Meet Kara! Originally from Pine Beach, New Jersey, she now finds herself in Amsterdam, passionately coaching the German National Sixes program. Sports have undeniably shaped Kara’s journey, with lacrosse holding a special place in her heart.
Kara played lacrosse, soccer, and basketball during her younger years, but it was lacrosse that truly resonated with Kara. After high school Kara attended Georgian Court University and became an inaugural member of the GCU Women’s Lacrosse Team. She embraced a pivotal role as a midfielder and the primary draw taker at Georgian Court, earning Second Team All-Conference honors. With her leadership, GCU Women’s Lacrosse Team clinched the CACC conference championship twice.
Post-college, Kara’s love for lacrosse persisted. She took on the role of assistant coach at Stockton University, later making a life-changing decision to relocate to Cologne, Germany. There, she fueled her passion for lacrosse by coaching a women’s program in Germany. She didn’t have many other coaches to learn from in Germany and saw the need for a community. She wanted others to have a learning experience and community for women’s and girls lacrosse coaches of all levels. Inspired by her experiences, founded Womens Lax Drills. Recognizing the need for a coaching community, she sought to provide a learning platform for women’s and girls lacrosse coaches worldwide.
Her coaching journey extended to the Dutch National Team at the 2017 World Cup, ranking 16th. Presently, Kara leads the German National Olympic Sixes, achieving an impressive 2nd place in their debut international tournament in Hong Kong. The team now sets its sights and focus on Olympic qualification in 2028!
Beyond the field, Kara’s website, womenslaxdrills.com, has brought together nearly 1,000 coaches, fostering a vibrant learning community. When she is not coaching lacrosse, she enjoys staying fit working out on her Peloton. Over the last eight years, Kara has played a pivotal role in expanding the lacrosse community in Europe and the United States, and the journey continues. Read more of Kara’s inspiring story!
Q: What sports did you play growing up?
I played lacrosse, soccer, and basketball!
Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?
Yes! I didn’t want to be bad or embarrass myself! It made me hesitant to start.
Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?
There was a senior basketball, field hockey and lacrosse player at my high school that I was obsessed with when I was a child. I was in about 6th grade and she was a senior so we never went to school together but I idolized her.
Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?
There are so many memories! Overall just being with my team, laughing and dancing in the locker rooms, winning games, giving your all at practice and supporting one another through the tough times.
Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?
Sports shaped my life in many ways. It grew my confidence, my courage to try new things, it gave me my best friends in life, and helped me overcome adversities and keep pushing forward.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?
Have fun! Enjoy the little moments! Play to win but be okay with loss, it’s part of sports.
Coach Rachel 