Karen Cope

Cope is {{convert|173|cm|ftin|0|abbr=on}} tall {{convert|55|kg}}, born as Karen Cope Charles{{cite web|url=http://www.trabajadores.cu/20141129/voly-de-playa-buscara-dos-de-oro/|title=Voly de playa buscará dos de oro|trans-title=Beach volleyball seek two gold|newspaper=Trabajadores|language=Spanish|date=2014-11-29|accessdate=2016-08-03}} on June 11, 1985, in Limón, Limón Province, Costa Rica.{{cite web|url=http://netherlands2015.fivb.org/en/temporaryitems/teams/866123-cope-alfaro/karen-cope-charles?id=124384|title=Karen Cope Charles|publisher=FIVB|year=2015|accessdate=2015-06-16|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621215557/http://netherlands2015.fivb.org/en/temporaryitems/teams/866123-cope-alfaro/karen-cope-charles?id=124384|archivedate=2015-06-21}} She is the daughter of Stwart Cope a former basketball player,{{cite news|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Karen-Cope-traslada-Austria_0_1057294296.html|title=Karen Cope se traslada a Austria|trans-title=Karen Cope moves to Austria|last=Rodriguez C.|first=Jose Luis|newspaper=La Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2009-06-23|accessdate=2015-06-15}} and Brenda Charles Clark, now-deceased,{{cite web|url=http://wvw.aldia.cr/ad_ee/2011/septiembre/10/deportes2907725.html|title=Segunda División|trans-title=Second division|newspaper=Al Dia|language=Spanish|date=2011-09-10|accessdate=2015-06-16}} who is former sports educator and national record holder in track and field.{{cite web|url=http://www.aldia.cr/voleibol/Voliebol-Karen_0_25797446.html|title=Karen con problemas de salud|trans-title=Karen with health problems|last=Martín|first=Rodolfo|newspaper=Al Dia|language=Spanish|date=2012-10-12|accessdate=2015-06-16}} She have an older sister named Karen and a little brother named Carlton.{{cite web|url=http://wvw.aldia.cr/ad_ee/2012/mayo/23/deportes3183730.html|title=El regreso de las legionarias|trans-title=The return of the legionnaires|last=Martín|first=Rodolfo|newspaper=Al Dia|language=Spanish|date=2012-05-23|accessdate=2015-06-16}}

As an Afro-Costa Rican, she expressed along with boxer Hanna Gabriel pride in her roots, backing and celebrating the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture.{{cite web|url=http://www.aldia.cr/fuera-cancha/Dia_del_Negro-Karen_Cope-Hanna_Gabriels_0_418758140.html|title=Karen Cope orgullosa de sus raíces|trans-title=Karen Cope proud of her roots|last=Chávez|first=Katherine|newspaper=Al Dia|language=Spanish|date=2014-08-31|accessdate=2015-06-17}}{{cite web|url=http://si.cultura.cr/expresiones-y-manifestaciones/dia-de-la-persona-negra-y-la-cultura-afrocostarricense.html|title=Día de la Persona Negra y la Cultura Afrocostarricense|trans-title=Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture|publisher=Sistema de Información Cultural de Costa Rica Sicultura|language=Spanish|accessdate=2015-06-17}}

Kope played the Pan-AmericanCup, reaching the eleventh place{{cite news|url=https://www.norceca.net/Jul.5-2006-Costa%20Rica%20qualified%20in%2011th%20position.htm|title=Costa Rica qualified in 11th position|location=San Juan, Puerto Rico|publisher=NORCECA|date=2006-07-05|accessdate=2015-06-28}} and the seventh place during the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games, where most of the Costa Rican athletes had to cover their own expenses, including the entire volleyball team.{{cite news|url=http://wvw.nacion.com/ln_ee/2006/julio/12/deportes0.html|title=Atletas se pagan el viaje|trans-title=Athletes are paying for their travel|last=Umaña|first=Johan|newspaper=La Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2006-07-12|accessdate=2015-06-28}}

