Brooke Klosowicz powers Penn State softball’s historic batting breakthrough

Penn State has surged inside the batter's box in 2025, setting a new program home run record, while on track to challenge the team batting average record.

Despite this offensive success, there were initial concerns for the Nittany Lions, as only two of the five batting average leaders returned from the previous season. Many believed Penn State's pitching would spearhead the unit following its first appearance in the College World Series in more than a decade.

However, the Nittany Lions’ bats have decided close games, overcoming injuries and growing pains in the bullpen. One name leading this batting resurgence is sophomore designated player Brooke Klosowicz.

“Brooke Klosowicz has been one of our best offensively all year, and she has also been a leader for us on the field,” coach Clarisa Crowell said March 9. “Brooke had limited opportunities for us last year … if you look at her stats offensively, she is hands down our best hitter all year, and it has been a lot of fun.”

The Johnsburg, Illinois, native came to Penn State after a highly decorated career at Johnsburg High School, where she earned all-conference honors in all four years and was a first-team all-state selection during her last two seasons.

Klosowicz's talent was evident early on, as she drew interest from multiple Division I teams even before she entered high school, with Penn State among them.

This attention stemmed from an impressive travel ball career, in which Klosowicz competed against pitchers who had already received college offers while she was still in middle school.

Despite her early success, Klosowicz faced a clear jump in talent at the collegiate level during her freshman campaign in Happy Valley. The newcomer appeared in only 33 of a possible 55 games last season, starting 11 and batting .239.

Klosowicz made significant improvements in the offseason, which enabled her to find her stride in summer ball, earning a spot as a Florida Gulf Coast League All-Star.

“Mentally, I just tried to simplify it as much as I could. I think last year, during my freshman year, I would just get a little too overwhelmed when I had the opportunities,” Klosowicz said. “But summer ball helped me a ton, just going in there with a better mindset and just knowing I'm doing this to better my game and better the people around me. I really took that confidence from summer ball and brought it into fall ball.“

Klosowicz showcased this momentum, as she began her breakout year on a national stage. After going hitless in the season opener against Duke, Klosowicz embarked on a 32-game on-base streak — the longest streak of the season to that point.

“I gotta shout out my dad for helping me. He's been helping me since Day 1, since I was 7 years old playing,” Klosowicz said. “On the softball side of it, I gotta give it to my girl Emily Maddock from last year, who really just helped me open my eyes and realize it is just a game and just try to have fun with it.”

Klosowicz’s breakout carried into Penn State's first series at Beard Field, where she was named Big Ten Player of the Week after tallying nine hits in 12 plate appearances across the first four games.

“I obviously had some self-doubt after not performing how I wanted in my freshman year,” Klosowicz said. “I think once I started feeling more confident here at Penn State and being back home, I think that was when it kind of clicked.”

During Penn State’s next homestand, Klosowicz kept rewriting the history books, breaking the program record with her 19th double of the season. Penn State also set a program record with its 54th home run of the season on April 5, which was fittingly hit by the Nittany Lions' emerging star.

“It's always awesome to be home. There's nothing like it, especially (because) we have this great batgirl, Allison … We do it to inspire her, and I hope all the younger generations who come to our games see that and just fall in love with the game even more.” Klosowicz said. “I think that's what makes it so special for me, that little girl that I once was is now here, and they can do it too. So personally, that's my favorite part of being home, just seeing all the little girls cheer us on.”

The Nittany Lions’ No. 8 showed no signs of slowing down, as she maintained her pace as a top batter in the Big Ten, ranking sixth in batting average at .470. She’s also challenging the program’s RBI record, currently three short of tying the mark at 49.

“I would have never expected (the awards) for me,” Klosowicz said. “Obviously, I try to keep my head down with blinders on and just (think), ‘What can I do for my team? What can I do to help us win games?’ So, honestly, I use that more as motivation to prove to Penn State, my coaches, my teammates, I just do it for them.“

Klosowicz stands out as a key batter this season, experiencing an unprecedented and unexpected breakout with historical significance. Her performance has been instrumental in helping Penn State navigate a season marked by numerous ups and downs.

However, with a lineup filled with batters hitting over .300, the offensive barrage is poised to continue, with Klosowicz leading the charge.

“I try to keep it simple and not overwhelm myself with flooded thoughts. I just want to keep the game as fun and easy as I can make it out to be,” Klosowicz said. “Obviously, it's all much easier said than done, but if I can make this sport that's so hard on my body and on my mental health fun, and if I can make it easy, I see success in my future.”

Penn State must navigate the heart of its schedule as the season winds down and the postseason nears. If the Nittany Lions want to make a run at the Big Ten Tournament, it’ll only be achievable behind the bat of Klosowicz.

“Our goal is to just always go 1-0 each game. We take games one at a time,” Klosowicz said. “Seeing what our offense can do and knowing what our pitchers can do, I really see a lot of success … If we pour into each other and have full confidence in each other, I think we will finish strong.”