Athletics thletics A Dragon Athletics
“At times, we drew a crowd as ‘the two girls’ beat all those tough guys. We ended the summer undefeated!” – Robyn Brady Borge
Two-sport Dragon still Playing Ball
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he taxing journey that led Robyn Brady Borge to a rewarding career in medicine began with a trip across the Red River. An All-Eastern Dakota Conference basketball and volleyball selection at Fargo North High School, Brady was equally proud of her membership in the National Honor Society, and when she enrolled at MSUM in 1988, she was eager for the spike in academic expectations. Still, she was not about to abandon her passion for sports. “MSUM was the perfect fit,” Brady said. “It was a good school close to home and, I could play two sports.” Brady earned scholarships in both basketball and volleyball, and her sparkling athletic career generated a wealth of memories, but a rousing comeback victory in the NAIA BiDistrict Volleyball Championships may be the ultimate thrill. “During my sophomore season, we had a play-off game against Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The winner qualified for the national tournament, which was held in Hawaii! We were down 14-8 in the fifth and final game and scored eight straight points to win. The celebration that night was even better than the trip to Hawaii!” At the close of each volleyball season, Brady signed on with the basketball Dragons and lettered four seasons. Brady exited in style as a senior in 1992-93, averaging 5.1 ppg in a critical relief role during the Dragons’ 23-7 run. Brady was decorated with All-NAIA Academic honors in both volleyball and basketball and believes athletics helped her academic pursuits. One of a vanishing breed of two-sport athletes, Brady relished her challenging schedule, but insisted academic opportunities at MSUM paid huge dividends as well. “I
> Robyn Brady Borge is a family medicine specialist at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis.
received an outstanding education at MSUM. Dr. (Richard) Pemble and the biology department were instrumental in preparing me for a career in medicine.” “Finding balance was challenging at times, but the MSUM coaches truly believed in the importance of academics,” said Brady. “My teammates and professors were also supportive. Besides having great support, working hard and being well organized were key. Sports provided opportunities to grow as an athlete and as a student, set goals, keep a tight schedule, cooperate with others, prioritize tasks and be dedicated at every practice and game.” Brady (’93 biology-minors in chemistry & math) completed her M.D. degree from the University of North Dakota Medical School in 2000. While Brady’s collegiate eligibility has expired, her competitive fire burns brightly. “I spent a summer in Omaha, Neb., volunteering at a homeless shelter. One of my old teammates, “Bull” (Kari Farstveet) lived in Omaha, and we would challenge anyone at the shelter to some two-on-two basketball. At times, we drew a crowd as
‘the two girls’ beat all those tough guys. We ended the summer undefeated!” Today Brady is a family medicine specialist at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis., where her husband, Karl Borge, is also a physician. “We met in medical school; he was my gross anatomy partner.” Despite a full professional and family agenda, athletics continues to be an integral part of Brady’s life. “I still play in volleyball leagues, and my nickname is ‘the volleyball doc.’ I sometimes wonder if I am asked to play just so I can help with potential injuries.” Brady will certainly encourage her children, son Kolter, 6, and daughter Kaitlyn, 2, to participate in sports. “I would love to see my children in sports if they want to compete. I would also love to coach them. My dad (Bill) was the best coach I ever had. He was wise, understanding and encouraging and never gave up on me. Following in my dad's footsteps with my children someday would be very rewarding.” > LARRY SCOTT, Athletics Columnist and Retired Sports Information Director
Alumnews Winter 2011
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