Emily Bojan Transitions to Basketball at DePaul After Softball Success

Emily Bojan’s transition to the DePaul women’s basketball roster marks a significant change after her successful softball tenure at Wisconsin. Among the first to hear the update was Mary Clare Brusek, a fellow basketball teammate from Marist. Brusek, who played volleyball at Western Michigan and later joined its basketball team, was surprised by the news. Her intense performance against Valparaiso last December remains noteworthy.

“At first I didn’t believe her,” Brusek commented on learning of Bojan’s basketball opportunity. The two athletes share a history of playing four years in their respective sports, Bojan in softball and Brusek in volleyball. The push toward basketball came from Danielle Zymkowitz, Bojan’s assistant softball coach at Wisconsin. “She mentioned basketball to me because she believed I wasn’t quite ready to stop competing,” shared Bojan.

While a spot was available in Wisconsin’s basketball roster, Bojan entered the transfer portal, where DePaul expressed interest. The idea of playing closer to home appealed to her, bringing her family and friends into the stands.

The connection between Bojan and Brusek extends further. Sean and Megan Lucid, Brusek’s parents, are former DePaul athletes, and Sean coached both Bojan and Brusek in basketball during their early years. Reflecting on this, Bojan commented, “It’s amusing that we’ve both returned to basketball after exploring other sports.”

Standing at 5-foot-11, Bojan doesn’t aspire to be a star player. With her last basketball game in 2022, she focuses on getting back into shape. “The initial practices were challenging,” Bojan admitted. Being a power hitter with a .311 average in 161 softball games means transitioning from strength to agility. Yet, she aims to keep improving.

“I told her to embrace the ugly,” Brusek advised Bojan on her new journey. Being inexperienced can be beneficial, allowing teammates to guide rather than lead.

Jill Pizzotti, DePaul’s coach, recognizes Bojan’s leadership potential. While new to college basketball, Bojan brings experience as a college athlete. “Her energy and leadership are assets,” Pizzotti noted.

Bojan’s nickname, “Bo,” coined by Zymkowitz, highlights her tomboy personality. The name accompanies her as she continues from softball to basketball, breaking stereotypes beyond her given name.