By Grace Perechinsky, Contributing Writer
Northern New Jersey high school standout Emily Calabrese brought her talents and determination to St. Bonaventure University this season.
The freshman, who was a First Team All-North New Jersey player, helped a depleted St. Bonaventure women’s basketball team with her play on both ends of the court, averaging 6.1 points and 5.7 rebounds while playing 28.5 minutes per game.
Over the course of the conference schedule, Calabrese set a career high of 19 points, Jan. 17 against Rhode Island. She did not stop there, setting a career high in rebounds, with 11, on Feb. 11 at VCU.
Calabrese came to St. Bonaventure after a very successful high school career at Ramapo High School, being the first in school history to achieve over 1,000 career rebounds and career points.
“Putting up those numbers in high school was so important to me,” Calabrese said. “Rebounding isn’t just about skill or talent; it’s more about your energy, determination and hard work.”
Due to her work ethic, she separated herself from others and stood out when it came to the recruiting process. Calabrese worked hard and played with a lot of energy at recruiting tournaments. St. Bonaventure women’s basketball coaches spotted Calabrese on various occasions.
“Each coach saw Emily at different tournaments, came back and unanimously agreed that Calabrese was a stand out,” assistant women’s basketball coach Andrea Mulcahy said.
Impressed by Calabrese’s energy and professionalism, the Bonaventure coaching staff was determined to recruit her.
“We all liked how she was playing in July and thought she would be a very good fit to the team,” Mulcahy said.
Calabrese is pursuing a double major in sports management and marketing. She hopes to manage a sports team in the future. Calabrese said that her transition from high school to St. Bonaventure was smooth, and it was easier than she thought it would be. She attributes this to the time she spent on campus in the summer before the fall semester started.
“The time spent together training during the summer has contributed to the amazing closeness I feel with my teammates,” said Calabrese. “[I have] never been on a team that is so close, with such great chemistry.”
It has been a difficult season for the women’s basketball team due to a string of injuries, but Calabrese is staying positive.
“No matter what, the team has been there for each other on and off the court, and we approach every game in a positive frame of mind,” said Calabrese.
The injuries her teammates have incurred probably led to more playing time for the freshman, but Mulcahy points out that she has earned her playing time.
“Calabrese has earned the experience she has gained from this, and it will be a huge benefit to her and the team in the seasons to come,” said Mulcahy.
She has had to step up her game and help lead the team throughout the season, Mulcahy said.
“Calabrese is determined to work hard on every aspect of her game, during the close season, she will not settle for being just another Bonnies player,” Mulcahy said.
Despite just being a freshman, Calabrese is determined to make a difference to this program.
“My goal for my career as a Bonnie is to be a player that makes a statement,” Calabrese said.
She points to senior Mariah Ruff as someone she would like to emulate.
“She broke records and has had an amazing year,” Calabrese said.
Calabrese knows she can gain a certain skill of the game from each one of her teammates. Having role models around pushes her to be a better player and become the Bonnie standout she aspires to be. To do this, she is determined to become a more flexible player.
“Scouts may watch me and think I’m a predictable player who only needs to be blocked from one aspect of my game, and they will plan to take me out altogether,” said Calabrese. “Being a freshman with the big dogs on the court isn’t easy, but the chemistry has helped me to understand what my teammates expect out of me and how things run on the court.”
After experiencing her first collegiate season, Calabrese believes her leadership role is starting now.
“I aspire to be a leader on this team, and being a freshman isn’t going to stop me from being just that,” Calabrese said.
Mulcahy thinks Calabrese has a busy and tough offseason ahead, but she is sure she can cope and come back next year as a better player, ready to make a big impact on St. Bonaventure women’s basketball.
