Andrew Borgatti has been drafted to the New York Riptide, the newest expansion team of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Laurier’s men’s lacrosse head coach will be joining him as his teammate.
On Sept. 18, Borgatti was selected in the second round of the NLL entry draft, making him the 29th pick overall. The New York Riptide claimed him, making him the first (and only of the second round) player from a Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) affiliated school to be drafted.
The New York Riptide will be entering their second season as an NLL expansion team. Borgatti, a six-foot tall defense was the team’s 4th pick in the draft and is following in the footsteps of two of his former Laurier teammates Brandon Robinson (’19) and Tyler Biles (’19) who were both NLL draftees.
Over his three years with Laurier’s lacrosse team Borgatti has played 34 games (including playoffs) and accumulated a total of 38 goals and 28 assists. In addition to his impressive stats on the field, he has also been honoured by the CUFLA as an Academic All-Canadian this past season for his success in school.
Being a successful student-athlete and being recognized for it has motivated Borgatti to keep getting better at time management and skills.
“It increases my drive to always get better that reflects in my passion for playing lacrosse, and I think a big part of being a student is that it teaches you time management and organization skills that reflects in how I use my time wisely to train at the gym or get some extra reps when I need it,” Borgatti said.
While playing for Laurier, Borgatti was also playing for an Ontario Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League team, the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves, a highly regarded OJALL team. During his four years with the KW Braves Borgatti produced impressive stats once again, totaling 79 games played, 12 goals and 30 assists.
Borgatti has been team captain for the past two seasons for not only the Golden Hawks andbut also for the KW Braves. As team captain for two teams, he has gained in-sight that will make his transition to the professional level a little easier.
“There is always room for improvement. Nno matter how good you think you are, there are going to be other people working just as hard as you, so you have to work as hard as possible on and off the field to get better,” Borgatti said.
Leo Stouros, Laurier’s men’s lacrosse head coach will be joining Borgatti as his teammate. Both speak highly of each other, and are very excited to be playing together. After knowing each other as coach and teammate for three years, the dynamic will be changing this time around.
“It’s pretty cool that the dynamic has changed now. Ggoing from coach to teammates, imI’m really looking forward to playing with him. hHe’s a good player, [he’s] smart, he taught me a lot of things and helped me get better.”
Borgatti has learned a lot from Stouros during their time together at Laurier and he will be looking to him as a mentor in the NLL.
“He’s a great leader for us, he’s very knowledgeable and passionate about the game. He really wants to see us succeed always going the extra mile … I’m looking forward for him to be a little mentor for me at this level,” he said.
As leader of his own teams and working with Stouros, Borgatti has learned valuable lessons in being a leader and a team player in general.
“A big aspect of being a leader is making sure everyone is on the same page and to learn to be a great team player. If you aren’t a good team player, then it really hinders your ability as a player in general.”
The Ontario University Athletics (OUA) has cancelled all fall sports and the NLL 2020 season start date has yet to be announced due to the COVIDovid-19 pandemic. Borgatti will not be using this time off to relax, but will be keeping up with training and learning plays.
“I think the timeline stays the same, I don’t like to take too many days off, so I focus on me … the guys are bigger and stronger at the next level but they’re also smarter. I have been personally watching a lot of game film to see what I can pick up on to make the transition to the next league that much better,” Borgatti said.
