Katrina Robinson was touched to learn that she was named Longhorn PRIDE Female Student-Athlete of the Month because it represented recognition of how hard the South Grand Prairie High School alum has worked in her time at Texas.

One of only two seniors on this year's team -- Tiffany Jackson is the other -- Robinson started 11 games a year ago. This season, the 6-foot-2 forward provides depth in the post for the Horns.

"It (the Student Athlete of the Month honor) really means a lot to me," she said.

"I struggled academically when I first got to Texas," Robinson admitted. "It was a big difference from high school and I needed to work on organization."

Enter Senior Associate Athletics Director Dr. Randa Ryan and her student services staff.

"They were so supportive," Robinson said. "There are so many demands on student-athletes at Texas. I needed to work on my time management and that was where they helped a lot."

That assistance and the resolve of Robinson made the difference.

As in Robinson:

· Making the Fall 2005 and Spring 2006 Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll;

· Being the recipient of the UT Women's Athletics Anne Pardonner Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in 2005-06; and

· Being the recipient of the UT Women's Athletics Lucille and Lester Harrell Scholarship in 2004-05.

"It's very satisfying to have accomplished that, especially since I struggled at first," said Robinson, who will graduate in the spring as a sociology major and education minor.

She said that her post-graduation plans were to return to the Dallas area and possibly become a teacher.

"I do know that I want to help young women in Dallas," Robinson said. "I want to help young women become successful. As a graduated student-athlete from The University of Texas, I think I can be a good role model and help them."

With the beginning of the second semester, Robinson admits that she can't believe her time at The University of Texas is nearing an end. The 6-2 forward has appeared in 11 of the No. 23 Longhorns' 15 games, averaging four points and 15 minutes per game. As one of the two seniors on the squad with All-America candidate and fellow Dallas-area teammates Tiffany Jackson, the senior duo look to lead the Longhorns back to the NCAA Championship Tournament.

"Everybody always tells you when you get to college that the four years really go by fast," she said. "Well, my first year or so here didn't go by too fast at all. Now, there are only a few months left of my time at Texas.

"It's been great. I am proud of what I have been able to do academically. The fact that I struggled at first and am at this point now really means a lot."

Robinson said Texas was always her choice when she prepared to leave South Grand Prairie.

"The crowds at the games, the teammates, the university ... there were so many things that made Texas my top choice," she said.