Southie Native Karen O’Sullivan Inducted into New England Tennis Hall of Fame
Way to go, Karen!
The U.S. Tennis Association of New England recently inducted its Hall of Fame Class of 2023 with 1997 Duke graduate Karen O’Sullivan one of four enshrined at a ceremony at the International Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.
O’Sullivan was inducted along with Lisa Gilbride, Felicia Hutnick and Harlan Stone.
“We are so proud to recognize these four individuals for their years of service to New England tennis and beyond. This group of players and coaches has accomplished everything from growing tennis at a grassroots level to competing on the game’s biggest stages, and we are honored to bestow upon them the most prestigious recognition in New England tennis,” said Brian Lomax, USTA New England Hall of Fame Committee Chair.
On the New England junior circuit, O’Sullivan was ranked No. 1 from the 10 and unders all the way through the 16s division. She also worked her way to a top-20 national ranking in both Girls’ 16s and 18s.
Upon graduation, O’Sullivan went on to play at Duke, where she was a two-year captain, two-time All-American and named All-ACC on three occasions. She registered a 100-40 record in singles. O’Sullivan helped lead Duke to four straight ACC Championships from 1994-97, a perfect 24-0 ACC regular season ledger and two NCAA Final Four appearances.
“At the age of five, in the basement of our triple-decker in South Boston, my immigrant father put a racquet in my hand,” said O’Sullivan. “Over 40 years later, it is amazing to receive this unbelievable honor and to be recognized and acknowledged for my accomplishments and involvement in tennis, a sport that provided me incredible opportunities and experiences throughout my life.”
Following her time at Duke, O’Sullivan participated in the Professional Women’s Tour in Europe. As a New England adult tournament player, she has captained and played for both the Sears and Addie Cups.
O’Sullivan is still extremely active in tennis, serving on the USTA National Collegiate Committee. Over the years, she has held numerous volunteer roles including on the USTA National Awards Committee and the USTA New England Board of Directors. O’Sullivan is also an inductee into the South Boston Hall of Fame as well as the Newton Country Day School Hall of Fame for her achievements.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
Way to go Karen,Congratulation! I worked with your Dad and he always talked about how proud he was of your accomplishments.
Wow!! It looks like Karen O’Sullivan has been playing tennis since she was quite young, and finally made it to the big top, if one gets the drift. Congratulations, Karen, you did great! Keep it up!