Bio

Karyn Cooper holds the distinction of being Wellesley’s First NCAA Division III National Champion, winning the Singles Tennis title in 1991. Karyn’s additional on-court success includes the Intercollegiate Tennis Coaches Association/Rolex Regional Singles Championship and a Seven Sisters Singles Championship. Karyn was also recognized as a three-time All-American, and a three-time New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) All-Conference selection. She was honored as the Volvo Rookie Player of the Year, as an Academic All-American and was twice named as Wellesley’s Outstanding Athlete of the Year. Her career record was an astounding 65-1. Life for Karyn continues to include tennis as she trains and coaches young Peruvian national team players.

As soon as I read Wellesley’s email telling me of this recognition, I must recall that I was extremely emotional. I felt it was such an honor to be recognized for so many years of hard work and sacrifice. So many memories came to my mind...

Without a doubt, the years I spent at Wellesley College were some of the happiest of my life. The long-lasting friendships I made from my tennis team (Martha Goldberg Aronson, Mindy Fountain Gormley, Alexa Magna, Stacey Klapper, Martha Cohen Barrett, Dawn Mandeville, Victoria White etc.) and in my different classes are acquaintances with whom I still keep in touch and can count on them at any moment even though a big distance separates us. 

Moreover, the social network, the rigorous academics, the exposure we had, the various conferences we were invited to attend, and the marvelous professors I encountered...Chip Case, Louise Wasserspring, Joel Krieger, coach Joanne Paul, to name a few—all left valuable teachings and lessons which I constantly put in practice every day in my life. The unique and excellent academic experience, the serene, beautiful, and friendly atmosphere of the campus, together with my athletic abilities brought out the best of me. It made me a better person in every sense of the word.

At Wellesley I became a more mature and independent person, I learned to value and appreciate everything I had even more. I became aware and was exposed to people of different religions, nationalities, and races. I learned to be patient and to respect everyone. And last but not least, I learned to value and treasure my family even more (we live in Lima, Peru).

The challenging academic standard together with my long tennis practice sessions taught me to better organize myself. I became a very disciplined person, I learned the importance of staying healthy, motivated, focused, and most importantly, a stress free, happy person.

When I applied to Wellesley College, I wrote a quote in my essay that sums up my life up to this day, it says: “Far away in the sunshine are my greatest aspirations, I may not reach them, but I can look up to them and try to follow where they lead.”

Before closing, I want to thank the committee for this recognition. Thank you for giving me the privilege of receiving this honor and distinction in front of my family and friends. Without my parents, husband, four children, brother and sisters, my Wellesley education, and friends, I would not be the person I am today. I value and treasure everything I have learned from every single one of you.