November 12, 2024

Klein commits to Truman State softball

Another Murray hurler will head off to play college ball following the spring season

By CARTER ECKL

Murray's Bre Klein signs her Letter of Intent Friday to play softball with Truman State University. With Bre in the front row is her mother Jeanne, left, and father David, right. In the back row, from left: Kelly Blackford, director of the Iowa Renegades; Randy Folkerts, Klein's coach with the Renegades; Murray athletic director Jerry Shields and softball coach Danny Jensen. Also in the photo are jerseys representing Chris and Lindsey Heinlein, Klein's travel ball coaches for Missouri SoCal Athletics. (Contributed photo)

MURRAY – Bre Klein committed to play softball at Truman State University Friday, becoming another member of the Lady Mustangs' softball team to show off her skills after high school.

Klein will join a Truman State team that went 26-20 last season under long time head coach Erin Brown in NCAA Div. II and will play in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

The move was nothing short of remarkable for the Murray senior.

"It feels amazing. It's great to continue playing and learning about the sport I love," said Klein. "I've never worried about college , but it's a relief to not travel all over the U.S. this year for camps and tournaments. I will get to stay close to home with my family and play softball. I now get to focus on my senior year."

The newest Bulldog will head south to Kirksville, Missouri when the time rolls around next fall, but just like so many other Murray players, a main focus is the upcoming softball season, the final for Klein and many others looking to make a historic run for the school.

Deciding to play at Truman State came about for a number of reasons for Klein, who was happy to stay in a smaller town.

That accompanied with the coaching staff and welcoming Bulldog players put Klein's mind at ease on the correct next step.

"Truman State fit the bill. They were a small, very compact campus. I knew I could fit in there," said Klein. "Coach Brown and coach (Ali) Brems are awesome. They treated me like I was part of their family. The girls on the team welcomed me with open arms and treated me as an equal."

Klein also stated the importance of academics in her decision to head south where she plans on studying mathematics with a focus on statistics.

The Lady Mustang standout hit .510 from the dish last season and slung a 2.07 ERA in 138 1/3 innings of work. Her strength on both sides of the plate is one that will carry over into her new role at Truman State.

The Murray senior says she expects to be a pitcher/utility, meaning she will continue to build her game on both sides of the plate.