After playing the TV Azteca Women's Stars tournament,{{cite news|url=https://www.norceca.net/Sept.24-2006-Puerto%20Rico,%20Cuba,%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20Dominicana%20y%20M%C3%A9xico%20comenzaron%20ganando.htm|title=Puerto Rico, Cuba, República Dominicana y México comenzaron ganando|trans-title=Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Mexico started winning|publisher=NORCECA|location=Monterrey, Mexico|language=Spanish|date=2006-09-24|accessdate=2015-11-29}} she made the selection for the 2006 FIVB World Championship, appointed for jumping ability and considered one of the team's top players.{{cite news|url=http://wvw.nacion.com/ln_ee/2006/octubre/29/deportes877021.html|title=Las ticas en el Mundial|trans-title=The Ticas in the World Championship|newspaper=La Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2006-10-29|accessdate=2015-06-28}}

The Costa Rica national team, then ranked No.33, lost 0–3 in their World Championships debut to Korea in spite of Cope's team resistance,{{cite news|url=http://www.fivb.org/EN/Volleyball/Competitions/WorldChampionships/Women/2006/Press/viewPressInfo.asp?Category=2&MatchNo=1&No=11765|title=Koreans sweep rookies Costa Rica in straight sets|publisher=FIVB|location=Tokyo, Japan|date=2006-10-31|accessdate=2015-11-29}} and many defensive mistakes.{{cite news|url=http://wvw.aldia.cr/ad_ee/2006/octubre/31/ultimahora879724.html|title=Corea del Sur derrotó a Costa Rica en mundial de voleibol|trans-title=South Korea defeated Costa Rica in volleyball world championship|location=San Jose, Costa Rica|agency=EFE|newspaper=Al dia|language=Spanish|date=2006-10-31|accessdate=2015-06-28}} 0–3 to Japan to worsen 0–2 in the pool A ranking{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2006/11/02/more-sports/japan-sweeps-costa-rica/|title=Japan sweeps Costa Rica|newspaper=The Japan Times|series=Kyodo News|date=2006-11-02|accessdate=2015-11-29}} and finally, her national team won their first ever set, but losing 1–3 to Poland, even when Cope was a highlight because of her jumping abilities and spike, while losing their third match.{{cite news|url=http://www.fivb.org/EN/Volleyball/Competitions/WorldChampionships/Women/2006/Press/viewPressInfo.asp?Category=2&MatchNo=26&No=11841|title=Unbeaten Poles tame Ticas 3-1|publisher=FIVB|location=Tokyo, Japan|date=2006-11-03|accessdate=2015-11-29}}

They beat Kenya in a 3–2 comeback, the first ever win for her national team in the World Championships,{{cite news|url=http://www.fivb.org/EN/Volleyball/Competitions/WorldChampionships/Women/2006/Press/viewPressInfo.asp?Category=2&MatchNo=37&No=11862|title=Ticas storm back for historic win|publisher=FIVB|location=Tokyo, Japan|date=2006-11-04|accessdate=2015-11-29}} they thanked the audience support while their captain admitted their better concentration through the match as one of the key roles for the win.{{cite news|url=http://www.fivb.org/EN/Volleyball/Competitions/WorldChampionships/Women/2006/Press/viewPressInfo.asp?Category=3&MatchNo=37&No=11866|title=Ticas coach thanks Japanese fans|publisher=FIVB|location=Tokyo, Japan|date=2006-11-04|accessdate=2015-11-29}} After they lost to Chinese Taipei 0-3 they were eliminated in the first round of the championship,{{cite news|url=http://www.norceca.net/Nov.5-2006-USA%20was%20the%20best%20positioned%20team%20from%20Norceca%20in%20first%20round.htm|title=USA was the best positioned team from Norceca in first round|publisher=NORCECA|location=Kobe, Japan|date=2006-11-05|accessdate=2015-11-29}} finally ranking tied-17th.{{cite news|url=http://www.fivb.org/EN/volleyball/competitions/WorldChampionships/Women/2006/Standings/Finals.asp?sm=30|title=FIVB Women's World Championship Japan 2006 - Final Standings|publisher=FIVB|year=2006|accessdate=2015-11-29}}

