Katie Reiner’s incredible achievements have earned her multiple accolades, further solidifying her place as one of the top student-athletes in Becton history and New Jersey as a whole.
Reiner was once again named Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 10 and was honored for her contributions to Girls and Women in Sports at Rutgers’ ceremony on Jan. 12. A three-sport, four-year varsity athlete, she has broken BRHS records as a 1,000 point scorer as a junior and currently has 1,901 total points as a senior. Finally, Reiner holds the All-Time Scoring record for 300 career three-point baskets. Reiner was also named North Jersey’s Female Athlete of the Week by Varsity Aces on Jan. 31.
Senior standout Reiner reflects on a historic achievement that cements her place in Becton athletics, “I am most proud of breaking the All-Time Scoring Record because it is something I have always strived to improve on every day, and this recognition shows that all my hard work has paid off. This record had been set for 17 years, so it feels like an honor to hold the new record,” Reiner shares.
Being a seasoned player, Reiner still faces challenges but knows how to navigate them. “It all depends on the other team’s defense and what they throw out at me. It is challenging when the other teams are doubling and face-guarding me, but to handle the pressure, I just have to keep doing what I do and look for open teammates when I get doubled.”
In fact, Reiner cites her father, who has coached her since she was five years old, as the role model who taught her how to handle pressure on the court. “He has taught me a lot of my game and how to get through the pressure or the double teams when they happen,” she explains.
Starting her basketball career in Pre-K, Reiner stays determined by focusing on the next level. “You have to put in the work and give 100% every day, no matter what the circumstances are,” she says. Despite all the awards or games she has won, Reiner reminds everyone that the season is not over yet. “I stay motivated by keeping the season and team goals in mind as we enter tournament play. I always give 100%, no matter the situation. You have to be able to adjust to the different pressures coming from your opponents, especially during crucial games for the team.”
During Reiner’s freshman year, she realized that she would become a standout player when she became a starter and a key player, “as most freshmen do not get that opportunity,” she examined. Nonetheless, she has developed various techniques and strategies to excel on the court—learning to block out distractions from the opposing team while also dedicating time to pre-game rituals that help her prepare. “For pre-game, I always have to do a certain shooting warm-up that gets me in the right headspace, and taking time to myself before team warming up is definitely a superstition I have,” Reiner shares.
In addition to her father, another source of inspiration to Reiner is Becton Head Coach, Mike Ryan. “Kind words do not do Mr. Ryan justice as he is one of my biggest supporters ever since I stepped foot into Becton. He is a great coach who always cares about the team and gives the team his full attention. I am so glad that I can have him as a coach and would not want any other coach by my side.”
Coach Ryan highlights that Reiner is a dedicated and hardworking player who stands out for her commitment to improvement during the off-season, “You cannot be an elite player without putting the time in during the off-season. This is what separates Katie from other players. She motivates the team in tough situations by not being afraid to make the big shot. When you take the big shot at the end of the game there is always the opportunity of failure and Katie more often than not rises to the occasion.”
Reiner also exemplifies strong leadership through her work ethic, Coach Ryan attests, setting the standard on the court. “She’s at her best in the big moments when the game is on the line. She is the one the team counts on for a big play,” he assures.
Over the past four years, the team has achieved numerous personal and collective accomplishments, with Reiner playing a key role in the team’s growth. “The team rallies around each other to achieve the goals set for us to be successful. This is a special group that works hard every day to get better. You don’t achieve success without hard work, and they know what it takes both in the classroom and on the basketball court,” Coach Ryan says, praising his team and their committed dynamic.
On the topic of determined players, Reiner cites two underclassmen as players to keep an eye on as they grow: Junior Shania Healy and Freshman Jade Bethea!
With her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication, Katie Reiner has not only set new records but also continues to inspire her team and community. As she looks ahead to even greater milestones, her legacy as a leader, athlete, and motivator is firmly established as she moves to pursue athletics and academics in her commitment to Drew University.
