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December 18, 2025

Renoldo Robinson is a SCYC student and a star player on the Vikes basketball team. Through the BCYC program, he was able to combine his passions for Child & Youth Care and basketball by doing a practicum at Play Forever, a charity which supports youth from marginalized communities and low-income families through recreation – such as basketball. Renoldo says: "Basketball and Child & Youth Care speak the same language. Both are rooted in relationships first: on the court nothing works without trust, communication, and mutual respect, and it’s exactly the same in CYC. If a young person doesn’t feel safe with you, they won’t open up, engage, or even give you a chance. Basketball taught me to show up consistently, meet people where they’re at, and celebrate small wins!"  

How did you first become interested in studying Child & Youth Care?  

This stems from my Aunt who lives in New York and she ran her own daycare in her home, so when I was growing up every summer my family went to her home and we had to be her helpers and I enjoyed it!  

What has been the most impactful CYC class you've taken?  

I really enjoyed CYC 120 Lifespan Development because it helped me understand why kids and youth act the way they do, it made me look at children differently and it gave me a way to support them with more patience. 

Has it been challenging for you to balance studying and sports?  

Everything right now is a challenge, sometimes it's hard and sometimes it's easy. All depends on my mental health and which perspective I take! And how much work I put in...  

What have been some of the most unforgettable moments during your time at UVic so far?  

Last year, in our semi-final game against Calgary, we lost and I felt terrible. In my head, I kept saying and telling myself I let the team and the whole community down. I thought I was going to leave the gym that night feeling like a loser. But after the game, my community came up to me with so much love. My landlord was there, my daycare co-workers were there, kids came up to me with kind words, and one little kid even drew a picture of me playing basketball. And in that moment I realized, how could I be a loser when I’m surrounded by this much love? 

What are some of your goals for the future? 

To keep growing and step into the light more!