By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

With only two seniors on the team, the young Falcon women's basketball team has to dig for more leaders on the court. Luckily they do not have to go very far to find junior center Traci Reimann.

Reimann is in her third season with the Falcons and looks to play a big part this season.

"My family, mainly my brother, was the reason I started to play basketball," said Reimann.

Reimann grew up with both a brother and a sister that made everything competitive.

After competing against her brother on the court, Reimann began her basketball journey in fifth grade through leagues and traveling teams.

Reimann later attended North Branch High School where she started for two years and aided the Vikings run towards three appearances in the state tournament. She was selected to the all-conference team her senior season. For the Vikings, Reimann averaged 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists a game.

Basketball was one of three sports Reimann played in high school. Reimann also participated in soccer and softball.

"If I had to choose another sport to play at the collegiate level, I would definitely choose soccer," Reimann said.

Following Reimann's great run in high school, she was recruited by River Falls Coach Cindy Hovet. Reimann knew she wanted to play basketball at the collegiate level but was not sure on an area of study. River Falls made the most sense based on its basketball program and the majors offered.

The Falcons could not have been happier with her choice as Reimann was able to step into a consistent starting roll right away. As a freshman

Reimann led the team in rebounds with 8.2 per game.

In her sophomore season, Reimann improved on her first year and took more of a leadership roll. Reimann was now not only a force in the rebounding department, but also in the scoring column.

This season, Reimann was selected as a team captain and likes her role. "I like the pressure on me," Reimann said. "I had the roll of captain in high school and it has never been a burden."

In her spare time Reimann enjoys spending time with friends and family along with participating in outdoor activities. "I like to bike, fish, and just basically any outdoor activity that you can think of."

Right now the Falcons record stands at 6-6 going into tonight's game with St. Scholastica and Reimann's team leading 14.6 points per game is a key part in the six victories.

Reimann has been named team's Player of the Week three times this season and continues to improve on her already concrete River Falls career.

After being asked what she planned to do over the long winter break, Reimann responded with, "Basketball, we pretty much have practice in the morning everyday and then eat lunch as a team. Lunch is then followed by another practice to finish out the day."

The commitment the Falcons have towards winning is stronger than ever.   They are held up by Reimann's great efforts in the locker room and on the floor.

Traci Reimann