Michigan State University Athletics
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
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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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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It was just time to come home.
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"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.
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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.
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He realizes that this last chance to watch Lebster play at home, goes farther than just appreciating him playing the game of hockey.
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"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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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"Hopefully, a deep run in the NCAA Tournament," said Lebster.
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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.
Â
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.
Â
"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.
Â
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.
Â
It was just time to come home.
Â
"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.
Â
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.
Â
He realizes that this last chance to watch Lebster play at home, goes farther than just appreciating him playing the game of hockey.
Â
"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.
Â
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.
Â
"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.Â
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.
Â
"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.
Â
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.
Â
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.
Â
"Hopefully, a deep run in the NCAA Tournament," said Lebster.
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Players Mentioned
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