Vukojev commits to TMU
Magdalena Vukojev has made a bold choice.
The Grade 12 student at Blessed Trinity has committed to play Ontario University Athletics basketball with the Toronto Metropolitan Bold.
“They reached out to me last May when I was travelling and playing with Kia Nurse Elite and at the time I was still looking at schools in the States. They really liked me, they reached out to me, they called me for a visit and I toured the campus and practised with the team.”
The 5-foot-9 player was quickly sold on the school, formerly called Ryerson.
“The team was really welcoming, it is a very good coaching staff and Carly (Clark) is a great (head coach). She coaches at the Olympics and she coaches Team Ontario and Team Canada,” the 17-year-old said. “They really liked me as a player and they didn’t want to mould me into like anybody else. Honestly, it felt like the right fit.”
She made her final decision after visiting one school and then visiting Toronto Metropolitan the next day.
“I had played Juel games in that gym before and when I was back in the gym practising with them, that was when I decided that is the spot where I want to be.”
The future politics/governance major is looking forward to the next stage of her hoops career.
“It is definitely a competitive team and I am excited to play with the girls and be part of that family. There is only men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball at that time of the year so it will be a great atmosphere and I like the city,” she said. “Grimsby is a small town and moving to a big city like Toronto will be exciting. But I am glad that I am not to far away from home so my friends and family can come watch me. I am in a good area and I will have a lot of support.”
Vukojev started playing basketball in a Serbian league, SNF, out of Hamilton when she was six and then started playing house league in Grimsby. She suited up for the Hamilton Transway travel program from Grades 5 to 8, spent some time with the Niagara Juel program and then spent her last three years of high school in the Transway program. In the summer, she competes in AAU ball with Kia Nurse Elite. Once her Juel season ends this season with Transway, she will begin training with the Bold.
“Last year, I was still undecided about where I wanted to go and what playing university basketball meant to me. After my Transway season being coached by Drew Smillie and after my high school season, I definitely developed as a player, got a lot more confidence and realized I could fit somewhere on a university team.”
The next step in her progression will be reached by training during the summer, eliminating her weaknesses and getting mentally prepared to play at the next level.
“I don’t think there is anything on the court that is a big weakness but it is the mental aspect and the confidence to be able to play like I know I can play.”
Blessed Trinity coach Gabe Diadamo is a fan of Vukojev’s.
“She has all the classic attributes. She is a hard worker, aggressive, a team player and she wants to lead her team and also by example. She doesn’t ask anyone to do anything she is not willing to do. She is a very well-rounded, overall player.”
He is confident she will be able to succeed at the next level.
“It is from what I have seen on the floor. I have been around basketball my entire life and it’s just watching what she is capable of doing. Before coaching girls at the school, I also coached Blessed Sacrament and I have seen high levels of talent before. She is definitely up there with them.”
