Growing up in Desert Hot Springs, California, Robles competed in throwing events at San Jacinto High School.[2] She became a top-ranked shot putter, earning scholarships to the University of Alabama and Arizona State University.

As part of her shot put training at a local Arizona gym under coach Joe Micela, she began doing Olympic-style lifts in 2008. That same year, after only three months of weightlifting, Robles qualified for nationals and stopped competing in shot put, losing her scholarship in the process. She won the silver medal at a 2010 Pan American competition and is a three time national champion.