Brianna Whitman

2013 AAO Scholarship Winner

George Jenkins High School-Lakeland

Synchronized Swimming

Tallahassee Community College

Who was Coach Robin Wagman?

In the fall of 1979, a young University of Central Florida college graduate returned to Polk County, Florida to pursue her dream of a successful career teaching physical education and coaching high school athletes at her alma mater, Haines City High School.

Coach Robin Nable Wagman (“Peanut” to her closest friends) achieved that dream and over her 30 plus years as a teacher, a coach, and a mentor, she impacted the lives of more than 12,000 students and athletes.

With 14 County and 13 District Championships in track and field and four District Championships in volleyball, her leadership helped students learn to believe in themselves and work to accomplish more than they ever thought possible. For many of her students, she was the only adult who wanted more for them than they wanted for themselves and she pushed them to earn it.

In December 2005, Coach Wagman was diagnosed with cancer and an intense course of radiation and chemotherapy began. Eventually, there were multiple recurrences of her cancer, followed by increasingly severe treatments. She fought cancer, just like she coached, with heart, dignity, and unfailing determination.

Coach Wagman maintained a full teaching and coaching schedule until a week before her death on February 27, 2011. She spent those final days of her life in the hospital diligently planning the 2011 Senior Class Graduation (as she had for the past seven years), praying that she would be there to see her students, including her own daughter, walk the stage.

“Peanut” lived a life dedicated to encouraging and inspiring others to reach their full potential as students, as athletes, and as members of our community. In recognition of Robin’s remarkable accomplishments, determination, and perseverance, the Robin Nable Wagman “Against All Odds” Scholarship Foundation, Inc. was established.

Watch interviews with former athletes, coaches and teachers

“Peanut” lived a life dedicated to encouraging and inspiring others to reach their full potential as students, as athletes, and as members of our community.

Past Fundraising & Event Flyers