One of the highest-ranked basketball players in the 2026 class, Jerzy Robinson, has Samoan, European, and African-American descent parents.
Jerzy plays for Sierra Canyon High School in California and is ranked as the No. 1 shooting guard and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2026 class.
On December 23, 2025, Robinson announced her commitment to South Carolina during a live appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today.
She had also visited UConn and LSU before making her decision.
American Basketball Player Jerzy Robinson’s Parents: Taryn Uperesa and Darnell Robinson!
Born on September 11, 2008, Jerzy Robinson is the daughter of Taryn Uperesa and Darnell Robinson.
Both of her parents come from multicultural backgrounds, making her of Samoan, European, and African American descent.
Her father, Darnell Robinson, played college football as a linebacker at Oregon State University.
Not only does her father share a sports background, but he is also Jerzy’s trainer and often works with her to prepare for games.
Quick break, time to unload vids.
— Paul Honda (@PupulePaul) December 13, 2023
Jerzy Robinson played her heart out in Sierra Canyon’s 49-48 loss to Sidwell Friends in the @iolaniclassic final. Her mom Taryn Uperesa is from Kaneohe. Cousins are Ayndra and Mission Uperesa-Thomas. Small world! @sierracanyongbb pic.twitter.com/oCZQTMdhUo
In a media interview, Jerzy’s father once mentioned that he trains twice a day so that his children stay motivated and inspired. He said;
 “I work out twice a day because I know my daughter is going to be like, dad, did you work out? My son is going to be like, dad, did you work out? I try to lead by example.”
In the same interview, he also shared his own sports journey and explained how it has helped him guide and support his daughter through her athletic career.
“Being a former athlete, I played high school football at a very high level, I played collegiate football at a very high level and I had some NFL opportunities at a very high level – it’s almost like I have the compass to navigate my daughter through this because I’ve done it already.”
While her father supports her on the field, her mother, Taryn Uperesa, is the backbone of support at home, guiding and encouraging her athletic career.
In Case You Don’t Know
- Jerzy Robinson has one sibling, a younger brother named Tru.
- She was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2024 FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup after helping Team USA win gold.
- During a game against Colombia in the U16 Americas Championship, she grabbed 21 rebounds, setting a USA U16 single‑game rebounding record.
- She is the youngest player ever to be named MVP at the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship.
