Kyler Trosclair Klatt: She's been a hit since joining Tigers softball program

Friday, April 27

Memphis, Tenn.

5 PM

University of Memphis

Tulsa

Kyler Trosclair Klatt vs. Mississippi St.

Kyler Trosclair Klatt is the program's career leader in hits, runs and stolen bases.

Photo by: Joe Murphy

Kyler Trosclair Klatt: She's been a hit since joining Tigers softball program

Apr 27, 2018 | Softball

School's all-time hits leader among seven UofM seniors nearing end of careers

By: Phil Stukenborg

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Kyler Trosclair Klatt was destined to be in this position.

No, not shortstop, the spot she'll sprint to before the start of this weekend's American Athletic Conference series against Tulsa. Instead, it's the position atop multiple offensive categories on the University of Memphis softball program's career lists.

Klatt came to the UofM to play outfield, moved to the infield when injuries to the team's shortstop dictated a change, and never stopped hitting. When she is honored as one of the team's seven seniors before Sunday's game at the Tigers Softball Complex, she'll be recognized for a stellar career, one in which she holds school records for hits, runs and stolen bases. If she stays on her current pace, she'll have an opportunity to own the record for career batting average.

Like most looking back at a college career, Klatt can't believe her four-year run is ending. But unlike most looking back at a college career, Klatt shouldn't find it difficult to comprehend the success she has enjoyed.

She is the daughter of a former player and college coach, a mom who will be particularly proud when she walks on the field before the first pitch of Sunday's game as part of a pregame ceremony.

"She was coaching when I was born," Klatt said of her mom, Janie, who played and coached at Nicholls State. "I literally grew up on the softball field. It's going to be different. We talk strategy all the time. She gives me advice. She's the one that's gotten me where I am today.

"I have no idea what we're going to talk about after softball. I think we're both trying to figure that out right now."

How Klatt has attacked the record book – and winning – has been indicative of her talent and her upbringing. The Mechanical Engineering major has steadily improved, from hitting .306 as a freshman and .394 as a junior and .408 entering this weekend.

Many of the records she has broken belonged to former teammate Lindsay Crowdus, who, like Klatt, is from Houma, La., and played on the same Louisana VooDoo travel team in high school.

"She was a great hitter," Klatt said. "To know I'm right there with her means everything."

Tigers coach Natalie Poole, recruited by Klatt's mom to play at Nicholls State before choosing McNeese State, knew she was getting a special talent four years ago. And her faith was confirmed when she was forced to move Klatt to shortstop not once, but twice, in her career before keeping her there.

"We basically threw her to the wolves." Poole said. "She stepped in a did a pretty good job. Clearly, she has exceeded our expectations in terms of playing a different position that she was recruited for."

Poole said going from outfield to infield is not the norm. Most make the move in the opposite direction. But she adapted and prospered.

As Klatt prepares mentally for this weekend, she admits she'll be conflicted. She's ready for the next phase of her life, while still clinging to the present.

"It's been a long four years for me because my major has been tough," she said. "But it's also been fast at the same time."

What's made the final season of her career magical has been the program's revival. After going 19-34 her freshman season – followed by records of 26-31 and 29-27 – the Tigers topped 30 wins for the first time since 2011.

They are approaching their single-season school record of 36 wins (last set in 2011) and within grasp of a lofty preseason goal of 40 wins.

"I could never have dreamed of having a season like we've had," she said. "The past three years we've struggled. And to come out this year, it's been amazing to see this program turn around like it has.

"I never thought I'd see it in my time here. It means the world to experience it and to teach the underclassmen how to win. The last four years we've been building. We've been taking steps to get here."