University at Albany Great Danes

"We are excited to welcome back Val to UAlbany as an assistant coach," said head coach Colleen Mullen. "Val brings a wealth of experience from her time spent over the last 20 years as an associate head coach at her previous institution. A talented former point guard, Val will help to develop our backcourt and provide valuable strategic insight. She is a dynamic recruiter, tremendous leader, and proven winner. Her energy, competitive spirit, and enthusiasm are infectious. Without question, she will be an amazing mentor and role model for our student-athletes."
 
Klopfer returns to the Great Danes after having spent the last 21 seasons with the Cornell Big Red. As the Associate Head Coach for the women's basketball program, she helped oversee all aspects of the program including but not limited to guard and forward play and other individual aspects of game and practice preparations. During her time with the Big Red, she aided in the development of a program that won its first-ever Ivy League Championship (2007-08) and earned its first 20-win season, first NCAA appearance, and the most conference wins in school history (11).
 
"I couldn't be more excited to be returning to my hometown," said Klopfer. "Working with a women's basketball program at the University at Albany that has been thriving under Coach Mullen's leadership is an opportunity that I am extremely grateful for. I'm looking forward to helping this program continue its excellence in the America East Conference."
 
In addition to her responsibilities on the court, Klopfer was Cornell's Recruiting Coordinator. In that position, she helped recruit several successful student-athletes for the Big Red including Big Red Hall of Fame honoree, Jeomi Maduka. A student-athlete who graduated in 2009, Maduka was the first women's basketball player in program history to earn All-American and Ivy League Player of the Year. She was the only student-athlete to earn a unanimous First Team All-Ivy League selection her senior year. Entering the Big Red's Hall of Fame in 2019, Maduka was just the fifth player in program history to earn 1000 points, 500 rebounds, and 100 steals. 
 
Klopfer got her start in collegiate coaching at UAlbany during the 2002-03 season with head coach Trina Patterson. In her one season, she oversaw guard play and was responsible for coordinating hotels and meals for team travel.
 
A native of Albany, N.Y., Klopfer graduated from Wake Forest with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2002.