When Collin Reuter landed at BYU in 2021 to kick off his college baseball journey with the Cougars, he initially felt like he might've made a mistake. Coming from Olive Branch, Mississippi, the culture shock hit him hard, leaving him feeling out of place and struggling to find his groove. But as the 2022 season kicked off, things started looking up.
Reuter, not being a member of the LDS faith that BYU is associated with, found the adjustment challenging. "My freshman year, when I came in here, I didn’t know if I made the right choice at first," Reuter admitted. "I was struggling to make friends and find a group to hang out with. I was stuck in my dorm, by myself, and didn’t know what to do. There was definitely some culture shock."
It took about seven months, but eventually, Reuter settled in and found his rhythm in this new environment. "Now, I am good to go. I am totally used to it and enjoy it," he shared.
After battling through two elbow surgeries, which sidelined him for 18 months and caused him to miss the 2023 season, Reuter came back stronger. Despite BYU's less-than-stellar season record of 15-21 overall and 6-15 in the Big 12, Reuter's performance has been a standout. The redshirt sophomore leads the team with a .325 batting average and has made just three errors in 29 games as a catcher.
Reuter's return has been a boost for the Cougars, with coach Trent Pratt expressing gratitude for his contributions. "Thank goodness he’s back," Pratt remarked. "He has come up big for us a lot this year."
One of Reuter's standout moments came in a game against Texas on April 6, where he smashed three home runs, helping BYU secure a series win. Pratt noted that Reuter's performance was particularly impressive given the tough competition they faced.
Reuter's success on the field has been a family affair, with his grandfather and aunt cheering him on in person. His grandfather's presence seems to be a lucky charm, as Reuter joked, "Every time my papa (grandfather) is at a game, I hit a home run."
Despite his success, Reuter remains focused on the present, steering clear of thoughts about the upcoming MLB draft in July. With the Big 12 being highly competitive, Reuter knows the importance of staying focused and playing his best for the team.
Coach Pratt sees a bright future for Reuter, especially as his arm continues to heal and strengthen. "He is a physical kid that can really catch. Those things are hard to find," Pratt praised. "With his size and power, man, I hope someone gives him a chance to play."
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