An Interview with Kailey Klein: WNBA Sun Prospect and Former CSU Viking

Former Cleveland State Vikings guard Kailey Klein has signed a training camp contract with the WNBA's Connecticut Sun.

Kline was completely shocked when she got the call.

“I was very, very surprised because I thought all the teams had their rosters set and this was not expected,” Klein said. “It was a pleasant surprise.”

Klein led the Vikings to Horizon League Championships in 2008 and 2010. The 5’11” guard scored a tournament record 80 points in last year's Horizon League Tournament. She was named the MVP, as well.

Connecticut Sun head coach Mike Thibault said that he watched a ton of film, and had recommendations from others to pursue Kline for the Sun roster.

“We watched her on film during the season. Their coaches had sent film,” said Thibault. “I had friends who had also seen her play, and she filled a need for our club.”

Thibault also noted that Klein's path is still a very tough one.

“She knows the odds of making our team are tough,” said Thibault. “We don't have very many roster spots available, but this is her opportunity to find out what the WNBA is all about, the talent level, and hopefully this will help her get a job in Europe.”

The road may be challenging, but Klein is confident in her abilities.

“I plan to work my butt off because I've always had to fight,” said Klein. “I didn't think I was on any team's radar, and I plan on taking them by surprise.”

Transitioning from college to the professional level is a night and day difference. Klein's move into the pros is no different.

“As a senior, I was on top, but now I'm on the bottom trying to work my way up,” said Klein about her status with the Sun. “Practices are intense now and when I was in college it was not a job, but the WNBA is a job with a pace that is very physical and quick.”

Vikings head coach Kate Peterson Abiad is very proud of her former player.

“I am so happy for Kailey to have this opportunity and it shows what an enormous impact that she had during her four years at Cleveland State,” said Peterson Abiad to the Vikings athletics Web site.

Klein proves that even a player from a mid-major level school can still make her way to the pros. She also had some encouraging words for her former Viking teammates to “always believe in themselves.”

(This was an exclusive Daniel Wolf interview.)