Penn High School, 1986 – 89
Karen Barnes swam for Penn High School from 1986-1990. Karen is a two-time state champion in the 500-yard freestyle winning both her junior and senior years. She also won the 200-yard freestyle her senior year after finishing as runner-up her junior year. Karen went on to swim at the University of Michigan where she was part of four Big Ten championship teams. Karen finished as runner-up in the 1650-yard freestyle at the 1991 Big Ten Championships and was named an Honorable Mention All-American with her finish at the 1991 NCAA championships. Karen earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Michigan. She has worked for IBM as a sales specialist for the past 18 years. Karen now resides in Maryland with her family, partner Walter, and sons, Cooper and Lyon.