Through the
Varsity S Club Spotlight we'll re-connect with student-athletes of the past. This series will illustrate the impact that a Sonoma State University education has on student-athletes and highlights the impact they are now having in their communities.
ERIC BORBA
- Eric (1995-99) graduated from Sonoma State with a degree in Business Administration (Human Resources). He has since earned his teaching credential (2005) and Master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration (2013).
What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete?
The times we spent as teammates. Those were some of the greatest times of my life. The cohesiveness of the baseball program was something that I will remember forever. The players were such a fraternity...we would always be together. Whether we were on the field, on the golf course, in the library (didn't happen much), at someone's house, or at the local hangout, we were together. We created memories that will last a lifetime. The trips to Hawaii, and the road trips to Chico will always bring a smile as well! Hawaii was just a great way to start the season, and the rivalry we had with Chico at the time was fun to be a part of.
How do you think you changed as a person, from freshman to senior year?
SSU really framed me to be the person I am today. Coach John Goelz had a huge impact on me. He really pushed me to become a coach, which is still my occupation to this day. I went from a guy that thought everything would just work out, to realizing that I had to work to accomplish something. It took me a year or two extra to get my degree, but life after playing, and being on Coach Goelz' coaching staff, helped it become clear what I wanted to do with my life and how I had to make it happen.
If you could give advice to a freshman student-athlete today, what would it be?
Enjoy your college years, but put in the work necessary to have the most successful athletic career possible. It is easy to get caught up in the "good times" of college. There will be distractions constantly. These may be the last years of your athletic career so make the most of them! Be a good teammate and enjoys the daily grinds you will go through with the rest of the guys/girls on your team!
What are you up to these days?
I am the head baseball coach at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, Ca. I work in the admissions office while not coaching. I married Cindy (another SSU grad) over 14 years ago and we have two children - Casey (12) and Mackenna (11).
How did Sonoma State University help prepare you for your career?
My experiences as a player and an assistant coach under Coach Goelz and his staff really paved the way for me to be the coach I am now. Being around so many great coaches and players, I was really able to develop my own philosophies on how to be successful. saw first hand how to run a successful program, but also experienced the things that can make coaching difficult at times. It gave me the needed foundation to understand fundraising, evaluations, communicating with staff/administration, and all of the other things a coach needs to be well-versed.
ABOUT THE VARSITY S CLUB
The Varsity S Club is an exclusive group of past and present Sonoma State University student-athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, athletic trainers, and administrators formed for the purpose of building enthusiasm for Sonoma State University Athletics. The Varsity S Club does this through a variety of philanthropic, fundraising, and social events designed to strengthen SSU Athletics. Membership in the Varsity S Club is open to any individual who has competed in varsity athletics at Sonoma State University, as well as any past member of the cheer team, athletic training, or administrative staff. Sign up here:
Varsity S Club.
See past Varsity S Club Spotlight features here:
Varsity S Club Spotlight Archive.