While playing World Championship, she signed with the Swedish club EVS Engelholm Volleyball Sallskap, with plans to play professional volleyball and study.{{cite news|url=http://www.svt.se/sport/engelholm-forstarker-med-landslagsspiker|title=Engelholm förstärker med landslagsspiker|trans-title=Engelholm reinforce with national team spiker|last=Lann|first=Rikard|newspaper=SVT|language=Swedish|date=2006-10-31|accessdate=2015-06-15}} She got that through the Costa Rica National team advisor, Canadian Lorne Sawula, who sent a video to Sweden.{{cite news|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Karen-Cope-ira-jugar-Suecia_0_865713508.html|title=Karen Cope irá a jugar a Suecia|trans-title=Karen Cope will play in Sweden|last=Barrantes|first=Francisco|newspaper=La Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2006-11-08|accessdate=2015-06-15}} She played the 2006/2007 CEV Top Teams Cup,{{cite news|url=http://www.cev.lu/Competition-Area/CompetitionTeamDetails.aspx?TeamID=3839&ID=224|title=Engelholm VS - Top Teams Cup Women - 2006/2007|publisher=CEV|year=2007|accessdate=2015-11-29}} and helped her team to reach the continental cup semifinals{{cite news|url=http://www.sollentuna-vk.com/svkwebp/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=845&Itemid=1|title=Välkomna till SM-final mellan Sollentuna och Engelholm!|trans-title=Welcome to SM-final between Sollentuna and Engelholm!|publisher=Sollentuna Volleybollklubb|language=Swedish|date=2007-04-05|accessdate=2015-11-29}} and the local league second place.{{cite web|url=http://www.engelholmsvolley.se/index.php/dam-elit/tidigare-saesonger/2006-2007|title=Dam Elit 2006/2007|trans-title=Female Elite 2006/2007|publisher=Engelholms Volley|language=Swedish|year=2007|accessdate=2015-06-15}}

When she finished her season with the Swedish team, she returned to Costa Rica to play with the local University of Costa Rica. She also announced her singing with the Swiss club Kanti Schaffhausen.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Karen-Cope-volvio-jugara-UCR_0_905109580.html|title=Karen Cope volvió y jugará con UCR|trans-title=Karen Cope returned and will play UCR|last=Rodriguez C.|first=Jose Luis|newspaper=La Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2007-05-24|accessdate=2015-06-15}}

She then played the Pan-American Cup where her team played without any preparation games.{{cite web|url=http://www.deporte.org.mx/pag/noticias/noticia_ver.asp?id=15829|title=Los favoritos inician con el pie derecho|trans-title=Right start for the favorites|location=Colima, Mexico|publisher=CONADE|language=Spanish|date=2007-06-21|accessdate=2015-12-01}} Her team lost the seventh place match game against Peru, besides Cope's 14 points.{{cite web|url=http://www.norceca.net/Jun_28_2007_Peru%20won%20the%20match%20for%20seventh%20place.htm|title=Peru won the match for seventh place|publisher=NORCECA|date=2007-06-28|accessdate=2015-12-01}} And later went to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to play the volleyball tournament of the Pan American Games. Besides being the top or second best scorer for her team, they lost 0–3 to the Dominican Republic{{cite web|url=http://www.norceca.net/Jul_18_Dominican%20Republic%20to%20play%20for%20fifth%20place.htm|title=Dominican Republic to play for fifth place|location=Rio de Janeiro, Brazil|publisher=NORCECA|date=2007-07-18|accessdate=2015-12-01}} and 2–3 to Mexico, ending her participation in eighth place.{{cite web|url=http://www.norceca.net/Jul_19_Dominicans%20and%20Mexicans%20finished%20in%20fifth%20and%20seventh.htm|title=

Dominicans and Mexicans finished in fifth and seventh|location=Rio de Janeiro, Brazil|publisher=NORCECA|date=2007-07-19|accessdate=2015-12-01}}

Cope played the 2007-08 CEV Challenge Cup season with her Swiss team{{cite web|url=http://www.cev.lu/Competition-Area/CompetitionTeamDetails.aspx?TeamID=1677&ID=374|title=Challenge Cup Women 2007/2008 - Kanti SCHAFFHAUSEN|publisher=CEV|year=2008|accessdate=2015-12-01}} and lost to Romanian Dinamo Romprest Bucuresti in the third round.{{cite web|url=http://todor66.com/volleyball/Europe_Cups/Women_Challenge_2008.html|title=Women Volleyball European Challenge Cup 2008|publisher=Todor66|year=2008|accessdate=2015-12-01}}

