Eva Borino, '27
Extraordinary Leadership
Extraordinary Leadership: Eva Borino, '27
In a world where youth sports often feel overwhelmingly competitive, true examples of sportsmanship and leadership are increasingly rare. Yet, Eva Borino, a standout from JPII's Class of 2027, captivates peers and parents alike with her exemplary conduct on and off the court. In a particularly memorable recent Dallas Parochial League (DPL) volleyball match, when her Mary Immaculate School (MIS) team led by a considerable margin, she demonstrated remarkable compassion by ensuring that every member of her team felt valued and included in the game. Her actions provided an enriching and positive sports experience, aligning seamlessly with the principles of Catholic education. Eva’s intentional actions, driven by her values, are redefining what it means to be a leader in sports today.
Eva and the MIS Volleyball Team
Amy Delgado, the parent of a Mary Immaculate School (MIS) volleyball player, expressed her gratitude in an email to JPII leadership, saying, "Bravo, John Paul II, and thank you to your student, Eva Borino, who provided my child with an incredible lesson in Catholic leadership."
"Bravo, John Paul II, and thank you to your student, Eva Borino, who provided my child with an incredible lesson in Catholic leadership."
Fostering Positive Sports Experiences
Creating a positive sports environment is no accident; it requires intentional and purposeful actions from leaders who are dedicated to the well-being of all team members. Eva's illuminating example illustrates how her thoughtful decisions uplift the game for every participant involved. She made it her mission to prioritize the confidence and overall well-being of her teammates, which in turn contributed to a more equitable and enjoyable match for everyone involved.
When asked what motivated Eva to challenge her players, Eva shared a story of her dad coaching her youth soccer team. Eva said, “I remember one time, when our team overmatched the opponent, my dad (coach) would challenge our team. He would have our team pass the ball 10 consecutive times before shooting on goal.” To Eva’s credit, this translated into her challenging her MIS players and the team in this game; for example, players were challenged to try different types of serves.
Eva Coaching Soccer
Her key takeaways from this experience include essential practices for fostering inclusivity and fairness on the field:
- Ensuring that all team members, regardless of skill level, are given the opportunity to actively participate, thereby promoting inclusivity and a sense of belonging.
- Continuously modeling respectful behavior and demonstrating empathy, which sets a high standard of sportsmanship for all to follow.
- Shifting the focus from merely winning to embracing personal growth, helping each player to develop their skills and character.
At JPII, Eva plays soccer and will also be playing lacrosse. She is a member of the National Honor Society for both Art and Spanish, as well as participating in the Cardinal for Life, NextGen Business, Baking, and Pickleball clubs. Jeremy Morse, the soccer coach and teacher, along with Brent Hugg, the football coach and teacher, serve as role models for Eva, demonstrating the importance of individual and team growth through competition, both in the classroom and on the field.
Through Eva's leadership, her team not only succeeded in their performance but also set a powerful example in the DPL volleyball community.
Eva with Amy Delgado
In the email, Amy Delgado also stated, "I was truly impressed by Eva's performance. Not only did she manage the team effectively, but when it became evident that Mary Immaculate's team had a significant lead, Eva responded with remarkable compassion and sportsmanship."
"I was truly impressed by Eva's performance. Not only did she manage the team effectively, but when it became evident that Mary Immaculate's team had a significant lead, Eva responded with remarkable compassion and sportsmanship."
Eva illustrated the profound impact of compassion and empathy on youth sportsmanship. Her inspiring story underscores the transformative power of empathetic leadership in shaping not just athletic prowess but also positive, supportive, and meaningful sporting experiences.
As a coach, Eva leads through encouragement, wanting all team players to have fun, enjoy practices and games, and look forward to coming back for more.
Eva with the MIS Futsal Team
JPII Proud
Eva Borino’s story is a testament to how young leaders at JPII embody the school's values both in competition and in their everyday interactions. Her actions reflect the essence of JPII’s mission — to cultivate compassionate leaders and responsible citizens who strive to make a positive impact in their communities. As Saint John Paul II wisely stated, “The future starts today, not tomorrow.” Eva’s leadership indeed sets a hopeful groundwork for the future of sportsmanship and community spirit among her peers.