Ben Borgida's Leadership in Building Community Earns Him Top 10 Senior Award

Ben Borgida was standing next to the CUB elevator when he got a call that he thought was spam. Despite not recognizing the number, Borgida picked up the phone and learned he was named one of Washington State University's 2026 Top 10 Seniors. Borgida, who was surprised by the call, said the honor gave him a "good moment of reflection" and he immediately called his parents to tell them.

Borgida is a WSU golfer, which is what most people know him for, but he is also a dedicated student majoring in biology with a Spanish language certificate, who has done meaningful work outside of golf. Through his leadership role in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and his work helping develop the Athletes in STEM club, Borgida has created a community in which athletes feel connected.

Borgida said being honored as one of the Top 10 Seniors was special to him, as he is used to being recognized for what he has achieved on the golf course. He said he was glad to know that the work he had done behind the scenes was meaningful and had not gone unnoticed.

"It's obviously fun to represent your university when you're competing and wearing the Coug head, but it's definitely cool to be recognized differently. It's special," Borgida said.

Borgida said he felt the recognition aligned well with how he has spent his time at WSU. He said he wanted the honor to show his values and prioritization of the community around him. Borgida said his leadership is reflected in how he cultivates a strong and welcoming community in which athletes feel comfortable building relationships and creating experiences together.

"I value community really highly and I think being someone who had some sort of way to push the needle in changing that would be a good thing to be known for," Borgida said.

As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Borgida played a major role in giving a voice to roughly 600 WSU athletes. It was his responsibility to be aware of the problems they experience and what they think should be improved. Along with relaying that information back to the decision-makers, he also took charge of bringing the community of athletes together by setting up events such as game nights and award ceremonies that helped strengthen the athletic community.

One event in particular that stands out to Borgida was the student-athlete Jeopardy night. Borgida was in charge of hosting the event. Although he put himself in a vulnerable situation, he said it was all worth it. Borgida had a memorable night and said he was glad he stepped up as a leader by doing something outside his comfort zone. He said it was rewarding to get all the student-athletes together and watch members of different teams interact as one community.

Borgida has also helped develop the Athletes in STEM club with senior swimmer Samantha Krew. As student-athletes often have to balance difficult majors with their demanding practice schedules, they wanted to create a space where athletes could get academic support.

Borgida said he hopes his legacy at WSU is not only as a competitor but also as someone who cares about WSU and its community.

"I would like to be remembered as someone who broke down barriers between teams and encouraged a cohesive community of people who really liked supporting each other and supporting the Cougs," Borgida said.

For Borgida, being a Coug was never just about playing golf in a WSU uniform. It has been about supporting others and helping build a sense of belonging in the community at a home away from home.

Washington State University Athletics

Ben Borgida's Leadership in Building Community Earns Him Top 10 Senior Award

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