Woman Kicker Doesn’t Want Pat On The Back, Just A Tryout

Kathy Klope regrets the decision she made in high school: Afraid of what others might think, she backed away from a tryout for the football team.

With one year of college eligibility left, Klope decided to erase the earlier mistake and her decision has landed her a spot on Louisville’s roster.

Klope, a fifth-year senior and the starting goalkeeper for the Louisville women’s soccer team the last two seasons, will begin practicing with the Cardinals football team Monday. It is believed she would become only the second female to play Division I college football.

Heather Sue Mercer, a freshman, walked on at Duke last year. She is still on the roster and currently is the Blue Devils’ second-string kicker, according to sports information director Lori Winters.

Klope tried out Wednesday and impressed coaches enough to get a return invitation. She met with Louisville coach Ron Cooper on Thursday and left the meeting with her mind made up.

“This is something I want to do,” Klope said. “It’s not for the attention. Kicking is something I’ve always wanted to do. The coaches said I’m obviously not as strong as the other players but that I could contribute - all I need to do is practice and I’m willing to do that.”

Cooper said Klope hit 12 of 14 extrapoint attempts during her tryout.

“Kathy has proven her ability to participate at this level of football,” Cooper said. “She is willing to follow our team guidelines and will be expected to contribute in every phase of the team’s preparations as it relates to her position on the field.”

A native of Alton, Ill., Klope played varsity soccer in high school. She played organized football just once.