Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame
Karen Sanders Peterson - Men's Tennis - (1962-64)
The only female to compete on a men's varsity team and earn a varsity letter in history of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). She made the WCU men's varsity tennis team as a sophomore and played No. 6 singles. As a junior, she moved up to No. 3 singles competition and played No. 2 doubles team. She saw action as No. 1 singles player as a senior, while playing mainly No. 2 singles and a member of the No. 1 doubles team. To date, she is the only female to be awarded a varsity letter for the participation on a WCU men's team. Her unique accomplishments where recognized nationally by SPORTS ILLUSTRATED "Faces in the Crowd" section in a 1964 edition. This Native American finished second in North Carolina's first intercollegiate championship tournament in Chapel Hill in 1964. She is a retired Georgia public school teacher.
