Sask Polytech alumna Lisa Borgerson is a hard working, lifelong learner and three-time Olympic coach
Born in the rural town of Rockglen, Saskatchewan, Lisa Borgerson’s journey from a medical typist to one of the world’s top three pistol coaches is nothing short of inspirational. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication, passion and the transformative impact of sports.
Building the base for her career portfolio at the Wascana Institute of Applied Arts
and Sciences
(now Saskatchewan Polytechnic) in Regina, Borgerson completed a Medical Dicta-Typist
certificate. She then embarked on a career in healthcare administration. She currently
works for the Saskatchewan Health Authority as an office supervisor for the Southeast
Six District which includes health centres for the communities of Balcarres, Fort
Qu’Appelle, Grenfell, Indian Head and Wolseley. Her role is focused on making sure
the health centres run smoothly. “I completed the Medical Dicta-Typist program, where
I learned medical terminology and typed letters based on office visits and notes that
doctors recorded on cassette tapes,” Borgerson shares. “A lot has changed, and I make
it a priority to participate in as much on-the-job training as possible to stay current
with technology and ensure our health centers operate efficiently.”
Borgerson’s journey into the world of pistol shooting began in 2004 when she joined the Wascana Pistol Club in Regina. Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, Borgerson was accustomed to handling a rifle, but she had never fired a pistol. Despite her lack of experience, her natural talent and dedication quickly became evident. By 2006, she had taken her first coaching course and began her ascent from grassroots coaching to the pinnacle of international competition at the Olympics.
Borgerson’s coaching career is marked by numerous achievements. She served as a manager for the 2006 Saskatchewan Winter Games and coached at the 2010, 2014, and 2018 Saskatchewan Winter Games. Her expertise and leadership were set to shine again at the 2022 Saskatchewan Winter Games, but they were postponed due to the pandemic. Internationally Borgerson continued to excel, coaching at the 2015, 2019 and 2023 Pan Am Games and the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Shooting sports are interesting because they are an individual sport, but there is a team aspect as well,” says Borgerson. “It’s a fantastic sport to be part of. Shooting is a lifelong sport; I coach athletes ages 12-40. No matter the age, it’s incredibly rewarding to see my athletes achieve their goals.”
Currently, Borgerson holds multiple coaching positions: she is the provincial rifle/pistol coach for the Saskatchewan Target Shooting Association, the national pistol coach for the Shooting Federation of Canada and a personal coach to high performing athletes across the country. Her commitment to her athletes and her sport is unwavering. She is recognized as one of the top three pistol coaches globally, as she was successful in attaining the A-Coaching license from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). “To be recognized as a top coach internationally is very rewarding, it took a lot of training and education to reach this goal. I do it for the athletes. I’m proud that I’m able to support our Canadian athletes who compete internationally,” reflects Borgerson.
Borgerson attributes much of her personal and professional growth to her experiences with the Saskatchewan Games. “The Saskatchewan Games provide invaluable opportunities and positive effects for the youth of the province, serving as a stepping stone for both athletes and coaches” says Borgerson. “My passion for coaching comes from the heart and I’m dedicated to helping athletes achieve their personal bests, regardless of the outcome. This year my pistol athlete was near a top 10 finish at the Summer Olympics. He placed 17 out of 33. After his performance he turned around and smiled at me, we both know he did his best that day and I’m so proud of him.”
Borgerson’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of seizing opportunities. From shooting tin cans on a farm as a teen to coaching at the highest levels of international competition, she has remained focused, driven and passionate in a male-dominated sport. “I’m proud of my achievements and I’ve learned so much. Over nearly two decades of coaching, I’ve uncovered strengths within myself that have shaped me into the high-performance coach I am today. Right now, I’m very motivated and excited for my athletes preparing for the 2028 LA Olympics.”
Borgerson’s story is one of excellence and unwavering commitment to the sport of pistol shooting. She is an inspiring Saskatchewan role model, demonstrating what can be accomplished with hard work and a dedication to helping others succeed.
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