Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our sports newsletter here.

Mia Klammer will never forget December 1, 2023. Her team, The College of Saint Rose, which entered its Division II NCAA Tournament third-round matchup undefeated, had lost via penalty kicks to Adelphi University.

The loss also came just one day after the school’s board voted to close the 103-year-old university at the end of 2024, making it the final game in program history. The news forced Klammer to look elsewhere for her senior year.

Klammer chose to transfer to Syracuse, which desperately needed a scorer following a 2-14-2 season. It was a perfect match for the D-II phenom, who led the nation in points (53) and assists (17) in 2023. Klammer has missed SU’s first two games of the season with a right leg injury, but she’s poised to be a top offensive threat when healthy.

“She has the ability to change games because of how versatile she is,” said Syracuse head coach Nicky Thrasher Adams. “She can play short combinations and hold the ball. She can get in behind defenders because she’s so fast.”

Starting out at a young age, Klammer often emulated her older sister, Katrina, while playing soccer. Her love for the sport blossomed from watching the United States Women’s National Team, led by her favorite player and star forward Abby Wambach.

Klammer’s passion for the game eventually translated........

© The Daily Orange