Tysell Bozeman played only 49 games of women’s basketball as a Golden Falcon, but most of them were memorable.
A native of Riverside, Calif., Bozeman began her collegiate career at the University of Arizona, playing two seasons. She then looked to come east, but found out that if she remained in NCAA Division I, she would have only one season of eligibility remaining.
Bozeman therefore sent out feelers to eastern Division II programs. “I guess I was the most aggressive coach in responding to her e-mails,” Felician coach Ben DiNallo Jr. told USA Today in 2003. DiNallo’s efforts were quickly rewarded. As a junior in 2001-02, Bozeman led NAIA Division II in scoring with 27.3 points per game, and earned honorable-mention All-America status.
Her senior year ranks as one of the best individual college seasons put up by any women’s basketball player at any level, as she helped lead Felician’s transition into the NCAA. Her 1,016 points and 37.6 scoring average that season still rank second all-time in NCAA Division II history. She totaled more than 40 points in 12 out of 27 contests, including a school-record 61 (fifth in D-II history) against Dominican (N.Y.) College on Dec. 20, 2002. She also tied an NCAA record with four triple-doubles. Following the year, Bozeman was named CACC Player of the Year, Daktronics Second-Team All-Region, and First Team All-ECAC.
Bozeman is Felician’s all-time leading scorer with 1,614 points, averaging 32.9 points as a Golden Falcon. She is also second in career steals with 195. She sits seventh in school annals in rebounds and sixth in assists.
Following her college career, Bozeman was invited to a WNBA tryout before playing professionally in Europe for several seasons. She is believed to be the only former Felican women’s basketball player to ever appear in a professional league.
Bozeman now resides in Tucson, Ariz.
Last updated 10/20/15
