Colony senior sees Colorado university as ‘perfect fit’

PALMER — As Kaitlyn Klapperich stood in the Colony High School library Monday afternoon, moments after signing her National Letter of Intent while surrounded by friends and family, the Colony senior could breathe a sigh of relief.

In past years, Klapperich has watched former teammates work through the recruiting process. She saw her older sister Kristina face the difficult decision of finding her school and basketball program of choice.

Klapperich prepared herself for the demanding prospect of choosing her own future school and program.

But for Klapperich, her choice — Regis University — came surprisingly easy.

“People say stuff like, you’ll just know, but I never really believed them,” Klapperich said after inking her intent to attend the Colorado university and play for its Division II women’s basketball program. “But (Regis) ended up being exactly the college I wanted to go to. It was a perfect fit.”

Klapperich, who will enter her senior season as a third-year varsity player and second-year starter with the Knights girls basketball squad, considered options such as Judson University in Illinois, California State-East Bay and San Jose State. But Klapperich knew she was Colorado-bound when she visited the Denver area school.

“It was perfect how it worked out,” Klapperich said.

Klapperich will join a former Knight teammate, Kara Larson, on the Rangers roster. Klapperich said it’s comforting to have a friend and former teammate with her at Regis, but was admittedly initially concerned about Larson’s feelings.

“I was a little nervous at first. I didn’t want to step on her toes,” Klapperich said. “She was amazing about it, so welcoming. She was very, very supportive.”

Klapperich said it’s also important Regis is a faith-based institution.

“I really love the fact it incorporated the faith aspect. It’s a very strong Catholic college. I really wanted to go to a Christian college,” Klapperich said.

Klapperich will continue to play guard for the Rangers, a squad that competes in the Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Klapperich said coaches have said her primary role will involve handling the ball and shooting.

Colony head coach Tom Lincoln said that’s the ideal role for Klapperich at the next level.

“I think it’s going to be a great fit for her,” Lincoln said Monday.

Lincoln said Klapperich brings a number of strengths to the floor, notably shooting, defense and speed.

“I still think she’s the fastest person in the state as far as taking off on the dribble,” Lincoln said.

As a sophomore, Klapperich was part of a Colony varsity squad that finished as the runner-up in the state tournament.

Last season, as a starter, Klapperich helped lead Colony to a runner-up finish in the Northern Lights Conference tourney and an appearance in the state championships.

Contact Jeremiah Bartz Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor at jeremiah.bartz@frontiersman.com or 352-2273.