Karen Linder

Coach Emeriti Representative (2021-23)

Linder enjoyed a 32-year college coaching career and built a national reputation during her 19 seasons at Kent State. In her final 10 years, Linder led the Golden Flashes to seven Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division and four regular-season titles, and two MAC tournament championships. In 30 years of coaching fastpitch softball, Linder collected 803 victories, 550 at Kent State and tutored six NFCA All-Americans. The winningest coach in Kent State history earned four MAC Coach of the Year honors and led the Golden Flashes to a pair of NCAA Tournaments. 

Prior to Kent State, Linder led Ashland University (NCAA II) to 253 triumphs and a pair of conference titles and spent three seasons as Union College’s (Ky.) head coach. During her time as an active head coach, Linder served on the NFCA’s Division I Head Coaches, All-America and Poll Committees. Currently, Linder runs Aspire Higher Sports, which focuses on helping athletes grow mentally and physically while focusing on a winning team mentality. Additionally, she provides lessons and is involved in clinics and All-American Games (12U) for USA Softball in Ohio.