Hood College

A professor, department chair, coach and aquatics director at Hood from 1966-1999, Karen was instrumental in guiding student athletes to greater athletic prowess. Hood College athletes viewed her as a mentor, role model and advocate. Professor Klisch gained the respect of her players and peers with her professional yet personable demeanor and her demand for excellence. In 1972 she coached four Hood swimmers to the first ever national intercollegiate swimming championship meet for all college and university female swimmers. As the basketball coach she had two almost perfect seasons. The first season she coached, 1966, her team lost all but the last game. The next year, the team won every game but one. Karen continues to practice what she preaches. She is currently a U.S. masters swimmer and ranks in the top 10 for her age group. In 2007 she was ranked second in the nation and seventh in the world in her age group in the 1500-meter swim. She also competes in triathlons. Professor Klisch earned a bachelor of science degree in 1963 from Florida State University, a master of arts degree in 1968 and a doctoral degree in 1982 from the University of Maryland.