During the 2008–09 CEV Cup With Kanti Schaffhausen, they defeated the Croatian OTP Banka Pula{{cite web|url=http://www.hrvati.ch/index.php/ostali-sportovi/593-schaffhausen-nadja-pulu.html|title=Schaffhausen nadjačao Pulu|trans-title=Schaffhausen drowned Pula|language=Croatian|publisher=hrvati.ch|date=2008-11-06|accessdate=2016-08-03}} 3–0 and 3–0 in the 1/16 round{{cite web|url=http://www.blick.ch/news/volleyball-frauen-von-koeniz-und-kanti-weiter-id1481702.html|title=Frauen von Köniz und Kanti weiter|trans-title=Women from Köniz and Kanti further|newspaper=Blick|language=German|date=2008-11-12|accessdate=2016-08-03}}{{cite web|url=http://siatka.org/wyniki/europejskie-puchary12008-2009-europejskie-puchary1puchar-cev-k1/wynik-tab/1-16-finalu-2/|title=EUROPEJSKIE PUCHARY>SEZON 2008/2009>PUCHAR CEV (K) > 1/16 FINAŁU|trans-title=EUROPEAN CUPS> SEASON 2008/2009> CEV CUP (K)> 1/16 FINAL|publisher=Strefa Siatkówki|language=Polish|year=2008|accessdate=2016-08-03}} and later to the Portuguese Clube Desportivo Ribeirense 2–3 and 3–0.{{cite web|url=http://siatka.org/wyniki/europejskie-puchary12008-2009-europejskie-puchary1puchar-cev-k1/wynik-tab/1-8-finalu-2/|title=EUROPEJSKIE PUCHARY>SEZON 2008/2009>PUCHAR CEV (K) > 1/8 FINAŁU|trans-title=EUROPEAN CUPS> SEASON 2008/2009> CEV CUP (K)> 1/8 FINAL|publisher=Strefa Siatkówki|language=Polish|year=2008|accessdate=2016-08-03}} Before falling to the German Rote Raben Vilsbiburg in the quarterfinals in January 2009.{{cite web|url=http://siatka.org/wyniki/europejskie-puchary12008-2009-europejskie-puchary1puchar-cev-k1/wynik-tab/1-4-finalu-2/|title=EUROPEJSKIE PUCHARY>SEZON 2008/2009>PUCHAR CEV (K) > 1/4 FINAŁU|trans-title=EUROPEAN CUPS> SEASON 2008/2009> CEV CUP (K)> 1/4 FINAL|publisher=Strefa Siatkówki|language=Polish|year=2009|accessdate=2016-08-03}}

Kanti Schaffhausen was unable to achieve their first championship being defeated by Volley Köniz, after Kope suffered a season-ending injury that her club could not overcome, winning anyway the Swiss cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.volleyball.ch/uploads/media/08_11_Rueckschau_NLA_F_01.pdf|title=Une première et un retour|trans-title=A first and a return|language=French|publisher=Swiss Volley|year=2009|accessdate=2016-08-03}} When she returned from Switzerland, she was called to the national team who was scheduled to play the 2010 FIVB World Championship NORCECA qualification tournament with lack of warm up games.{{cite news|url=https://www.larepublica.net/app/mobileview_new/view_mobile.php?pk_articulo=25969&from=movil|title=Esperamos que nos alcance|trans-title=We hope that we reach|last=Rojas|first=Luis|newspaper=La República|language=Spanish|date=2009-06-18|accessdate=2016-08-03}} The only warn up was the Pan-American Cup were her team ranked eight after only advancing to the 5-8 position round after the pool play,{{cite web|url=http://www.norceca.net/July_02-2009-Costa%20Rica%20cruises%20to%20victory%20over%20Trinidad%20&%20Tobago.htm|title=Costa Rica cruises to victory over Trinidad & Tobago|location=Miami, Florida|publisher=NORCECA|date=2009-07-02|accessdate=2016-08-03}} and losing to Argentina{{cite web|url=http://www.norceca.net/July_03-2009-Argentina%20vs.%20Peru%20for%20fifth%20place.htm|title=Argentina vs. Peru for fifth place|location=Miami, Florida|publisher=NORCECA|date=2009-07-03|accessdate=2016-08-03}} and Canada.{{cite web|url=http://www.norceca.net/July_04-2009-Canada%20earned%20seventh%20place%20over%20Costa%20Rica.htm|title=Canada earned seventh place over Costa Rica|location=Miami, Florida|publisher=NORCECA|date=2009-07-04|accessdate=2016-08-03}} After the Pan American Cup, her national team traveled to Orlando, Florida to play the 2010 FIVB World Championship NORCECA qualification tournament.

