Karen, 68, was at Loughborough from 1976 to 1980. During her time at the University, she became the first female Athletic Union President and was one of the founders of the University's Women's Tennis Club alongside fellow alum Rod Thorpe MBE (Physical Education and Biology DLC, 1964; Human Sciences Research MSc, 1975).
A keen golfer, Karen previously played to a handicap of 5 and now plays off 10. She only discovered England Deaf Golf around 18 months ago after being introduced to the organisation by a fellow senior golfer. Since then, she has gone on to represent Great Britain Deaf Golf at the 2025 Deaf Olympics in Tokyo.
Karen secured both national titles at this year's England Deaf Golf Championships at Worsley Park Golf Club. While she was expected to challenge for the Senior Women's Championship, victory in the Women's Scratch Championship came as a pleasant surprise, with Karen only discovering the margin of her win during the prize presentation.
She credits much of her recent success to golf coach Finlay Mitchell, who has worked with her over the past 14 months, as well as the team at Redbourn Physiotherapy Clinic for their ongoing support.
As a result of her performances, Karen has been selected to represent England at the 2027 European Deaf Golf Championships.
Away from competition, Karen is passionate about raising awareness of deaf golf and deaf sport. While international competition requires athletes to have a hearing loss of 55 decibels or more in their better ear, players with any level of hearing loss can take part in local and national England Deaf Golf events.
Karen has also become heavily involved in supporting women, girls and young people to access the sport. She helps run the Hertfordshire and Essex Women's and Girls Hub at Essendon Golf Club, supporting participants as they develop their skills and progress into club membership or independent golfing opportunities.
Closer to home, she works with professionals and volunteers to deliver golf sessions for pupils at a deaf school in St Albans. She has also established links with St George's Primary School in Toddington, which has a specialist deaf unit, sharing her experiences as an international athlete and introducing children to the game through practical coaching sessions.
Further information about deaf golf and deaf sport can be found via England Deaf Golf or UK Deaf Sport.