Spartan Stories: Lebster Brings Experience 'Home' To MSU
12/15/2023 3:13:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
By Brendan Bruman, Special to MSUSpartans.com
Michigan State hockey graduate student Reed Lebster clearly knows what it means to be a Spartan and the school's traditions. The university is a major part of his family's legacy, as his parents, grandparents and a brother all attended MSU. His two cousins, Genevieve and Stephanie Lebster, are currently on the MSU gymnastics team.
His assimilation to MSU came recently, as the right winger joined the Spartan hockey program after four seasons at Massachusetts. Lebster, a native of Grand Rapids, decided he needed to transfer closer to home for several reasons.
"When I got into the portal and heard Michigan State was interested in me, it was kind of
a no-brainer for me to come here. I grew up a Spartan fan, everybody went to Michigan State. Now to be here on the team and representing Michigan State is really special for me," Lebster, 24, said.
The chance to play at home provided the opportunity for his entire family to attend his games, something they hadn't been able to do for seven years.
It was just time to come home.
"It wasn't so much about leaving UMass, more about the opportunity that I had to come back home and play for Michigan State and be closer to my family," said Lebster.
His father, Greg, holds onto his years as a MSU student with significant importance, as it was during this period that he first encountered his wife, Allyn. The couple never missed a hockey game at Munn. Now, they have a remarkable opportunity to witness their son play at the very same arena.
He realizes that this last chance to watch Lebster play at home, goes farther than just appreciating him playing the game of hockey.
"The opportunity to come back home was huge, probably the biggest part of it is my mother [Reed's grandmother] has ALS, so she can't travel long distances - but she can come to MSU. It just means a lot when all of your family can make it to the games, it's pretty special," said Gregg.
Lebster is one of the oldest players on the team, a valuable asset to the underclassmen in the program. His dad thinks Reed's maturity affords him the chance to mentor younger players.
"We never had a day that Reed has been a problem, he's got high morals and ethical standards. He works hard and I think a lot of that will rub off on some of these younger players. I've always just said he's a playmaker, he somehow finds the right player and the right opportunity," said Gregg.
Coming to MSU also gave Lebster the opportunity to rejoin assistant coach Jared DeMichael. Togerher, they helped bring a National championship to UMass in 2021. DeMichael was brought to MSU in 2022 to bring in players like Lebster.
"He was a big part of it, especially this recruiting process with Michigan State. I respect Jared DeMichael a lot as a coach and when he reached out to me, it was a big pulling point to getting me here," said Lebster.
The track record of success at UMass played a role in Lebster being brought onto the team. On top of winning a NCAA championship, UMass also won two Hockey East tournament championships. His experience is invaluable on a team looking to take that next step forward.
He maintains a modest outlook on the potential success of the team, but as the season progresses, it is clear where they want to be in April.
"Hopefully, a deep run in the NCAA Tournament," said Lebster.
Michigan State hockey graduate student Reed Lebster clearly knows what it means to be a Spartan and the school's traditions. The university is a major part of his family's legacy, as his parents, grandparents and a brother all attended MSU. His two cousins, Genevieve and Stephanie Lebster, are currently on the MSU gymnastics team.
His assimilation to MSU came recently, as the right winger joined the Spartan hockey program after four seasons at Massachusetts. Lebster, a native of Grand Rapids, decided he needed to transfer closer to home for several reasons.
"When I got into the portal and heard Michigan State was interested in me, it was kind of
a no-brainer for me to come here. I grew up a Spartan fan, everybody went to Michigan State. Now to be here on the team and representing Michigan State is really special for me," Lebster, 24, said.
The chance to play at home provided the opportunity for his entire family to attend his games, something they hadn't been able to do for seven years.
It was just time to come home.
"It wasn't so much about leaving UMass, more about the opportunity that I had to come back home and play for Michigan State and be closer to my family," said Lebster.
His father, Greg, holds onto his years as a MSU student with significant importance, as it was during this period that he first encountered his wife, Allyn. The couple never missed a hockey game at Munn. Now, they have a remarkable opportunity to witness their son play at the very same arena.
He realizes that this last chance to watch Lebster play at home, goes farther than just appreciating him playing the game of hockey.
"The opportunity to come back home was huge, probably the biggest part of it is my mother [Reed's grandmother] has ALS, so she can't travel long distances - but she can come to MSU. It just means a lot when all of your family can make it to the games, it's pretty special," said Gregg.
Lebster is one of the oldest players on the team, a valuable asset to the underclassmen in the program. His dad thinks Reed's maturity affords him the chance to mentor younger players.
"We never had a day that Reed has been a problem, he's got high morals and ethical standards. He works hard and I think a lot of that will rub off on some of these younger players. I've always just said he's a playmaker, he somehow finds the right player and the right opportunity," said Gregg.Coming to MSU also gave Lebster the opportunity to rejoin assistant coach Jared DeMichael. Togerher, they helped bring a National championship to UMass in 2021. DeMichael was brought to MSU in 2022 to bring in players like Lebster.
"He was a big part of it, especially this recruiting process with Michigan State. I respect Jared DeMichael a lot as a coach and when he reached out to me, it was a big pulling point to getting me here," said Lebster.
The track record of success at UMass played a role in Lebster being brought onto the team. On top of winning a NCAA championship, UMass also won two Hockey East tournament championships. His experience is invaluable on a team looking to take that next step forward.
He maintains a modest outlook on the potential success of the team, but as the season progresses, it is clear where they want to be in April.
"Hopefully, a deep run in the NCAA Tournament," said Lebster.
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