Cope signed with the Puerto Rican club Valencianas de Juncos as the first Costa Rican to play in the Puerto Rican League.{{cite web|url=http://www.noticel.com/noticia/116341/todo-listo-para-la-nueva-campana-de-voleibol-superior-femenino.html|title=Todo listo para la nueva campaña de Voleibol Superior Femenino|trans-title=Everything ready for the new campaign Superior Women's Volleyball|publisher=Noticel|language=Spanish|date=2012-01-12|accessdate=2016-08-10}} Besides the support she gave for the team along the season,{{cite web|url=http://www.primerahora.com/deportes/voleibol/nota/pinkindecorozalycriollasdecaguascon2-0-604901/|title=Pinkin de Corozal y Criollas de Caguas con 2-0|trans-title=Pinkin de Corozal and Criollas de Caguas with 2-0|publisher=Primera Hora|language=Spanish|date=2012-01-21|accessdate=2016-08-10}}{{cite web|url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/deportes/otrosdeportes/nota/valencianasdejuncoslogransuprimeravictoriadeltorneo-1174859/|title=Valencianas de Juncos logran su primera victoria del torneo|trans-title=Juncos Valencianas achieve their first win of the tournament|publisher=El Nuevo Dia|language=Spanish|date=2012-01-25|accessdate=2016-08-10}}{{cite web|url=http://www.primerahora.com/deportes/voleibol/nota/criollasdominanduelodelideresenlaligadevoleibolfemenino-610403/|title=Criollas dominan duelo de líderes en la Liga de Voleibol Femenino|trans-title=Criollas dominated leaders duel in the Female Volleyball League|publisher=Primera Hora|language=Spanish|date=2012-02-04|accessdate=2016-08-10}}{{cite web|url=http://www.primerahora.com/deportes/voleibol/nota/valencianasdejuncosvencenalasllanerasenlaligafemenina-611142/|title=Valencianas de Juncos vencen a las Llaneras en la liga femenina|trans-title=Juncos Valencianas beat the Llaneras in the women's league|publisher=Primera Hora|language=Spanish|date=2012-02-07|accessdate=2016-08-10}} she was released on 27 February 2012{{cite web|url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/deportes/otrosdeportes/nota/nicolebranaghfirmaconlasllanerasdetoabaja-1200566/|title=Nicole Branagh firma con las Llaneras de Toa Baja|trans-title=Nicole Branagh signs with Llaneras de Toa Baja|publisher=El Nuevo Dia|language=Spanish|date=2012-02-27|accessdate=2016-08-10}} when her team was in eighth place to make room for the American Blair Brown.{{cite web|url=http://www.primerahora.com/deportes/voleibol/nota/serefuerzajuncos-620345/|title=Se refuerza Juncos|trans-title=Juncos reinforces|publisher=Primera Hora|language=Spanish|date=2012-03-01|accessdate=2016-08-10}} She then returned to Costa Rica to play with San José Bio Gel{{cite web|url=http://wvw.aldia.cr/ad_ee/2012/marzo/13/deportes3104052.html|title=Karen Cope está de vuelta al voleibol tico|trans-title=Karen Cope is back to tico volleyball|last=Martín|first=Rodolfo|publisher=Al Dia|language=Spanish|date=2012-03-13|accessdate=2016-08-10}} winning her second Costa Rican championship, the Opening Tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.aldia.cr/voleibol/Voliebol-Karen_0_25797446.html|title=Karen con problemas de salud|trans-title=Karen with health problems|last=Martín|first=Rodolfo|publisher=Al Dia|language=Spanish|date=2012-10-12|accessdate=2016-08-10}} She then traveled to Mexico to play the NORCECA Olympic qualification and her team reached the quarterfinals,{{cite web|url=http://www.fivb.org/en/olympics/london2012/viewPressReleaseVB.asp?No=34416&Language=en|title=Cuba and Dominican Republic top their pools|location=Tijuana, Mexico|publisher=FIVB|language=Spanish|date=2012-05-01|accessdate=2016-08-10}} but only managed to claim the sixth place, not qualifying for the 2012 Summer Olympics.{{cite web|url=http://www.norceca.net/May.05.2012_Mexico%20claims%20fifth%20position.htm|title=Mexico claims fifth position|location=Tijuana, Mexico|publisher=NORCECA|language=Spanish|date=2012-05-05|accessdate=2016-08-10}}

