Karen’s experience includes time as a high school guidance counselor and close to ten years as a professional college admissions consultant. Karen graduated from the University of California, Davis with a bachelor’s degree in communications and received her master’s degree from Chapman University in counseling with a credential in high school guidance.

Karen has been active in the rugby community for over 20 years and knows firsthand what it takes to be successful at the highest levels of the game. Her rugby accolades include competing at the collegiate Division I level, being selected as a Collegiate All-American and National U-23 player, and formerly served as a top national referee. Currently, Karen is a World Rugby Educator and Trainer providing referee certification courses all over the country for USA Rugby.

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To satisfy the growing need of high school families planning for college with rugby in mind, Karen used her unique blend of expertise in academic planning and knowledge of the U.S. college rugby landscape to create The Rugger’s Edge.  Over the years, she has built strong relationships with the vast majority of college rugby coaches in the nation and has a passion for connecting these coaches with high school players. She is passionate about helping as many rugby student-athletes achieve their goals as possible and offers academic advising in a variety of settings such as the annual Eagle Impact Rugby Academy Winter Camp, the US Collegiate Development Camp at Dartmouth University and providing educational seminars around the country.

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Karen is proud to see so many of her students continue to play in colleges and universities all over the world including programs such as Cal Berkeley, Army West Point, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Penn State University and many more! Karen is passionate about helping rugby players find their “Best Fit” college that fits both their academic and athletic goals.

In addition to guiding families through The Rugger’s Edge, Karen also has a thriving Denver-based comprehensive college consulting company. If you are interested, you can check out College By Karen.

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Outside of work, Karen enjoys being active in the outdoors, playing recreational volleyball, and spending time with her husband, Troy (also a rugger!), their daughter Liberty and their two 4-legged babies Hamlet & Gummy Bear in the beautiful state of Colorado.