Michelle Vargas-Robin

MICHELLE VARGAS-ROBIN BIOGRAPHY
Sunrise: June 4, 1971 – Sunset: August 22, 2007

Michelle was born of Colombian heritage to parents George and Maria C. Vargas in Queens, NY. Michelle was a happy child, sibling of older brother, George S. who spent her childhood years in Farmingdale, NY. Her father instilled in her a love for soccer and he coached her from kindergarten through her high school graduation. Although she became an accomplished player, it was her ‘spirit’ and ‘team player’ attitude which made her such an asset to any team.

While in high school, Michelle played varsity soccer, softball, track and field. To this day, she still holds the Farmingdale HS indoor and outdoor shot-put record. Upon graduating, she enrolled at Nassau Community College where she was a member of the soccer team for two years.

“I imagine that her decision to attend SUNY New Paltz was based merely on the simple fact, both cousins, Tom and Evy Morales worked at SUNY New Paltz. They were a great source of support.” Upon graduating from New Paltz, Michelle knew she wanted to pursue her Master’s Degree and take additional courses to become a certified school teacher. SUNY New Paltz has the Spirit of Michelle Vargas-Robin Memorial Soccer Tournament annually.

Michelle registered to the NY Institute of Technology Graduate Studies while serving as a Graduate Assistant to the Women’s Soccer Team. It was a wonderful opportunity to be involved with both of her loves: teaching and soccer. It was at NYIT where she met her future husband, Jeff Robin, who was an assistant baseball coach. Shortly after her departure to Florida, Jeff proposed. He followed her to Florida and both started their teaching careers.

Michelle completed her Master’s in Education at Nova Southeastern University while she was expecting her first child, Morgan A. Robin; two years later, her son Kyle J. Robin. When her daughter was of age, she registered her in the Coral Springs, FL youth soccer and softball programs; where Michelle coached until her demise. Kyle also started little league baseball and soccer. In spite of the few years in those organizations, Michelle left an indelible impression on the children and everyone she met. The youth softball league named a softball tournament in her name.

Unfortunately, in 2004 Michelle was operated on due to a stomach cancer tumor. She recovered and seemed to be on her way to resume all her activities. After several chemotherapies, she was informed on her 36th birthday that she had terminal cancer. The American Cancer Society awarded Michelle the Broward County Courage Award in 2007 for her admirable strength, not allowing cancer to interfere with her active lifestyle; coaching her children, volunteering, being an entrepreneur, scrap booking, being a loving wife, mother and daughter.

She will be sorely missed but leaves of a legacy of:

M I C H E L L E
Motivation, Inspiration, Courage, Helpfulness, Enthusiasm, Love, Loyalty, Energy.