Who’s the Bosma?
Taking a year off from playing a team sport is something Jess Bosma isn’t interested in doing again any time soon.
The Niagara College basketball recruit went to Trinity Western University in Langley B.C., to complete her biology degree and play on the women’s basketball team. But things didn’t work out as planned for the 2018 Ontario College Athletic Association West scoring champion with the Redeemer Royals.
“I loved all the girls, but the coach and I didn’t really see eye to eye,” the six footer said. “It was a struggle and I tried to make it work for two months, but in the end I ended up leaving the team.”
To say her decision was difficult would be a major understatement.
“I remember the year I took off when I wasn’t on a team. I really struggled because I didn’t have my second support system, my second family,” the 23-year-old Hamilton native said. “I love being on a team and that is part of my character.
“It was a big decision but it worked out in the end and I can definitely see God’s hand in it.”
Rather than sit another season, Bosma joined the Trinity Western women’s rugby team the following year and her basketball skills fit in well on the rugby field.
“The position I play in basketball, you are giving and receiving those quick little passes and rugby offensively is really based around that as well.”
With her biology degree completed, Bosma wanted to return home.
“I missed my family and family is the most important thing to me. Being away from home was hard but it was good for me too.”
The former West Division Second Team All-Star and collegiate Academic All-Canadian, who averaged 19.1 points and 13.1 rebounds in her final season at Redeemer, started looking for a college in Ontario to study to become a paramedic. Niagara College quickly ended up being her first choice.
“I had five options and it was a little bit of both basketball and academics,” she said. “In the end, Niagara had the best overall combo of basketball, academic program and proximity to where I live,” she said. “I was away in B.C. for two years to finish my degree and I really wanted to live back at home. I can just commute every day which is a huge factor.”
Her program is the first step in her career path.
“I want to get in paramedic to jumpstart me into firefighting,” she said. “I am hoping by the time I finish my paramedic training I will be able to apply for both paramedic and firefighting.”
Bosma quickly formed a bond with Niagara head coach Chris Rao.
“We got along right away and I really liked what he had to say. He was super-willing to answer all my questions and laid out all his plans for the team,” she said. “I watched a game that the girls played and I really liked their ball movement and how they all played together. I am excited to play with them as well, get to know the girls and establish those relationships.”
She practised with team in February during her university reading week.
“It was fun that day and I really liked all the girls and Chris, of course. Overall, it was a really great experience.”
Niagara will have a young team next season but Bosma isn’t expecting to have to take on a leadership role.
“I’m definitely not trying to come in and take over but if a leadership role is required of me, I am totally fine with providing it,” she said. “They already have some pretty strong leaders on their team. I played rugby last year and the captain was only 19 and she was one of the best captains I played for. I don’t think age is a big factor in what makes you a leader.”
Bosma played point guard for her high school team but got used to being a power forward at the collegiate level.
“I like to push people around and if you are in my way, I am going to push you,” she said. “But also I have footwork and ball handling too, so I am a combination of power and finesse.”
She hasn’t shot the three in the past but that’s something Rao has mentioned he wants her to work on.
“I want to fulfill whatever role is needed and I want the team to go as far as possible. Whatever that means me doing, I am totally fine with that.”
She has two years of eligibility remaining and the paramedic program is two years in length.
“I am excited to connect with the team because we are just doing Zoom meetings right now. I have only ever met them once in person.”
Rao describes Bosma as an exceptional person and feels Niagara is lucky to have her.
“We had a few long conversations about school and basketball and I think they went really well. She was very curious about what we were doing basketball wise and that was a good sign,” he said. “When she told me she was accepted and coming, I was very excited.”
Rao has been thrilled with his recruiting this spring.
“All of our recruits have brought excitement with them and I think Jess is a huge part of what we will be doing moving forward over the next two seasons,” he said. “As a player, she is very versatile and the coaching staff and I have to do a good job of putting her and others in positions to succeed.
“A player with her skill set makes challenges like that exciting.”
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