UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - The Saginaw Valley State University Athletic Department continues its series of the Meemic Insurance 'Student-Athlete Spotlight' feature, which focuses on different Cardinal student-athletes, highlighting their accomplishments while getting to know what it means for them to be a part of the SVSU Cardinal family.
April's installment for the academic year highlights Damon Bozeman, who is a senior on the SVSU men's basketball team. Bozeman is from Detroit, Michigan, and finished his fourth and final season this past year.
A Health Science major, he was an integral part of the Cardinals en route to the team's first-ever NCAA Division II tournament appearance and Midwest Region championship. The two-time All-GLIAC performer and all-defensive team honoree surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his career and ranks sixth in all time games played for the Cardinals, totaling 113. He also ranks sixth in the program in three pointers with 149, seventh in free throws at 328, and 10th in overall points and steals at 1,401 and 146, respectively.
SVSU head men's basketball coach Randy Baruth weighed-in on Bozeman and the effect he has had on the Cardinals during his four-year career...
"Damon was one of the first guys to commit to our program four years ago. To see his growth, both on and off the court, and how it blended hand-in-hand with that of our basketball program, is an exciting thing! Best of all was getting to be a part of this process and witnessing first-hand the work that was put in by Damon and the rest of the team to accomplish what they did."
We spoke with Damon recently and he talked about his experience at SVSU and plans for after graduation...
What made you decide to want to attend SVSU?
The beautiful campus and the coaching staff were the two main reasons for my choosing to study here. The program was off to a fresh start with the new staff as well, and I wanted to be a part of building this team.
How has basketball been a positive influence in your life?
Basketball has kept me off the streets of Detroit, where I grew up. It also has given me many opportunities like attending college for free, helping me meet and build relationships that will last a life time, and also helped me become a better man. There are so many aspects of basketball and athletics in general that really translate to real life and help build character.
What are some of the struggles a student-athlete faces on a daily basis in college?
Time management is a big struggle for student-athletes. With practice, games and trying to study it is very hard for student-athletes to find time for a social life. When we do find some free time, the first thing we want to do is sleep.
What are your favorite parts of being a collegiate student-athlete?
Traveling to away games and beating teams on their home court has to be my favorite. There is no better feeling than when the entire gym is against you and are booing you, but you and your team manage to find a way to still win the game in that environment.
What does it mean to you to be a part of the SVSU Athletics Family?
It means a lot! I was able to build relationships with other athletes from different sports that will last a life time!
What are your plans after SVSU?
After I graduate college in December, I want to go overseas and play professional basketball.
Any other thoughts or comments for us on your experience here at SVSU?
Being able to be apart of the best team to ever play at SVSU is a great experience and a memory I will never forget! And the best part is that I was able to do it with the guys I love!
