Feb. 4, 2010

There are exactly 31,536,000 seconds in a year, unless it happens to be a leap year, in which case there are 31,622,400 seconds.

Navy senior Beth Reed wastes exactly zero of them.

The rigors of the United States Naval Academy are well-documented. One of the premier academic institutions in the country, the Academy also requires strict observation of military traditions and order, leaving your everyday Midshipman with loads of responsibility and a dearth of free time. For student-athletes at the Naval Academy, the demands are greater and the recreational time is scarcer.

For Reed, who is a significant contributor to two Navy teams, soccer and basketball, that simply is not an issue. At least, not one she will admit.

"Do I have a lot of down time, no," Reed says. "But participating in athletics at the Academy is fun for me. I get to be with my friends, and I get to participate in Division I athletics at a high level. I am truly privileged."

Her coaches might argue that they are the privileged ones. In her first year as the starting goalkeeper in 2009, Reed led Navy to a 14-win season and the program's fourth straight Patriot League Tournament appearance. She allowed a League-low 0.67 goals per contest, while posting a Navy senior class record nine solo shutouts, including a League-best four in Patriot League competition. She had the 11th-best save percentage in the country (.875) on her way to claiming Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year honors in her senior campaign.

On the basketball floor, Reed has provided depth off the bench during Stefanie Pemper's two seasons at the helm. After missing the early portion of the season due to soccer, she has returned to her second set of teammates.

With all of the time spent at practices and games, in addition to her military requirements with the Naval
Academy, one might assume that even the best student would slip a little academically. Not Reed.

A mechanical engineering major, Reed owns a 3.97 grade-point average and ranks second in Overall Order of Merit among the 1,064 midshipmen in the Class of 2010. She has held the top ranking in her class in Academic Order of Merit in five of her six semesters at the Academy.

The Indianapolis native also ranks sixth among her classmates in Military Order of Merit, has been recognized on the Commandant's List in each of her six semesters and named to Superintendent's List five times.

"I joke that Beth is the only person in our program with no personal faults -- including the coaches," Pemper said. "She's pretty terrific and our staff is grateful for the opportunity to work with her."

"Beth is athletic, but she is also a tremendous leader," said Navy women's soccer head coach Carin Gabarra. "When our players look at her, and they know that she is not complaining or making excuses, that is big. Her will pushes those around her."

Her achievements on the field, in the arena and in the classroom are also flanked by her willingness to help in the community.

"Whether she is in Annapolis or back in her hometown of Indianapolis, Beth loves to get out in the community and work with children," Gabarra said. "She has read to children, helped with soccer clinics, you name it, she does it all."

Her ability and willingness to try and succeed at seemingly everything earned her the highest athletic and academic honor of her career this fall. Reed was named the Women's Soccer Academic All-American of the Year by CoSIDA,
recognizing achievement on the field and in the classroom. It was just one of many honors bestowed upon the senior, who still has plenty left to do in her young life.