STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The WIAA family is deeply saddened by the loss of Karen Kuhn, 82, who was one of the first and greatest girls’ interscholastic sports pioneers in Wisconsin and the nation.

Kuhn became the first woman to serve on the WIAA executive staff when she joined the WIAA as an administrative assistant to the executive director on June 15, 1971. She was the WIAA's first sports coordinator responsible for administration of girls’ sports programs. 

She was promoted to the assistant to the director in 1973, and in 1992, Kuhn was elevated to associate director. Prior to her retirement in June 2002, she was instrumental in assisting with the enhancement and growth of girls’ high school athletic opportunities statewide. Later, she would extend her expertise to boys’ sports responsibilities as well.

“The impact that Karen has had on this organization and education-based athletics in this state has been tremendous and her legacy will last forever,” WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser said. 

During her 31-year career with the WIAA, Kuhn was responsible for coordination of administrative efforts, playing rules, season regulations, tournament planning procedures, officials’ assignments for the sports of basketball, track & field, cross country and volleyball. She also served as the coordinator for swimming and diving, girls’ golf and girls’ tennis in addition to supervising the WIAA's Junior High/Middle Level. Additional supervisory responsibilities included gender equity issues and cheerleading.

Her experience and knowledge of girls’ interscholastic athletics made an impact at the national level, which earned her the respect of colleagues throughout the country. Kuhn was inducted into the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame in 2002. Her work at the national level included being a member of the Girls’ Advisory Council for the Division of Girls and Womens’ Sports, and she conducted presentations on various topics at the NFHS meetings, civic groups, banquets and college classes. Other NFHS committees she served on included the rules writing committees for track & field, volleyball, swimming and diving, and basketball.

At the state level, she served on WIAA task forces to study gender equity as it related to equal seasons and the imbalance of girls’ sports in fall, winter and spring seasons; seeding team sports; and out-of-season rules and regulations.

Kuhn received many honors and awards during her illustrious career. In 1996, she received the United States Volleyball Association Meritorious Service Award, and she was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Women's Sports Advocates of Wisconsin, Inc., in 1994. Kuhn was given the Award of Merit by the Wisconsin High School Track Coaches Association in 1995 and was presented with the Citation Honor Award by the Wisconsin Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in 1992 and 2000. In addition, she has received Recognition and Leadership Awards from the Milwaukee Association of Swimming Officials, Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association, Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association, Wisconsin Track and Field Coaches Association, the NFHS and the United States Olympic Committee.

Upon her retirement, former WIAA Executive Director Doug Chickering praised Kuhn for her many accomplishments. 

"Karen is more than a pioneer; she is a giant in the development of sports programs for high school girls," he said. "Her skills, though, should not be overshadowed by her gender associated reputation. She is truly a model for future athletic administrators, male or female.

"Her unselfish willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed, coupled with an enviable work ethic, served this membership for more than 30 years," he continued. "Karen's legacy will always be her determination to "stay the course" through good times and bad. She will continue to be an inspiration."

Kuhn's commitment to education and interscholastic athletics spanned almost four decades, including seven years as a teacher. She began her career in education at Steuben Junior High School in Milwaukee from 1964-66. She then taught at St. Francis High School for two years from 1966-1968 before teaching physical education at Whitefish Bay High School from 1968-71.

We miss Karen. Her name and legacy at the WIAA and the NFHS will never be forgotten.