Emily Bojan’s Transition from Softball to Basketball at DePaul

Emily Bojan, who previously had a successful softball career at Wisconsin, joined the DePaul women’s basketball team this summer. One of the first people she informed was Mary Clare Brusek, a fellow basketball teammate from their time at Marist. Brusek had played volleyball for four years at Western Michigan before shifting to basketball, where she made a notable impact in 19 games, including scoring 14 points against Valparaiso last December.

Brusek was initially skeptical about Bojan’s news. “At first I didn’t believe her,” Brusek said regarding their conversation. Bojan, who had played four years for the Badgers, assured her it was true. Danielle Zymkowitz, an assistant softball coach at Wisconsin, encouraged Bojan to pursue basketball, stating her competitive nature and a belief that Bojan wasn’t ready to stop playing sports.

Bojan had the option to fill a basketball roster spot at Wisconsin but chose to explore opportunities via the transfer portal. Among the teams interested was DePaul, which appealed to Bojan due to the proximity to her friends and family. Brusek’s parents, Sean and Megan, were former DePaul athletes, and Sean had coached Bojan and Brusek in basketball during their youth.

“She’s one of my best friends,” Bojan said of Brusek. Reflecting on their basketball journey, Bojan found humor in the fact they both returned to the sport after pursuing other athletics. Despite being 5-foot-11, Bojan doesn’t aspire to be a star for the Blue Demons. Her last competitive basketball experience was in 2022, and she’s currently focused on adapting to the sport’s demands.

“The first few days of practice definitely kicked me in the behind,” Bojan admitted. “It was a reality check. Getting my body back into basketball shape was the hardest part.” During her time at Wisconsin, Bojan excelled as a catcher and utility player, maintaining a .311 batting average over 161 games.

Brusek has been a supportive figure for Bojan. “I told her to embrace the ugly,” Brusek advised. “She was going to be inexperienced compared to girls who have played for years. But it’s a chance to learn and let others help you.” As Bojan takes on her new role, DePaul coach Jill Pizzotti recognizes her leadership potential, stressing the importance of energy and leadership on the team. “Even though Emily’s college experience isn’t in basketball, she understands being a college athlete,” Pizzotti said.

In her journey from Marist to DePaul, Bojan received the nickname “Bo,” courtesy of Zymkowitz. It doesn’t reference Bo Jackson or her last name but reflects her tomboy personality compared to her formal name. “Emily is a girlier name, and I’m more like a tomboy,” Bojan said.

Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.