Growing up in Hopewell Junction, New York, Karen attended John Jay High School where she played JV and Varsity volleyball. Her interest in officiating volleyball began in 1980 while attending Southern Connecticut State University. She started officiating high school and collegiate matches in Connecticut and area states. Karen found herself officiating while her older sister, Lin, was playing some of those college matches. After moving to Indiana, Karen spent eight years officiating high school and collegiate volleyball throughout the Hoosier State.
She returned to Connecticut in 1984 where she reestablished herself in the state and began training new officials. Karen spent 15+ summers at the Woodbridge Sports Center training and working with new officials as they officiated the summer high school girls league.
Over the years Karen has officiated many tournaments and jamborees including the Special Olympics and Connecticut All Stars. Karen was selected to officiate the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Volleyball tournament finals for both the girls’ and boys’ tournaments.
Karen served as an elected member of the Connecticut Board of Volleyball Officials for over twenty years, 2004-2023. She had served as vice-president of the Southern Connecticut Board of Officials for several years and recently finished serving as the vice-president of the boys Volleyball Board of Officials.
A true student of the game, Karen always found it rewarding to be part of the discussion of rules, procedures, and play. “A good official never stops watching, learning and adjusting” Karen states. Over the years, Karen has had the opportunity to watch players mature and grow as they played the sport. This has been one of the motivating factors in the longevity of her officiating career.