Swimmer and scholar

Lisa Boernigen ’23 was born in Munich, Germany, where she started swimming at an early age and developed a deep passion for the sport that has opened doors to a different life.

“My dad encouraged me to try out swimming and I really loved it. Swimming has always meant a lot to him, so it was really fun being able to do the sport he loves so much,” said Boernigen.

While it was no easy decision for Boernigen to leave her home and start over in a whole new country, she always dreamed of coming to the United States. Presented with the chance to further her academic and athletic abilities at Lenoir-Rhyne, she made the leap.

“I loved the community and the team. I felt so valued and supported by my teammates and my coaches. It was important to me to find a school that would feel like home and LR was that for me,” she shared.

Her hard work was extremely apparent from her accomplishments in and out of the pool. She has qualified for the NCAA Division 2 national meet all four years at LR, while also maintaining a high academic record as a double major in international business and business management. Post-graduation, she will be entering the master of management program at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. 

Q: What was it like adjusting to Hickory, coming here from Munich?  

A: Leaving home was a challenge. I was really scared, but everyone was so welcoming and made this place feel like home. I still miss my family and my dog, but I remember my first day at LR, how happy I was to be here and meet everyone.

Q: Was it difficult to balance being an athlete as well as a student and if so, how did you work around it?

A: Learning how to manage my time was difficult at first, but my professors and teammates helped me out tremendously. Knowing that you have a big support system was really good for me.

Q: How are you feeling now that you have completed your swimming career at the highest collegiate level?

I am still adjusting to the change. I’ve qualified for national competitions for four years with the support of my coaches and my motivation to score well for my team. It’s hard to say goodbye to the people who have been so important to my progress. Although I know swimming will always be part of my life, I also know it won’t be at the same level. I still get very emotional about that.

Q: You’re going to a competitive and prestigious graduate program at Duke — how do you feel LR has gotten you ready for that next step?

I would not have been able to go to a competitive school without the help of my professors and our career center. They encouraged me to apply and helped me with resumes and interviews. Since LR is a smaller school, I was able to be active in so many organizations and clubs and be very involved in campus life, which also got me ready for that next step.

Q: What do you have to say for any other student-athletes who may feel like they are overwhelmed with their workload as well as their sport?

A: Take advantage of all the resources on campus — you don’t have to figure out everything on your own. It also helped me to surround myself with people who always support me and help me through difficult times. It is also okay to take a break sometimes in order to reset.

Q: What has been your favorite part of student life at LR, and why?

A: The events that we have on and off campus have given me so many chances to meet new people and get to know different cultures. I’ve met the people who have become my closest friends. I’ve grown academically, athletically and personally. Looking back, I can’t think of anything I wish I had done differently.