Katie Borowicz, a redshirt freshman for the Gophers women’s basketball team, announced Wednesday she decided to medically retire from basketball.
“My decision to medically retire is the most difficult and painful one I’ve ever had to make,” Borowicz said in a tweet. “I’ve been struggling for the past year to push through and put a smile on my face, but my body is telling me enough.”
— Katie Borowicz (@katieborowicz) March 22, 2023
Borowicz missed all of the 2021-22 season after undergoing brain surgery to relieve pressure on her spine. She said her pain is, “worse when playing basketball.” She returned for the 2022-23 season, played 29 games, started in 17 and averaged 8.5 points per game.
The Minnesota women’s basketball team said on their main account, “We cannot thank @katieborowicz, our 2022-23 captain, enough for her blood, sweat and tears she poured into our program.”
We cannot thank @katieborowicz, our 2022-23 captain, enough for her blood, sweat and tears she poured into our program. Once a Gopher, always a Gopher
#SkiUMah https://t.co/hrI0dR7MYw pic.twitter.com/e88LUWgoXw
— Minnesota Women’s Basketball (@GopherWBB) March 22, 2023
New Gophers head coach Dawn Plitzuweit will now look to replace Borowicz along with leading rebounder Alanna ‘Rose’ Micheaux. Talented freshmen Nia Holloway, Mara Braun and Mallory Heyer have all officially announced their decision to return, while Amaya Battle is expected to join the team next season.
Borowicz, a Roseau High School standout, was a four-star recruit and 19th-ranked point guard in the country when former head coach Lindsay Whalen recruited her to Minnesota.