Xavier University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2002
- Class:
- 1983
Karen Ohe set herself apart early as one of the top athletes in Musketeer history, lettering four years in basketball and two years in volleyball. In basketball, Ohe pulled down 873 rebounds during her four-year career for an average of 7.9 per game. She held the XU record for 12 years until All-MCC standout Lynn Bihn broke it in 1995. She now ranks fifth all-time on the career rebounds per game list. Ohe ranks fifth on the all-time women's basketball charts for most rebounds in a career (873).
Ohe's rebounding numbers are made even more remarkable by the fact that she was a 5-9 forward. This Cincinnati St. Ursula product had a knack for getting to the ball. Ohe became a starter early in her career. She played in 23 games, starting 18, as a freshman while averaging 6.3 points and 8.7 rebounds a game as XU went 9-15. She posted 10.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in 28 games (26 starts) as a sophomore as XU improved its record to 15-13.
Rebounding and defense are two big keys to winning. Ohe provided head coach Laurie Massa with a consistent dose of both. As a junior, Ohe began to take charge on both ends of the court. She started all 34 games in XU's 20-14 season of 1981-82. She averaged 8.4 points and 7.6 rebounds while helping XU capture the AIAW State Championship.
As a senior, Ohe started all 26 games while averaging 6.9 points and 7.8 rebounds. XU finished 13-13 in 1982-83, its first season of Division I competition.
While basketball was her primary sport, Ohe also played two years of volleyball for the Musketeers. She played hitter as a freshman for head coach Laurie Massa, helping the team finish 20-15. As a sophomore, she played hitter for first year head coach Carolyn Condit, helping the team finish with a school record 29-9 mark.
