Hall of Fame
For 23 years, Plattsburgh State women’s soccer was a consistent competitor in the SUNYAC under the leadership of head coach Karen (Wiley) Waterbury, who has the second-most wins in the history of SUNYAC women’s soccer.
Karen fashioned a 278-151-32 record during her time leading the program and guided Plattsburgh State to SUNYAC and ECAC titles in 1998 in addition to an NYSWCAA championship in 1996. She also led the Cardinals to three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances and currently ranks 50th all-time among Division III women’s soccer coaches in career victories, which includes her 1989 campaign at SUNY Potsdam.
In addition, Karen was a former women’s soccer student-athlete with the Cardinals, earning All-SUNYAC recognition in 1986.
Date of Induction into Cardinal Sports Hall of Fame:
October 13, 2023
Where is she now:
Karen, who also served as Plattsburgh State’s director of recreation following her coaching career, is currently retired, but she currently paints part-time with her son, Ryan, where they paint both locally and in Fort Myers, Fla.
Karen and her husband, Chris, who is also a Plattsburgh State Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, split their time between Plattsburgh and Fort Myers, Fla. Their daughter, Bailey, is 29 years old and is currently coaching at Paul Smith’s College and has taken her team to the small college national championship game the past two years—and is on her way to making it again this season. Her son, Ryan, owns a painting business “Golden Touch” named after the family’s golden retriever, Cooper.
She lists her top professional accomplishment as getting asked to be on the national coaching staff for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) after completing her premier coaching license. Karen says that “raising two great kids” is her greatest personal accomplishment.
Favorite Plattsburgh State Sports Moment:
“Beating Oneonta 1-0 to win the the conference championship at home.”
