Kailey Klein
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- Organization:
- Women's Basketball
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- Year:
- Class of 2019
Klein (2006-10) was one of the best women's basketball players to ever wear the green and white, leading the Vikings to their only two NCAA Tournament appearances in program history during her career. The Cherry, Ill. native graduated as the all-time leading scorer in program history with 2,140 points – a mark that still stands today – and is the only Viking to eclipse the 2,000-point plateau. During her rookie campaign, Klein led the Vikings in scoring, and later became the first player in program history to be named the Horizon League Newcomer of the Year. As a sophomore, Klein led the Vikings to their first Horizon League Tournament title in program history, scoring 67 points in three tournament games to earn Horizon League Tournament MVP honors. After finishing as the runner-up for Horizon League Player of the Year as a sophomore, Klein was named the Co-Player of the Year during her junior campaign, becoming just the second Viking in program history to earn the accolade. As a three-time First Team All-Horizon League selection (2008, 2009, 2010), Klein led the Vikings back to the top of the league standings during her final campaign, helping Cleveland State capture the 2010 Horizon League Tournament title. She was once again named the Tournament MVP after combining for 80 points through three games.
Klein also finished her career at the top of the Cleveland State record book in free throws made (605) and free throws attempted (762), while ranking third in free throw percentage (.794), fourth in offensive rebounds (279), and eighth in total rebounds (733).
Klein became the first Cleveland State women's basketball player to have her jersey retired, earning the distinction on February 6, 2016.
