Feb. 28, 2008

Junior Carlton Reed can relate to the word adversity. During his past two seasons with the University of Northern Iowa, Reed has had to overcome many obstacles to become the player he is today.

Last season, Reed transferred to UNI from the University of Iowa. Reed red shirted last year and sat out for the one year period mandated by the NCAA transfer rules. Even though it was hard for the Waterloo native to sit back and watch his teammates play, Reed was happy to be back home.

"I liked being at Iowa, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to play for Coach Jake (Jacobson) and UNI," said Reed. "UNI has a strong tradition that I wanted to be a part of. It just felt good to come home; I knew it was where I belonged."

After sitting out last year, Reed was ready to take charge when the team traveled to Thailand to represent the USA at the World University Games in Bangkok this past August.

Six months ago, Reed started and was the leading scorer for UNI in its first contest of the World Games. But a broken left foot sustained during the Panther's second game in Thailand cut Reed's trip short.

"I talked to the trainers and doctors in Thailand to discuss my options," said Reed. "I was on a plane the next morning, heading back to the states, and had surgery two days later."

After rehab and a lot of hard work, Reed made a full recovery and was ready to make a new start this season. However, another injury plagued Reed during the second week of practice when he broke the same bone as before but this time in his right foot.

"It was a long road to recovery after I broke my foot again," said Reed. "It was déjà vu all over again, but it was just another barrier that I had to overcome. I had to stay positive and get healthy to help the team."

Reed attributes his positive attitude and quick recovery to his family.

"My family was always there for me during those tough times," said Reed. "They were very supportive and helped me through a lot. I don't think I could've gotten through it without them."

Since his recovery, Reed has seen action in eight contests thus far this season, logging his first minutes of action during the Panther's blow-out win over the Knights from Wartburg.

"I was really nervous during my first game back," said Reed. "I had those first game jitters and it felt like I was starting all over again. It was a new beginning for me."

In high school, the Waterloo East alum's all-star performance earned him numerous accolades, including being named 2004's "Mr. Basketball" in the state of Iowa, Gatorade Player of the Year and MVP of the 2004 Goalsetters All-Star Game. Reed's take-charge demeanor and athletic ability led him to average around 21 points, 7 rebounds and almost 4 assists per game his senior year in high school.

The 6-foot-4 guard credits a lot of his high school success to his early childhood days and influences.

"My dad ran a basketball league in Waterloo and my brothers played in it," said Reed. "I loved going to watch them play and it made me want to. I used to always go home and practice their moves."

Majoring in exercise science, Reed has always had a passion for sports and hopes to foster a career out of them one day.

"I would like to continue with basketball, whether that's playing or coaching," said Reed. "I also have a big interest in sports psychology. I'd really like to go into personal training or coaching."

For now though, Reed is focused on one thing, helping the team.

"I do whatever I can do to help the team," said Reed. "Different games call for different things and roles to be played. But I've learned to appreciate basketball more. I don't take any of my time on the court for granted anymore because I've learned it can be taken away in the blink of an eye."