It's been more than two decades since winning Lady Pioneer coach Stacie Klott was a Lady Blackhhawk, but she attributes former Blackhawk coach Larry Walker with helping prepare her for her success.
Stacie Klott, at North Arkansas College's Pioneer Pavilion coaching her Lady Pioneers, saw her team commit 21 turnovers in a topsy-turvy game on a Friday night in January. Yet Klott instructed her team in a way that saw the team defeat Iowa Western Community College, 64-45.
Along with the win, Klott set a Northark record for the most wins by a women's basketball coach. That victory was No. 249 for Klott, who is in her 13th season as Lady Pioneer coach.
Klott, the former Stacie Collins, graduated from Pea Ridge High School in 1989. There, she played basketball under Walker.
"I have to thank many of my coaches along the way in my career ... there are so many I have learned from, especially my high school coach Larry Walker," Klott said, also mentioning college coaches. "... Crowder College (where Klott played her first two seasons) coach Dan Rogers; and College of the Ozarks coaches Joe Franks and George Wilson. There are so many other colleagues and coaching friends who have helped me along the way."
The daughter of Mike and Judy Collins of Pea Ridge, Klott is sister to Michelle Swagerty, Rogers, and Julie Shiers, Pea Ridge.
"They have been a huge support to me over the years," said the coach. "They are not able to come to games as much anymore, but I appreciate all they have done for me along the way. They have carted me to so many gyms, practices, softball fields and track meets growing up. They taught me to work hard and I am grateful for that. They have always supported me and cheer for me in everything I do. They are very proud of me and tell me that often. I love them very much.
"My sisters have been a huge support and are always proud of me," continued the coach. "I appreciate them very much and I love them. They beat me up a lot when we were young, but that made me tough. They taught me about sports and always supported me."
Klott had no idea that she was setting the record that night. She was quick to deflect any attention to herself and put the emphasis back on the team.
"It's a great accomplishment that has been possible because of all the former and current Lady Pioneers," she said.
Klott began her coaching career in 1995 at Hollister (Mo.) High School. She coached basketball, track and softball there for five seasons. She remained at Hollister High School and moved into an assistant coaching position at College of the Ozarks, where she had earned her degree after playing two seasons of basketball there.
She became the head coach at North Arkansas College in 2002. She completed three seasons in Pioneer Pavilion and then came back to coach the Lady Pioneers in 2007.
Klott has worked her way to becoming the first woman athletic director at the college. She is also division chairwoman for the health and physical education department.
In her spare time, she serves as the National Junior College Athletic Association Region II assistant director. She is also four classes and a dissertation away from her EdD in Recreation and Sports Management.
Picking a career in coaching was easy for Klott.
"I like the connection with the players and the other coaches," she said of her career path. "Watching these young ladies grow up and graduate and then start families and careers is very rewarding. It makes me very proud to know that I helped play a part in their success. Winning some games along the way is great as well!"
With many athletes coming from split homes, Klott likes to provide a family atmosphere for her players.
"I like to have the team to my home for a meal or two to help connect on that family level," she said. "They get to see me and each other in a different setting and that is a good thing. I always want the girls to know they can come to me with anything and I will help them through it. Having my family so involved with everything creates a family atmosphere as well. We try to create a positive example for the girls."
Klott is married to her college sweetheart Greg who is from Bowling Green, Mo.
"I couldn't do this without his support," said the coach of her husband. "He is my voice of reason, my sounding board and my strength at times. He keeps things running at home and has given so much of his time at Northark to help the success of all of our teams. He has driven a bus, made food, keeps up with laundry (thank God), takes care of Colin when I am away on trips. I appreciate him very much."
The Klotts are parents to 11-year-old Colin. He is a middle school student at Harrison Middle School.
"Colin spends a lot of time in the gym helping recruit, travel and help with many things," said the coach about her son. "I told him the other day he should take a picture of himself in every gym we go to. He has been in a bunch. He is my greatest accomplishment!"
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Editor's note: This article was pubished with permission of The Harrison Times.
Sports on 03/22/2017