PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Junior Naomi Karki has become a cornerstone for Rutgers women's tennis—a steady, composed competitor whose growth on the court mirrors her discipline in the classroom.

After earning the 2024 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award and posting a strong sophomore campaign, Karki heads into the new season focused on confidence, dependability and being a good teammate.

"I want to really contribute by winning for the team and through my performance," Karki said. "Being personally confident on the court and enjoying it are definitely goals this season."

Karki's relationship with tennis began early, long before her collegiate career took shape. Growing up in East Brunswick, New Jersey, she found an early connection to the sport that would eventually shape her identity as both an athlete and student.

"When I started in a beginner program, I was not good," she recalled. "I was around five years old and had no hand-eye coordination."

Despite her humble beginnings, Karki never stopped having fun while playing. "I was whiffing the ball for a long time, but I was always enjoying my time on the court," she said.

Her continued dedication turned into success. At East Brunswick High School, she compiled a dominant 24–2 record, earned team MVP honors, and led her team to the 2019 NJSIAA State Championship. 

Before arriving at Rutgers, Karki took her training overseas, spending time at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Spain, one of Europe's premier tennis development programs. The experience provided a global perspective on competition and helped her refine her technique and mindset.

"It was good from a fitness perspective; the amount of practice and the intensity were helpful," she said. "I really enjoyed practicing tennis rather than thinking about the next tournament or opponent. There were people from all around the world, and seeing how many people were dedicated to getting better was a nice environment."

When it came time to choose a college, Karki saw Rutgers as the right fit both academically and athletically. The academic rigor of the Honors College and the team's supportive culture all played a role in her decision.

"The Honors College allowed me to continue to achieve a higher level academically—Rutgers had the good academic and athletic opportunities I wanted." Despite not being far from home, Karki appreciated the environmental variety, saying, "I really liked how each campus had such different vibes. Once I came on campus, it still felt unfamiliar and new compared to home."

More than what RU has to offer, the support from head coach Hilary Ritchie sealed the deal for Karki.

"She actually was the one to tell me about the Honors College, and she encouraged me to pursue that," she said. "Having that support was really nice to hear from Coach."

Now balancing a demanding academic schedule in the Honors College, studying cell biology and neuroscience while participating in Division I Athletics, Karki has become a model of focus and time management. Her ability to bring the same discipline from the classroom onto the court has earned the respect of coaches and teammates alike.

Off the court, Karki's personality offers a glimpse into the person behind the player. Whether it's unwinding with some chess or pursuing creative outlets, she values balance and perspective as much as performance.

"Overall, I love music," she said. "I love dancing and wish I did it more, but the opportunity doesn't really arise that often."

A recent development for Karki comes in the form of chess. "I started playing in London over the summer, and it helps so much," she continued, "when I'm competing, if I need to focus, I'll play chess."

Among her many matches and experiences, one stands out as an affirmation of her growth. "At the beginning of the summer, I played a match where I felt I played well against someone strong," Karki said. She explained the impact, saying, "I trusted a lot of my training, and it was very physical. I think it kept my confidence, especially going into this year."

"I was working on so much off the court that helped me to do well, and I was glad Coach Hilary was able to watch me compete confidently and enjoy myself," she concluded.

Experiences like that continue to shape her mindset as she enters the later stages of her college career. With more confidence and leadership, Karki remains focused on steady improvement and team success.

"Being a good, respectful teammate and reliable on and off the court is important; whether it's through my performance, showing up at practice, or encouraging my teammates."

Whether competing at home or representing Rutgers abroad, Naomi Karki embodies the poise, commitment, and drive that have made her one of the Scarlet Knights' most reliable and respected players.

Next Up

The team will resume play next month, Nov. 7, at the Big Green Invitational in Hanover, New Hampshire. 

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