For Varsity Golfer Leo Borgonzi '20, Leadership Starts on the Ice
Teammates see CM varsity golfer Leo Borgonzi '19 as a role model both on-and-off the course. Rooted in service and stewardship, Leo developed his ability to lead on the green while teaching kids in West Roxbury how to play a second sport he loves: hockey.
By, Jacob Azzi '19
Student Beat Writer
West Roxbury, Mass.— On a cold winter morning, Catholic Memorial School varsity golfer Leo Borgonzi wakes up well before the sunrise. He prepares for class, looks over some last-minute material and grabs a quick bite to eat. On a normal weekday, Leo’s routine looks standard to those on the outside looking in.
Student Beat Writer
West Roxbury, Mass.— On a cold winter morning, Catholic Memorial School varsity golfer Leo Borgonzi wakes up well before the sunrise. He prepares for class, looks over some last-minute material and grabs a quick bite to eat. On a normal weekday, Leo’s routine looks standard to those on the outside looking in.
Except, on this day, the calendar reads Saturday and instead of attending class, or hitting the links, he plans to teach it. For the past few years, Leo has spent the early hours of his weekends at the Roche Ice Center in West Roxbury where he teaches young hockey players how to skate. It's here, on the ice, where Leo grows not only as an hockey player but as a role-model golfer. This fall, Leo's hard-working nature translated to the golf course where his teammates on the CM varsity golf team see him as a leader both on-and-off the green.
“With the two sports, I try to give back to my community and help the kids of West Roxbury learn how to play hockey, golf, and lacrosse,” said Leo, a West Roxbury native who also plays hockey and lacrosse for CM.
“My favorite thing about playing golf is playing against myself. You are always trying to beat your last score and be the best. Golf isn't an easy game, but once you get the hang of it, it's still pretty tough.”
“My favorite thing about playing golf is playing against myself. You are always trying to beat your last score and be the best. Golf isn't an easy game, but once you get the hang of it, it's still pretty tough.”
Leo, a junior, sees himself as a true competitor. At a young age, he put in hours of work to hone his craft. Both as an athlete and teacher. It all began in elementary school when Leo first picked up a golf club. His dedication to the sport didn’t stop there. Leo wanted to elevate, and teach, those around him.
When he wasn’t teaching kids how to skate at ice rinks, he worked as a caddy at the Charles River Country Club in Newton for five summers. At George Wright Golf Course in Hyde Park, he landscaped and worked maintenance. His love for the sport earned him a spot on the Varsity golf team this fall.
As a competitor, Leo takes his performance at matches seriously. The multi-sport athlete tries to learnnew techniques and shake off bad habits. For him, golf is a sport that takes a lot of practice, time, and improvement. From this, he developed a strong sense of character.
“[Leo] has a great attitude and shows up to compete every day”, said Jack Curran, captain of CM's varsity golf team.
Leo’s discipline at practice rubs off on his teammates. Just a few weeks ago, his team earned its first win in hard-fought match over Malden Catholic. In a season with wins few and far between, the win reflected the persistent dedication of a team that refuses to quit.
In less than a year, the college process approaches for Leo. In between juggling the SAT and the upcoming varsity hockey and lacrosse seasons, he plans to continue giving back to his town of West Roxbury. As a matter of fact, he wants to carry on this tradition even after he leaves CM for college.
Leo’s discipline at practice rubs off on his teammates. Just a few weeks ago, his team earned its first win in hard-fought match over Malden Catholic. In a season with wins few and far between, the win reflected the persistent dedication of a team that refuses to quit.
In less than a year, the college process approaches for Leo. In between juggling the SAT and the upcoming varsity hockey and lacrosse seasons, he plans to continue giving back to his town of West Roxbury. As a matter of fact, he wants to carry on this tradition even after he leaves CM for college.
"When I was a kid, college kids taught me how to play sports and I feel obligated to give back my own time,” said Leo.
"Paying it forward is the right thing to do."
"Paying it forward is the right thing to do."
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CM prepares students for the rigors of college and beyond. While here, boys embark on service-learning opportunities, leadership development, and character formation programs inspiring them to become confident, courageous young men motivated to do good in the world.
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Catholic Memorial
Catholic Memorial
235 Baker StreetWest Roxbury, MA 02132P. (617) 469-8000F. (617) 977-5689
About Us
Catholic Memorial, the Christian Brothers School of Boston, prepares boys for college, manhood and a world full of unknown challenges, ambiguity and complex problems and the importance of relationships.