In July she played the Pan-American Cup and after losing to Canada in the 5-8 qualification round,{{cite web|url=http://norceca.net/Jul.18.2012_Pavan%20sisters%20carry%20Canada%20to%20victory.htm|title=Pavan sisters carry Canada to victory|location=Ciudad Juarez, Mexico|publisher=NORCECA|language=Spanish|date=2012-07-18|accessdate=2016-08-10}} her team only ranked in the ninth place.{{cite web|url=http://norceca.net/Jul.19.2012_Costa%20Rica%20edge%20TTO%20for%20ninth%20place.htm|title=Costa Rica edge TTO for ninth place|location=Ciudad Juarez, Mexico|publisher=NORCECA|language=Spanish|date=2012-07-19|accessdate=2016-08-10}} But she later found herself with an unknown injury that kept her out of the court. But in December, she played the Costa Rican Closing tournament with San José Bio Gel, leading the team to their second straight championship{{cite web|url=http://www.aldia.cr/voleibol/Karen_Cope-San_Jose-Voleibol_0_49795034.html|title=Los remates de Karen Cope son misiles|trans-title=Karen Cope's spikes are missiles|last=Rodríguez López|first=Rodolfo|publisher=Al Dia|language=Spanish|date=2012-12-24|accessdate=2016-08-10}} being awarded Most Valuable player.{{cite web|url=http://www.aldia.cr/voleibol/Karen_Cope-ferreteras-voleibol_de_playa_0_83991633.html|title=Karen Cope quiere lucir también en playa|trans-title=Karen Cope also wants to look at the beach|last=Gomez|first=Vanessa|newspaper=Al Dia|language=Spanish|date=2013-02-19|accessdate=2015-06-15}} She dedicated that triumph to her deceased mother and confessed that she was planning to share her time either to play indoor volleyball abroad with an attractive contract or a new career in beach volleyball and study veterinary medicine.

She won the Central American Beach Volleyball from the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, beating Guatemalans Maria Jose Orellana and Maria Andrea Orellana.{{cite web|url=http://www.fivb.org/viewPressRelease.asp?No=50649&Language=en|title=Cope and Alfaro lead Costa Rica to victory in Central America|location=San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua|publisher=FIVB|date=2015-02-15|accessdate=2015-06-15}} In March they were announced as one of the 48 teams that were going to compete in the World Championship,{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Karen_Cope-Natalia_Alfaro-Mundial_de_Voleibol_de_Playa_Holanda_2015_0_1476452467.html|title=Karen Cope y Natalia Alfaro jugarán el Mundial de Voleibol de Playa en Holanda|trans-title=Karen Cope and Natalia Alfaro will play the Beach Volleyball World Championship in the Netherlands|last=Tayver|first=Fanny|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2015-03-20|accessdate=2016-08-09}} as the first ever Costa Rican representatives in the World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://deporticos.co.cr/ticas-ya-tienen-rival-en-el-mundial-de-holanda/|title=Ticas ya tienen rival en el Mundial de Holanda|trans-title=Ticas already know their rivals in the Netherlands World Championship|publisher=Deporticos|language=Spanish|date=2015-06-01|accessdate=2016-08-09}} With this joy, they won in April the Costa Rican Beach Volleyball national championship for the second time.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Karen-Cope-Natalia-Alfaro-bicampeonas_0_1482651778.html|title=Karen Cope y Natalia Alfaro son las bicampeonas del voleibol de playa|trans-title=Karen Cope and Natalia Alfaro are the beach volleyball champions|last=Tayver|first=Fanny|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2015-04-20|accessdate=2016-08-09}} She then played the Cayman Islands stop from the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour, finishing in the fifth place.{{cite web|url=http://deporticos.co.cr/ticos-alcanzaron-los-cuartos-de-final-en-caiman/|title=Ticos alcanzaron los cuartos de final en Caimán|trans-title=Ticos reached the quarterfinals in Cayman|location=Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands|publisher=Deporticos|language=Spanish|date=2015-04-26|accessdate=2016-08-09}}

