California University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Karen Gerritse-Gardineer was one of the finest players in the 15-year history of California collegiate fencing. During her final season with the Vulcans in 1982, she remained undefeated and compiled 41 consecutive wins. From 1979 to 1982, Gerritse-Gardineer amassed an amazing 178-24 record.

According to former head coach Donna Johnson, part of Gerritse-Gardineerís success stemmed from the fact that she was left handed. Most fencers were accustomed to competing against right-handed players so it was a real change of perspective to the opponents. Furthermore, Gerritse-Gardineer came from a fencing background, and many fencers on the team never had the opportunity to play prior to college.

Prompted by her mother, she started fencing her freshman year at North Hunterdon high school in New Jersey. Gerritse-Gardineer competed in the foil squad all four years prior to joining the Vulcans. She was state champion her sophomore year and voted most valuable player in her junior and senior years of competition.

This experience obviously helped Gerritse-Gardineer in her collegiate efforts. In her freshman season with the Vulcans, she finished with a veteran-level effort of 46-10. She continued with a sophomore record of 49-8 and a 42-6 finish as a junior. Gerritse-Gardineer completed her illustrious career in 1982 with a perfect season of 41-0. This level of excellence provided her with the most valuable player honor. In addition, she placed first at the Eastern Intercollegiate Tournament to round out her highly successful career.

After completing her bachelor's degree in liberal arts at California in 1983, Gerritse-Gardineer returned to her native New Jersey and completed an associate's degree in hotel and restaurant management at Raritan Valley Community College. She worked as assistant manager of the food service for the college until devoting all her time to motherhood. She and her husband David have three sons: Billy, 8; Michael, 5; and Bobby, 4.