Karen Kobayashi
Height: 5-4
Year: SR
Hometown: Sappora, Hokkaido, Japan
High School: IMG Academy (FL)
Major: Global Business

2019-20

  • A quality third-year competitor for the No. 34 Bulldog women’s tennis team that earned a 3-1 mark during the pandemic-shortened season
  • Gained experience in singles during the ITA Fall West Regional Championships
  • Combined forces with Jacqueline Lacy as a solid double crew at the No. 2 spot
  • Captured an 8-2 mark that began with a trip to the semifinal of the consolation bracket at the ITA West Regional Championships
  • Posted an undefeated mark of 5-0 during the short spring season that included wins over Biola University and Concordia University – Irvine, among others

2018-19:

  • Quality member of the team that advanced to the SCIAC Postseason Tournament in back-to-back years
  • Helped Redlands earn a final national ranking of 33rd
  • Joined forces with Mia Fitzgerald to win the Consolation Doubles Bracket of Flight A at the ITA Fall West Regional
  • Provided consistency and success in singles, primarily at the No. 3 position
  • Tallied a 13-7 record in singles, as highlighted by an eight-match win streak early in the spring season
  • Six of these wins came against ranked teams, including then-No. 5 Pomona-Pitzer
  • Teamed up with Fitzgerald and Jackie Lacy at the No. 2 doubles slot
  • Earned a 10-10 mark in doubles, which included an 8-7 (6) win over the No. 2 tandem from then-second-ranked CMS
  • Also knocked off the duo from then-eighth-ranked Tufts University

2017-18:

  • Enjoyed a breakout season for the team that earned a final national ranking among the top 30 for the 23rd time in 24 years
  • Contributed to the team’s appearance at the first-ever SCIAC Postseason Tournament
  • Worked her way into the lineup, primarily at No. 5 singles
  • Earned a 9-4 record that included a three-set comeback against UC Santa Cruz while playing one of her two matches at No. 4
  • Also competed in doubles at the No. 3 slot with five different partners for five wins

Awards:

  • Member of the squad that was named an ITA All-Academic Team (2017-18, 2018-19)
  • ITA All-Academic Scholar-Athlete (2017-18)
  • SCIAC All-Academic Women's Tennis Team (2017-18)
  • Redlands Scholar-Athlete (2017-18)

Fun Facts

  • Postgraduate Plans:  not sure yet
  • Favorite Food: Japanese Food