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Women's Basketball
vs Augustana (Exhibition)
South Dakota State University Athletics
Catching up with Erin Reiten
1/25/2016 9:25:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Former Jackrabbits standout Erin Reiten took time out of her busy schedule as a graphic designer and account manager to visit with GoJacks.com
What have you been doing since graduating in 1996?
“I've been living life if Florida with my wife, Shelly, hanging with my son, Peyton, and staying in shape by going to the gym and playing some softball. I've been a graphic designer since I've graduating, but have since moved up to account manager with a team of designers under me. I'm also a certified personal trainer thru NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine).”
How did SDSU prepare you for all that?
“SDSU taught me to be strong, body and mind. It's a huge step from high school to college. Having the right mentors and those who care around you thru the process was significant. The professors and coaching staff cared and stayed on top of me at all times ... I needed it.”
How did your interest in design help you on the basketball court as the Jackrabbits' point guard?
“I would have to say the extreme attention to details. Like in design, your attention to the smallest details can get you that next big account. I carried that onto the court, paying attention to the smallest details of my opponent, being able to anticipate their next move, and that gave me an advantage.”
You played in the mid-90s and helped the Jackrabbits to three NCAA Division II North Central Regionals. What was it like back then trying to break into the top of the Division II elite?
“Crazy! We all felt it was our time, our time to really shine and break thru. I know we wanted more, who doesn't, but to me it was a lot of fun. The group of ladies that I had the privilege to play with thru the years not only were great players, but were also great friends, which made the experience even more thrilling.”
Just like current Jackrabbit Gabby Boever, you had quick hands and finished your career as the program's all-time leader in steals. What was your trick in getting opponents to give up the basketball?
“Doing my homework on them, watching the tapes. Knowing what dominant hand they were always gave away their first step. I always watched their eyes, too, to see where they were looking and having good peripheral vision helped a great deal. I did always like to stay hidden myself, behind an opponent, but see just over them enough to see where the ball was going. A little sneak attack. It was fun, a mind game within the game itself.”
In your point of view, how has the role of point guard changed since you played?
“It's become a lot quicker, either that I'm just getting pretty darn slow, which is probably the case. The point isn't just a ball handler anymore either, like the focus used to be. They are shooting more and rotating, which is good experience for them and showing how flexible all players can be.”
What's your favorite memory of SDSU basketball?
“Oh man, it's a blur nowadays. I want to say it was the North Dakota game my senior year. We were down I think like a crazy 14 some points or something but we just kept coming at them and chipping away. I remember it was a physical game, as they always were. I kept assisting Leah Klaassen down inside and our defense was finally stopping them. Next thing I know, we are down by a point, or maybe it was two, and we set up a shot for either Ann Just or myself. She hit that darn shot at the top of the key, 3-pointer buzzer beater! We went ballistic! Makes me smile and shake my head every time I picture it.”
Note: The Jackrabbits trailed 61-50 with 6:50 remaining when they used a 15-2 run to tie the game at 65. North Dakota had a two-point lead with 22 seconds left before Ann Just hit the game-winning 3-pointer with one second left for a 70-69 win Feb. 11, 1996.
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