out at the school that I offered him the position of Assistant. He accepted and this has elevated the program markedly! Koda will excel in any path he chooses.”

Robinson has been studying with Sumpter for almost two years. He said that Sumpter “really worked with me because she knows I want to get my black belt before I graduate.”

He said the training has “provided me with self defense, moral values and work ethic.”

“It is very unusual to earn a black belt in two years,” said Sumpter. “It usually takes three to five years.”

Future officer?

Upon graduation from USNA, Robinson would like to become a Marine Corps Officer, which he and his dad both said is challenging as so few are selected.

Robinson said the selection process is based on class ranking, involvement in school activities and leadership positions.

Robinson said he is most interested in being a Ground Combat Engineer Officer, “but would really be interested in doing anything, serving my country as an officer,” he said.

“We have no doubts he will make it,” Budke and Jackson said. “Because Koda does finish the job.”

“It matters to him to make his community a better place,” said Budke. “And his world.

“His story is not done. He has the heart of a servant, the intellect of a leader, and is collaborative in his work.”