Varsity Knight Update: Karen Drake

Name: Karen Drake
Graduation: May 1995
Sport: Women's Soccer
Position: Central Defender         
Degree: BS in Computer Science
Profession: IT Software Development
Spouse: Melissa Kilpatrick

Why did you choose UCF?
UCF was always my first choice, and when they recruited me for soccer, I was ecstatic.  Both the women's soccer team and computer science departments were nationally ranked at that time, and I really wanted to play soccer for a Division I university.  UCF met all the criteria that I was looking for, so it was an easy choice for me. 

What would you tell other alumni about the value of giving back?
Of course, we all know the value that monetary donations can bring to the university, but I truly believe in paying it forward with time. I know that when I was a student-athlete, having the alumni around as support was really important. I would admire them as individuals and aspire for the same accomplishments.  Some of those alumni have made a huge impact in my life and are still some of my very best friends.  As an alumna now, I give of my time by attending as many games as I can and by getting to know as many student-athletes that I can.  I feel certain that continuing those relationships over the years helps inspire, excite, and motivate the student-athletes following in my footsteps. We are role models and mentors, and we should do what we can to help the younger generations make the most of themselves while at UCF and beyond.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I would like to be known as a role model of success through hard work and determination without sacrificing my authenticity.

What challenges did you come across to get to where you are today?
One challenge was that I chose a sport that wasn't very popular in our nation when I was growing up.  That, and being female really limited the opportunities that existed to play women's college soccer. There weren't a lot of colleges that had women's soccer teams, because Title IX hadn't come into full effect yet.  Growing up in Mississippi added even more of a challenge, because there wasn't a lot of opportunity to be seen by the colleges. There wasn't even a girls soccer team at my high school. When I did make it to college, I chose a pretty difficult major of computer science, making it very tough to balance Division I athletics with academics. Fortunately, with hard work, determination, and help from others, I was able to overcome all of it to become a very successful college student-athlete graduate and eventually have a successful career in IT software development.

Do you still play?
I was still playing regularly up until about a year ago.  I was playing with quite a few of my former UCF teammates as well. I miss it and will likely start playing again soon, even if it is not regularly.

What used to drive you to get up in the morning and go train every day?
The love of the game is what empowered me every day, so it didn't really take much.

Advice to current student-athletes?
Above all else, make sure you keep academics first, because when it's all said and done, that's the one thing that will matter the most.

What are your strengths as an athlete and a person?
I am pretty focused, determined, and disciplined.  When I set my mind to something, nothing can stop me from accomplishing it.  

Any injuries while competing in college?
During a practice my sophomore year, while on a run across campus, I slipped and broke my left hand and had to have surgery. Ironically and a little humorous, Dr. Hand was the name of the doctor to perform the hand surgery. Fortunately, it was only a minor injury, so I just missed one game that season. I think my pride was hurt more than my actual hand.  The team had a good laugh at my expense, and I earned the nickname of "Club", because of the two different splints that I had to wear while on and off of the field. I still have three screws from that injury in my hand today.

Favorite memory as a student-athlete in college?
As an athlete playing the sport, it was probably playing against UNC my freshman year in front of the largest crowd I have ever played in front of.  I played against some very high caliber national team players, like Mia Hamm and Kristine Lily and the game ended in a draw.  As a small-town young player, it was exhilarating to be in the spotlight and to know that I could perform at the same level with the best in the country at the time.

Now that you have graduated, what is your favorite part about being a Knight?
I am extremely proud to be a part of a sport that has been ranked in the Top 25 for almost 40 years.

If you were not a soccer player, what is another sport you would have done and why?
I played basketball, softball, and ran track in high school.  My dad really wanted me to play basketball in college, so that's likely what I would have done.

Final thoughts?
Being Built by UCF means being a part of a proud family. Go Knights and Charge On!