Robin Catry reflects on growth, found family after bittersweet senior day

Senior Robin Catry sat down and leaned against the fence on the center court of the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center after his senior day ceremony.

He quietly cried into the shoulder of an NC State men’s tennis communication assistant after she showed Catry his goodbye tribute video featuring head coach Kyle Spencer and his family back in France.

It was the bittersweet culmination of five years of hard work, life-changing experiences and found family.

The Wolfpack’s leader, top player and fan-favorite finished his quiet moment and rose from the court. He slowly walked over and poured out over his senior day celebration and five years at NC State.

“I just cried; I just laughed; I just had so much fun with my guys,” Catry said. “And right now the only thing that's going through my mind is that I'm so glad I made this choice to come here.”

For Catry, that decision might have seemed like it was yesterday, but it had come five years earlier when he committed to the Wolfpack at just 17 years old while still living in France. As one of his first recruits in his tenure in Raleigh, Spencer took a flier on a young Catry, a player he said he might not have taken a chance on today.

“We took a chance on him,” Spencer said. “He probably wasn't at the level — you know, we probably would have passed on him now — the way the program is and the recruiting process is.”

While not always a smooth process, Catry said his acclimation to his coaches, his team and NC State slowly and surely changed his life. Spencer put Catry to work, implemented and encouraged a sense of belief, belonging and dedication into his recruit.

“And they molded me into this, into their belief system, their processes,” Catry said. “And I think I'm a good reflection of their work now because I've been here for so long. And I was very young when I came in, so they got me at the right time. I'm so glad I made this decision to come here.”

Catry has turned into a leader and role model — not just for his team, but as an athlete on campus. Aside from his accomplishments on the court, which include numerous All-ACC accolades, two ACC Player of the Week awards and the command of court one for the Pack in 2024, Catry’s made strides in his physical and personal growth.

Catry put in the work and transformed himself into a physically imposing player who uses his 6-foot-6 frame and impressive wingspan to reach any and every ball, control the pace of play and put opponents away with his towering serve. Meanwhile, Catry’s engaging and energetic personality shines through on both matchday and training days. To top it all off, he also earned a spot on the 2023 All-ACC Academic Tteam.

“He's just grown,” Spencer said. “He's figured his way out, his way through this world and what's important to him. And then he's really dedicated, physically and mentally, to his tennis and his level of professionalism, and everything is at its highest point. So I can’t say enough good things about him.”

During the early years in Raleigh, Catry was taken in by his teammate Joseph Schrader and his family in Asheville, North Carolina. Over 4,000 miles away from his home in Lille, France, Catry found a second family who supported him in his journey.

“Joe was my teammate freshman, sophomore and junior year, and my very first Thanksgiving I spent with him,” Catry said. “At his home, he welcomed me, his whole family welcomed me to spend Thanksgiving with them my first semester, and that's where it all started. I love where he lives. I love how warm and understanding his family was.”

Schrader’s parents walked out with Catry to start his senior day ceremony. As he joined his teammates and coaches, he embraced his found family while receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

“And every Thanksgiving now we always go there,” Catry said. “So it's like a tradition. And yeah, we always joke with them that they're my second family, my American family. And I think they're proud of that, and I'm very proud of that, too.”

Catry hugged his teammates, coaches and second family on the court as the announcer rattled off his accomplishments over the PA. After pumping up the crowd and looking over his senior day plaque, Catry once again turned to his teammates and coaches, spending time with them until most fans had left the stadium.

Catry's voice wavered once more as he mentioned his love for them and reflected on his bittersweet senior day.

“I've grown as a man with them and as a tennis player, and they're always here with me,” Catry said. “And my coaches, too — all the work we did together. The atmosphere today was so sick. It’s full circle to see everyone here on a beautiful day like this. … The scenario is perfect, and I couldn’t ask for better.”

With the Pack primed for deep postseason runs, he’s not done adding to his legacy, but Catry’s already made a permanent mark and lasting impression on the NC State men’s tennis program.

Even after the season ends, Catry said he is determined to return to Raleigh to train and spend time in his newfound home as he starts his professional tennis career, and he’ll be met with open arms from everyone in the building when he does.

“There will always be a special place in NC State tennis and for sure in our hearts, for Robin,” Spencer said.

The senior looked around, took another deep breath and finished his interview echoing the words of the late Jim Valvano.

“I think Valvano said that it's a full day if you cry and laugh,” Catry said. “Yeah, it's a full day. And I couldn't ask for better.”