Player Profile: Taya Reimer

     

     Taya Reimer, ranked No. 4 in the country in high school basketball, will be taking her talents to Notre Dame next season. Daughter of former McDonald's All-American, Ben Davis, we can see where Taya got some of her talent and skill. This past summer Taya was named to the 2012 USA Women's U17 World Championship Team, who won gold in the World Championship game against Spain. She had 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the 75-62 win over Spain. In 2011 she was a member of the USA Basketball Women's U16 National Team, helping the USA to a 5-0 record and won the gold medal while averaging 5 ppg and 5 rpg. Taya has a college ready body along with the college ready skill set making her one of the most dangerous players on the court. Some honors and recognitions she has received over the years are; Associated Press All-State first team, Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association All State first team, Indiana Basketball Coaches Association All-State first team, and more. Taya Reimer is a well rounded student athlete; her junior year she averaged 19 ppt, 10 rpg, 2 apg, 1.5 spy, and 2.3 bpg leading her team to the North Central section opener. She also is on the National Junior Honor Society; taking honors level and Advance Placement courses. For this player profile we also did an interview with Taya (thank you again for the opportunity to interview you, Taya!), so please everyone take a look at this interview and enjoy.   

• Question 1: This summer you were on the U17 USAB team, who also won gold this summer, what was that like for you and how do you personally feel it helped improve your game? (Go into as much depth as you want to…)  

Winning the gold in Amsterdam this summer with USA basketball was such a blessing for me. I definitely improved my game so much, not only playing international competition, but playing against the best girls in the country in that age group. Playing for USA basketball and representing your country is such a huge honor that it automatically elevated everyone’s games. We pushed each other to get better everyday, and Coach Rankin Schneider pushed us in practice everyday as well. Not only did I improve physically, but mentally too. The coaches demanded a lot from us in every practice and game, so I gained a lot of mental toughness and developed many aspects of my game.

• Question 2: What was your favorite part about playing overseas in a new environment? And what bonds did you form with your teammates? 

     I loved being able to interact with girls from other countries. Just being able to compare the way that we all speak, act, play basketball, and go about everyday life was so enjoyable and interesting to me. The cultural aspect definitely was my favorite. Also, it was so shocking and interesting just to see the style of play the girls from other countries had. 

     I definitely formed some life long friendships with my teammates this summer. Luckily, I got to play with my future teammate at Notre Dame, Lindsay Allen, so I feel like we are ahead of the game since we already know each others style of play. Not to mention, we formed a pretty tight bond. I truly love each and every girl that was a member of that team and we definitely have some unforgettable memories from the summer. 

•  Question 3: Now that you have committed to play for Notre Dame next year who are looking forward to the most to play against in your college career?

      There are so many great teams!! I am anxious and excited about Notre Dame moving to the ACC, I think that will be something fresh and different. I am just extremely excited and fortunate to be able to go to a school like Notre Dame and hopefully compete for multiple National Championships against the best teams in the country. 

• Question 4: Seeing highlights of you play you have the college ready game to match the college ready body. What aspect of your game would you compare to in the WNBA and the NBA? 

      I have always been so inspired by Candace Parker. Her versatility is unmatched and she is so much fun to watch. I love that she is the size of a traditional post player, but she has the skill set and agility of a guard. In my game, I try to be a threat both from the inside and the perimeter, just like Parker. 

• Question 5: What are you looking forward to the most going to one of the most prestigious universities in the country with Notre Dame?

      There are four main things I will be looking forward to the most at Notre Dame – getting a great education from one of the best academic universities in the nation, competing for National Championships, learning from the great Coach Muffet McGraw, and being apart of such a strong tradition and community. 

• Question 6: What would you say is your most memorable moment in your basketball so far and what do you hope to achieve in the future? 

      So far, my most memorable moment in basketball is winning the gold medal at the u17 World Championships with USA basketball. Not every teenage girl gets to say she’s a world champion! In the future, I hope to play professionally in the WNBA, but my ultimate goal is to be an Olympic gold medalist. Playing for USA basketball the past two summers has showed me the hard work and dedication I need to put in everyday to get to that goal. I think that experience has taken me one step closer to my dreams. 

• Last but not least Question 7: For all of the young ladies out there who are working their hardest to be the best in the game of basketball, what advice would you give to those young ladies out there? And is there anything else you would like for us to know?   

      To all the young girls out there, I would say to remember that the sky is the limit. If you truly love basketball more than anything and you are willing to put in the time and effort in the gym, you can be as good as you want to be. Also, never let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. Use negative comments and influences as fuel to your fire, instead of letting them bring you down. Being able to play the game of basketball is a blessing, and no one can ever take away the love you have for the game. 

(Highlight Reel of Taya Reimer: Peach State)

(submitted by: Eddie Praley)