Mary Baldwin University

Kara L. Hawkins, a native of Richmond, Va., played for the Mary Baldwin women's basketball team from 2006 to 2010. Her unwavering commitment and leadership skills left an indelible mark on the program. Kara's unique blend of timing, positioning, and relentless grit on the court set her apart. She dominated in the paint and on the boards, etching her name in the record books with 1,041 career rebounds—a university record that still stands today.

Hawkins' impact was profound from the beginning of her collegiate journey. As a freshman, she earned the title Rookie of the Year and was selected as a Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference second team all-star. Her early success was a testament to the accolades she would continue to achieve throughout her tenure at Mary Baldwin.

In her senior year, Kara was the team captain and consistently delivered outstanding performances, averaging a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds per game. Her exceptional achievements garnered multiple honors, including being named to the USA South All-Conference second team. Hawkins was also named the Mary Baldwin Basketball Most Valuable Player and the Athlete of the Year. Further enhancing her legacy, she was Mary Baldwin's nominee as the NCAA Woman of the Year 2010. Additionally, Hawkins was honored with the prestigious Joy Kingsley-Ibeh Collegiate Student-Athlete Award in 2010, presented annually to recognize the top female collegiate athlete in the Shenandoah Valley region.

Hawkins' contributions were further recognized in 2014 when she was named to the USA South 50th Anniversary Women's Basketball Team, a testament to her lasting impact on the sport and outstanding collegiate career.

Her leadership extended beyond the basketball court. She graduated cum laude with a 3.7 GPA, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence. Her strong leadership qualities have been a consistent theme in her life, exemplified by her current service as a Major in the United States Army. Kara L. Hawkins epitomizes the spirit of a true student-athlete, combining athletic skill, academic dedication, and exemplary leadership. Her legacy at Mary Baldwin inspires future generations of athletes.