Reeed Cady climbs to new heights at Outdoor Adventure Center

Meet Reeed Cady, a Physics Education major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln who recently won the Outdoor Adventure Center’s “Vertical Ascent” challenge. Over the span of seven days, Reeed climbed a total of 34,782 feet, securing 1st place and tripling the distance climbed by the 2nd place winner. His dedication and determination stood out not only in the final results but throughout the entire event. What makes Reeed’s story even more remarkable is that before coming to UNL, he had no traditional climbing experience. It was during one of UNL’s introductory climbing courses that Reeed discovered his passion for the sport. From that point on, he fell in love with climbing culture. He began researching gear, planning trips, and spending countless hours on the walls at the Outdoor Adventure Center. His commitment and enthusiasm have made him a familiar face among staff and fellow climbers alike. Climbing quickly became more than just a hobby for Reeed; it became a way of life. Through climbing, he’s learned valuable lessons about perseverance and problem-solving, which are skills that have translated directly into his academic journey in Physics Education. Whether it’s pushing past a tough problem set or figuring out the best route on a climb, Reeed applies the same mindset: assess the challenge, trust the process, and keep moving forward (or up). His journey is a testament to how passion and hard work can open new paths—both on the wall and in life.