Traci Reimann

By Jake Grovum
UWRF Sports Information

Traci Reimann has been a key player for the Falcon women's basketball team since her freshman year and shows no signs of slowing down entering her fourth and final season in a UWRF uniform. Reimann has started in every game she has played in since her very first game at UWRF.  

Reimann was quick to point out that her first game experience as a Falcon was one of her fondest athletic memories ever. "It was my first college game, going down to the locker room not really seeming real that I was about to play in my first college game and then finding out that I was starting the game as well. Then after the game finding out I had somewhere around 17 rebounds," Reimann explained. Reimann did in fact register 17 rebounds in her very first game as a Falcon and duplicated that performance last season versus Superior.

"Traci is one of the best players in the WIAC and has been a spark and a leader for our team for a few seasons now," said Falcon Coach Cindy Hovet. "She has the abilities to dominate."

Before coming to River Falls Reimann attended North Branch High School in North Branch, Minn. In high school Reimann participated in her share of activities beyond basketball. "In high school I was involved in soccer, basketball, softball, NHS, and weightlifting," Reimann explained. Reimann played basketball in high school, although that is not when she got her start. "I got into basketball when I was in fifth grade, it was a traveling team started by my friend's dad, and my brother taught me how to play as well," Reimann explained.  

She lived an active childhood, growing up with two siblings and her mother Kathy. "Things I did when I was younger was play outside, build forts, make obstacle courses, play football, bike, watch movies, I was always on the go," she explained. Her family also plays a big role in Reimann's daily life. "My family is my inspiration. They are there for me 24-seven whenever I need them and they make it to as many games as possible. They would do anything for me and support me through thick and thin," she said of her family.

Playing basketball at UWRF has allowed Reimann to find a family away from home, and that is what she says will stay with her after her days as a Falcon have passed.   "Knowing you have a team on your side 100 percent of the time is great to know. I find that if I have a bad day, or am struggling with school, coming to practice to see my teammates can cheer me up and turn my day around," Reimann said. "My best experiences [at UWRF] are probably from basketball, the girls on the team are some of my best friends," she added.  

While Reimann admits she was unsure for a long time about where she wanted to attend college it was Hovet's influence that brought her to UWRF. "Coach Hovet started talking to me about playing basketball at UWRF and I came on a visit and really liked the size of campus and the looks of it," Reimann explained. Her decision to attend school at UWRF paid off for Reimann as she has experience a great amount of success on and off the court.

"Traci is a great leader and one of the nicest kids you could meet. She is a team builder, she just brings people together," said Hovet

On the court Reimann earned All-WIAC honorable mention her sophomore year and All-WIAC first team as well as All-Defensive team honors in her junior season. Aside from awards Reimann is also a mere 252 rebounds away from setting a Falcon record for career rebounds, a record set in 1986. After registering 221 rebounds last season, despite missing five games, the record is within reach.

Academically she has been named to both the Dean's List and the Academic Honor Roll. Reimann's major is health and human performance, a popular major among athletes at UWRF.   "I hope to work in a fitness center, then to eventually get certified and become a personal trainer," she said of her future plans.  

Apart from basketball and academics Reimann is also involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, an organization on campus that strives to encourage involvement of student-athletes in campus and community projects, as well as set in motion programs that encourage academic achievement, health promotion, social responsibility and general awareness.