Klotz Excels on the Volleyball Court and in Community Service

Natalie Klotz (Jr., OH, Bonner Springs, KS/Bonner Springs HS)

September 4, 2020

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Natalie Klotz (Jr., OH, Bonner Springs, KS/Bonner Springs HS) has put together two strong seasons for the Bearcats. After an outstanding first year at Willamette, she added an even more impressive second season in 2019.

She led the Bearcats with 294 kills and 3.23 kills per set last fall while ranking fourth in the Northwest Conference in the same categories. Her .199 attacking percentage ranked second on the team. She contributed 10 or more kills in 16 matches, including 10 of the final 11 matches to conclude the season. She was chosen Second Team All-NWC.

Klotz also ranked second on the team with 22 service aces and provided the Bearcats with 253 digs and 42 blocks. She played in all 25 matches and all 91 sets.

Against Whitman College on Oct. 5, 2019, she recorded a career-high 20 kills. She registered a career-high 20 digs against Linfield College on Oct. 16, 2019.

As a first-year player at Willamette, she smacked a team-high 202 kills and led the team with 35 service aces. She provided 205 digs.

"I've really enjoyed working with Natalie on the court," new Willamette Head Coach Lily Hallock said. "She is a quiet individual, so it was challenging to get to know her via zoom over the summer, but she really lights up when she's playing volleyball.

"It's clear why she was chosen all-conference last year," Hallock added. "Natalie has a great all-around game, from serving to passing to hitting to attacking, making her an excellent outside hitter. What I've been most pleased with is her ability and willingness to take feedback and make changes."

Klotz also has been active in community service. Her efforts have helped provide support to those needing special assistance in the local area.

"Through the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, I got involved with the Center for Hope and Safety here in Salem," Klotz said. "Over the summer, I completed over 50 hours of training and now I regularly work as a volunteer advocate serving on their hotline -- supporting, providing resources, and advocating for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking in the area.

"In the short time that I've been volunteering at the Center for Hope and safety, I've learned so much about the human condition and how domestic violence impacts our community, Klotz added. "It has been so meaningful to work directly with victims and survivors by supporting them, empowering them, and providing them with the tools they need to regain control of their lives after so much has been taken from them."