Karen La Rosa currently serves as the Assistant Track & Cross Country Coach for both the men’s and women’s teams at Lake-Sumter State College, where her coaching contributions extend to both collegiate track and cross country disciplines. With a commitment to fostering holistic athlete development, La Rosa brings over 20 years of leadership and management experience to her coaching role. Her coaching philosophy, emphasizing both individual skill enhancement and team cohesion, has made her an integral part of the Lake Sumter State College athletics program since Cross Country’s inception in 2019.

In addition to her collegiate coaching responsibilities, La Rosa plays a pivotal role in shaping the development of young athletes as the Head Coach for PURE Athletics Youth Track Club at the National Training Center in Clermont, Florida. Her dedication to the sport and commitment to athlete development has helped athletes compete at local, regional, national and Jr. Olympic levels. La Rosa's coaching expertise is backed by certifications such as USATF Level 1 Coach, USATF Safesport Certified, USATF Principles of Endurance Training, and AAU Certified Double-Goal Coach, showcasing her commitment to both technical excellence and athlete well-being.

Beyond coaching, La Rosa is a co-founder of Shine Symposiums, an initiative dedicated to the education and empowerment of female athletes, reflecting her passion for creating an inclusive and empowering environment in sports.

La Rosa's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science from Drexel University and a Masters of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations from Penn State University. This academic foundation, combined with her extensive coaching experience, positions La Rosa as a well-rounded leader, bringing an integrated approach to athlete development and success.

La Rosa has been a member of the coaching staff since the start of the cross country program in 2019 and the track & field program in 2024.