Smith College Athletics

In 20 seasons at the helm of Smith rowing, Karen Klinger transformed the Pioneers into a dominant and nationally recognized program. Klinger led Smith to nine NEWMAC Championships and six appearances at the NCAA Division III Rowing Championship, including national runner-up performances in 2004 and 2005. In Seven Sisters competition, the Pioneers took home the team title six times during her tenure. Klinger, who was named the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year in 2002 and NEWMAC Coach of the Year in 2009, coached over 30 All-Conference selections and numerous All-Americans. She served four terms on the CRCA Board of Directors and was national president from 2002-2006.

After a successful rowing career as a student-athlete at Smith, Klinger competed nationally and internationally in rowing, winning a gold medal in the 1991 Pan Am Games in Havana and participated in the 1992 Olympic trials. She went on to complete her Master of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Studies at Smith College in 2003.