Showcase Q&A: Illini West’s Reed discusses playing at QU, Courageous Smiles and ice cream

CARTHAGE, Ill. — Reagan Reed had her college plans set. Then came a curveball.

John Wood Community College women’s basketball coach Ali Schwagmeyer-Belger immediately emerged as a leading candidate to replace Courtney Boyd as Quincy University’s head coach after Boyd stepped aside in April to take the job at Valparaiso.

On April 29, Schwagmeyer-Belger was introduced as the Hawks coach, leaving the future for Reed and the rest of JWCC’s incoming freshman class up in the air.

That was until Schwagmeyer-Belger called the recent Illini West graduate and wanted her to come to QU as well.

“At first, I didn’t know what to say,” said Reed, an Illinois Basketball Coaches Association third-team all-stater who averaged 16.3 points, 7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3 steals per game as a senior. “I was so shocked it had even happened. I was like, ‘Whoa.’ My head was spinning.”

It didn’t take long for the spinning to stop.

“That night that she told me, I was like, ‘Ok, I’m down.’” Reed said.

So now, instead of playing on her future home court when she suits up for the Illinois squad in the Muddy River Showcase, which takes place June 21 at JWCC’s Student Activity Center, Reed will play alongside and against future QU teammates in Central-Southeastern’s Karly Peters and Palmyra’s Sydney Compton in the all-star event.

“It’s pretty exciting for me making new friends and getting to know them on a personal level,” Reed said. “I’m really excited to play with them because it’s always fun to play with new people.”

Reed recently chatted with Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman to discuss the Illinois vs. Missouri game, her future at QU and some of the things that interest her away from the court for this Showcase Q&A.

Q: What are you looking forward to about the Muddy River Showcase?

A: I’m very excited to play with girls from around my area. It’s so different playing against them than it is playing with them because you make bonds. It’s really fun to get to know them more than you do as an opponent.

Q: What does it mean to get the opportunity to play college basketball at a higher level?

A: It’s a big opportunity for me. Personally, I’m just blessed to have this opportunity to play at this next level. I’m just grateful for the opportunity.

Q: Do you know what you plan to study at QU?

A: I’m not really sure right now. I want to go into radiology, but I haven’t decided yet.

Q: What got you interested in radiology or something like that?

A: I know I want to do something in the medical field. Honestly, I wanted to be a dental hygienist at first, but QU doesn’t offer that and I don’t want to go to school more than four years. That’s my limit. So I told myself I had to find something at QU that I liked. I’ve always had an interest in radiology. I never focused on it because I wanted to be a dental hygienist. Now that I have the chance to go into radiology, I’ve been more interested in it.

Q: Since you’re going to be going to college in Quincy, which is close to home, are you going to be taking your laundry home?

A: I’m going to be taking it to my aunt’s house since she lives in Quincy.

Q: Are you looking forward to living on campus?

A: I’m very excited to be living with my roommate. We’ve already gotten our living assignments.

Q: What is it about basketball that you like?

A: I like the competitiveness and I really like how you never know what’s going to happen next.

Q: Do you know when you fell in love with basketball?

A: I’d say when I first started playing youth basketball. It was like first or second grade.

Q: What did you enjoy about growing up in a small town?

A: It’s knowing the community is always going to have your back through good and bad games. They’re always supportive. Hearing the crowds when you’re playing is pretty cool.

Q: Outside of basketball, volleyball and other sports, what piqued your interest?

A: I was in National Honor Society and I really liked helping with the Courageous Smiles track meet.

Q: What is the Courageous Smiles track meet?

A: It’s where a bunch of schools come together and we help the special needs students have a track meet and event. A bunch of little kids come and they get whistles and awards and medals. They have field events like kick the soccer ball or football or do hula hooping. It’s a bunch of little games for them to play. It’s a lot of fun.

Q: What did you enjoy most about it?

A: I loved watching the kids smile and having fun and just enjoying themselves.

Q: What do you do for fun away from sports?

A: In the summer, I like to tan, hang with friends and get ice cream.

Q: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

A: Lemon ice cream with cheesecake.

Q: Where do you go to get it?

A: It’s called The Full Scoop in Colchester.

Q: Do you have a favorite or go-to meal?

A: I really like salmon.

Q: What’s the best way to prepare salmon?

A: I’ve never made it, but my dad has always made it. He puts it on the Traeger and smokes it. So that’s pretty good. Smoked salmon is really tasty.

Q: You mentioned you are working as a lifeguard this summer. Have you ever had to save anyone?

A: I haven’t yet. Fingers crossed I won’t have to.

Q: Have you ever seen another lifeguard have to save someone?

A: I have not. That’s a good thing.