Kaylin Klutcharch is the ultimate choice to handle repairs for Lockport’s girls soccer team.
When the Porters find themselves in a vulnerable position, Klutcharch — a senior defensive midfielder — is almost always there to fix things and make it better.
“I have a great defense behind me and a great offense in front of me,” Klutcharch said. “But obviously everyone makes a mistake sometimes, and my job is kind of just to clean that up.
“The work ethic has to be up there and you always have to work hard, on and off the field, to be able to play my position the right way.”
Lockport coach Todd Elkei is a veteran who has mentored many all-state players and future college standouts. According to him, Klutcharch is one of a kind.
“She’s irreplaceable,” Elkei said. “In the 28 years I’ve been doing this, she’s the best player at her position we’ve ever had. She’s tidy with the ball when she wins it. She’s fearless.
“It doesn’t matter how big they are, how fast they are, she goes right at them. She takes pride in shutting down their attack and starting ours. She’s amazing.”
That’s why Klutcharch, an Indiana State recruit, earned all-state honors in her first go at high school soccer last season. She helped the Porters (21-3-1) break the program record for wins.
“It was amazing for my first year playing,” Klutcharch said of the all-state nod. “I really did not expect it. I felt I played well, but I really didn’t think I’d get all these accolades.
“I appreciate my coaches and my teammates for helping me get them.”
Klutcharch skipped high school soccer her first two years, focusing full time on club. Looking back, she has some regrets in that regard.
“Just being able to represent your high school and be able to play with some new people was such a great experience,” she said. “Now that I’m a senior, I wish I would have played more years.”
That’s because last season turned out to be much more fun than Klutcharch expected.
“It was definitely better than I thought,” she said. “Just seeing how close a team can get in a couple months was insane to me. I’ve played with the same club for years, so you get to know those girls over years.
“But just bonding with these girls right away in the first two months, it’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Lockport allowed just 14 goals last season, and with a veteran back line behind Klutcharch, the Porters have hopes for an even stingier defense in 2024.
Senior defender Brinlee McNabb, a Milwaukee recruit, is grateful to have Klutcharch in the fold.
“As center back, I never have to worry,” McNabb said. “The ball almost never gets past her, so she makes my life so much easier.”
That’s something Klutcharch has been doing for her soccer teams for over a decade.
“When I was young, it was basically just test and trial with a bunch of different sports,” Klutcharch said. “I tried a soccer camp, and I was like, ‘Mom, I want to do this forever.’
“I couldn’t see myself playing another sport.”
The Porters return eight starters in their attempt to build upon last season’s success, which included conference and regional championships and ended with a loss to 2022 Class 3A state champion Metea Valley in a sectional semifinal.
They also added junior forward Ava Kozak, a formerly club-exclusive player who is committed to Marquette.
Klutcharch can’t wait to see where the Porters can go.
“Obviously, we have a lot of returning players and a great addition with Ava,” Klutcharch said. “We lost a great goal scorer with Bella Diorio graduating, but I think she can fill those shoes.
“I think it’s going to be another great season.”
