Oct. 31, 2002
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - In the end, it was too hard to resist for Jenny Klingenberg.
It was the spring of 2001, and Klingenberg, then a sophomore, was having the time of her life at Western Kentucky University. She was surrounded by new friends, new challenges, and establishing herself as a honor-roll student in the classroom.
But Klingenberg decided this wasn't enough. Sure, she was an active participant in many school-related activities, but she needed something else, the cherry-on-top-of-the sundae to make her college experience complete.
She needed the game of soccer.
But it wasn't like the sport wasn't a part of her life. During her first two years on campus, Klingenberg played on a club team put together by a handful of Western students because WKU didn't have a women's soccer team. They would play two games a week during the fall months and just "goof off," according to Klingenberg.
But then fate, as it has a knack for doing, intervened. Western decided that the time was right to start a women's soccer program. And Jenny Klingenberg decided to lace her cleats up one more time and try out for the team.
"I definitely missed the sport and thought that this just might be another chance to get back into it," Klingenberg recalled.
It wasn't going to be easy. Newly appointed head coach Jason Neidell didn't guarantee her a roster spot and made her suffer through three agonizing tryouts that included three rounds of cuts. However, Klingenberg, who enjoyed a standout career at Ryle High School in Florence, Ky., proved to Neidell she had what it took to play collegiate soccer.
"The try-out process was long and tedious," Neidell said. "Jenny showed a great commitment and desire to play Division I athletics."
Klingenberg said her parents were a motivating force in her choice to give soccer another try.
"My parents were a huge factor in my decision to play (again)," Klingenberg said. "They were with me through all the tryouts and were my support system through the nervousness and excitement. Honestly, I really didn't expect to become a Lady Topper, but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity."
Klingenberg didn't exactly tear up the stat sheet her junior year. She made 12 appearances, starting one game, and recorded two goals on the season. Nonetheless, she listened to her coaches in practice and earned ample playing time by taking it one play at a time.
"The game of soccer can be as simple or as complex as you make it," Klingenberg said. "Coach (Neidell) taught me to use my strengths, which is to play simple. I have learned so much within the last few years from he and his assistant coaches. Coach has shown such excitement and love for the sport that whenever I think that I can't do it anymore I just feed off his enthusiasm."
In 2002, Klingenberg has established herself as an undisputed leader on a Lady Topper squad full of underclassmen.
The lone senior on the team, she has become a leader on and off the field.
"I think my role on the team is a silent leadership role," Klingenberg says. "I am not a boisterous person, but rather lead by example."
Neidell says Klingenberg is a joy to have around and is the model for a student-athlete.
"Jenny is the kind of person that everyone just enjoys being around," Neidell said. "She is nearly always positive and friendly. As for soccer, she is an extremely mature athlete and has a great sense of the big picture."
Klingenberg is also the designated ambassador of a young squad. If any of her teammates have a question, they know who to go to.
"I have become the question gal," Klingenberg joked. "If anyone has a question about classes or anything else, they come to me. It is very flattering to have a group of girls that come to you for advice."
Neidell says she has been a blessing for the Lady Topper soccer program and that his team will miss her presence after this season.
"We will definitely miss Jenny Klingenberg after this year," Neidell said. "The intangibles that she brought to the program will be difficult to replace. She has been a big inspiration to her teammates and to the coaching staff. We are sad to see her go."
Her days as a Lady Topper are winding down, but Klingenberg isn't one to be nostalgic. Granted, she'll take with her countless memories of teammates and, of course, the games.
Klingenberg says her most memorable game was Western's 3-2 victory over North Texas on October 11, when the Lady Toppers rallied from two goals down to snap the Mean Green's 24-game home winning streak.
After graduation in May, Klingenberg plans to attend graduate school and earn a master's degree in genetic counseling. But she doesn't plan to leave the game she loves just yet.
"I'm hoping to coach in the spring," Klingenberg said. "Last year I helped out with and under-12 girls team and had a blast. I think soccer will remain in my life somehow, whether it is through recreation or coaching."
- WKU -
