Nunley, Robinson Named Graduate Assistants at UVI

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The University of the Virgin Islands have added Taylor Nunley and LaShawn Robinson as graduate assistants in the athletic department.

"I am thrilled to have Taylor and coach Robinson join our staff as graduate assistants," said Dr. Karen Carty, University of the Virgin Islands Director of Athletics. "They both bring a high level of expertise in their respective areas and will be excellent additions to the thriving academic community at UVI."

Nunley joins the University of the Virgin Islands athletics department as the graduate assistant for administration. Her duties include assisting the athletics director and senior woman leader in the day-to-day operation of the department, overseeing the department's marketing and student engagement efforts and working closely with the coaches and staff members to ensure that UVI student-athletes have a first-class experience during their time as Buccaneers.

"I am very excited to be here at UVI where I know I will get a chance to learn from so many wonderful people while working towards a successful sports and academic season," said Nunley.

She comes to UVI from the Cleveland Cavaliers where she worked as an account executive from January 2022. Nunley managed season ticket and premium package customer accounts, while actively soliciting new customers for the organization. Nunley also excelled at group sales, generating over $30,000 in premium group package sales. 

Nunley earned her bachelor's degree in sports management with a minor in coaching from Grambling State University in Grambling, La. While at GSU, she interned in the marketing and operations areas within athletics, where she worked with current UVI athletics director, Dr. Karen M. Carty. As a marketing intern, Nunley led gameday marketing activities, including game script execution, sponsorship activation, and fan and student engagement events.

After graduating from GSU, Nunley completed an HBCU Experienceship with the National Football League (NFL). The program connects collegiate candidates interested in a career in sports and entertainment with opportunities to develop and learn about the business through practical learning and shadowing experiences. During the program, Nunley engaged with NFL leadership and staff in departments across the league, while expanding her sports management skill set and networking with her peers. 

The Cleveland, Ohio native also completed an internship with the prestigious Doug Williams Center as an executive assistant and served as a student fellow for Athletes' Voices, an organization that provides elite athletes with the tools needed to leverage their high-influence platforms to make an impact around issues of importance globally, nationally, locally, and personally.

Robinson will be a graduate assistant with both the men's and women's basketball teams under head coach Shannon Taylor. 

He comes to UVI after spending the last decade as a coach and skill development specialist for various teams, schools, and organizations. Most recently, he served as an assistant coach for the nationally-ranked high school prep program at Combine Academy in Lincolnton, North Carolina.

"I am excited about being a Buccaneer and I am looking forward to using my experience to help build this program into a powerhouse NAIA basketball program for years to come,"said Robinson.

During the 2022-23 season, the team was ranked in the Top 25 in the nation as ranked by ESPN and Sports Illustrated. Robinson has also spent time coaching elite AAU programs, including Stephen Curry's, Team Curry and Chris Paul's, Team CP3.  

A two-time graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Robinson earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Science and a master's degree in Adult Education/Higher Education.