Cal Poly Pomona Athletics

Through her time at Cal Poly Pomona, Karen L. Miller left a legacy of success as she consistently blended the rich history and tradition of the university with the concepts of a "Family" and "Bronco Pride."

From 1974 to 2000, Miller's association with Cal Poly Pomona as an instructor and women's tennis head coach evolved to a lasting era of leadership and innovation, which will forever be part of the university's history of success.

Through the years, Miller instilled the values of "Family" in her staff and, in doing so, the fruition of her work was evident within the department, the university and the community on the local and national level.

Her dedication brought a number of groups and people on campus together, including Cal Poly Associates, Inc., Associated Students, Inc., Bronco Athletic Association and alumni.

She designed an "Adopt a Sport" program to bring individuals on teams closer together and to support each other's sport in a variety of ways. Student-athletes also participated in a reading program each year as they went into the Pomona Unified School District to encourage kids to read and to strive for a college education.

Miller also helped BAA reach a great level of involvement as the group supported a Christmas in April project for the City of Pomona. Through that program, the Broncos helped those with low income or the elderly do repairs and renovations on their homes.

Within the community, Miller served as an advisory board member with the National Youth Sports Program, on the board of directors of the Pomona Valley YMCA, Diamond Bar Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Los Angeles County Fair Association. Nationally, Miller served as Cal Poly Pomona's Governmental Affairs Liaison, in addition to heading up with special events on campus such as Easter Seals and California Academic Decathlon.

In 1990, she received the Pomona Soroptomist Prism Award for Woman of the Year.

In the area of athletics, she either coached, or mentored other coaches, and was always available to help student-athletes in learning and achieving.

As a coach, she guided the women's tennis program to back-to-back AIAW Division II National Championships in 1980 and 1981. During her time as Director of Athletics, she was a part of seven national championships, a coaching staff that has earned 10 national Coach of the Year awards and three student-athletes earning national Player of the Year honors.

Miller was not only a director but also a fan and a friend. Always visible at every Bronco sporting event, she made it a habit to cheer the student-athletes' success regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard. She would spend time with the families and friends of each student-athlete, encouraging their continued support for the green and gold.

During her tenure, she emphasized the importance of getting an education, giving back to the community and providing a successful and enjoyable sport's experience for student-athletes, the campus and the community.