In June, she played the Ocean City stop of the National Beach Volleyball League in the United States, with the Costa Rica Olympic Committee backup, winning the bronze medal and using this tournament to improve the blocking and the service effectiveness.{{cite web|url=http://www.afecavol.org/afecavol/noticias/2015/06/karen-y-natalia-terceras-en-liga-norteamericana.aspx|title=Karen y Natalia terceras en Liga Norteamericana|trans-title=Karen and Natalia third in North American League|location=Ocean City, Maryland|publisher=AFECAVOL|language=Spanish|date=2015-06-01|accessdate=2016-08-09}} Playing in Puerto Cortés, Honduras, Cope and Alfaro claimed the Central American Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/voleibol_de_playa-Natalia_Alfaro-Karen_Cope_0_1493650730.html|title=Karen Cope y Natalia Alfaro campeonas centroamericanas de voleibol de playa|trans-title=Karen Cope and Natalia Alfaro Central American beach volleyball champions|last=Quesada C.|first=Eliseo|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2015-06-14|accessdate=2016-08-09}}

Playing in the 2015 Beach Volleyball World Championships, in their first match, they lost 0–2 to the German representatives,{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Natalia-Alfaro-Alemania-Mundial-Voleibol_0_1496450448.html|title=Karen Cope y Natalia Alfaro debutan con derrota ante Alemania en Mundial de Voleibol de Playa|trans-title=Karen Cope and Natalia Alfaro debuts with defeat against Germany in World Beach Volleyball|last=Castillo Robinson|first=David|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2015-06-28|accessdate=2016-08-09}} 0–2 to the Slovaks,{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Eslovaquia-Mundial-Femenino-Voleibol-Playa_0_1496650391.html|title=Costa Rica cae 2-0 ante Eslovaquia en Mundial Femenino de Voleibol de Playa|trans-title=Costa Rica fell 2-0 to Slovakia in Women's World Beach Volleyball|last=Castillo Robinson|first=David|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2015-06-29|accessdate=2016-08-09}} and finally 1–2 to the Poland team.{{cite web|url=http://deporticos.co.cr/ticas-se-despiden-del-mundial-de-voleibol-de-playa/|title=Ticas se despiden del Mundial de Voleibol de Playa|trans-title=Ticas say goodbye to the World Beach Volleyball|publisher=Deporticos|language=Spanish|date=2015-06-30|accessdate=2016-08-09}} After her participation, Cope defined playing with the score and improve the closing as the key points for their next competitions and also thanked the support and motivation from Costa Rica during the World Championship.{{cite web|url=http://semanariouniversidad.ucr.cr/deportes/voleibol-de-playa-deja-gratas-impresiones-al-finalizar-el-mundial-holanda-2015/|title=Voleibol de playa deja gratas impresiones al finalizar el mundial Holanda 2015|trans-title=Ticas say goodbye to the World Beach Volleyball|last=Rodriguez Campos|first=Juan Pablo|publisher=Semanario Universidad|language=Spanish|date=2015-07-07|accessdate=2016-08-09|archive-date=2016-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816102843/http://semanariouniversidad.ucr.cr/deportes/voleibol-de-playa-deja-gratas-impresiones-al-finalizar-el-mundial-holanda-2015/|url-status=dead}}

She then traveled to Toronto, Canada to play the 2015 Pan American Games, beating the Chileans 2–1,{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Karen_Cope-Natalia_Alfaro-Juegos_Panamericanos_Toronto_2015_0_1499450109.html|title=Ticas Karen Cope y Natalia Alfaro consiguen primer triunfo en los Juegos Panamericanos|trans-title=Ticas Karen Cope and Natalia Alfaro get first win at the Pan American Games|last=Tayver|first=Fanny|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2015-07-14|accessdate=2016-08-09}} before an easy 30 minutes win 2–0 to the Nicaraguans,{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Voleibol-Costa-Rica-Nicaragua-minutos_0_1499650166.html|title=Selección Femenina de voleibol de playa de Costa Rica venció a Nicaragua en 30 minutos|trans-title=Costa Rica Women's Beach Volleyball National Team beat Nicaragua in 30 minutes|last=Villareal|first=Juan Diego|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2015-07-14|accessdate=2016-08-09}} and finished the pool play with a 1–2 loss to the Brazilian team.{{cite web|url=http://deportes.terra.com.mx/mexico-entre-los-clasificados-a-cuartos-de-final-en-voleibol-de-playa,ad8c326fec39652d27f77ab68f8c7ae01yxpRCRD.html|title=México entre los clasificados a cuartos de final en voleibol de playa|trans-title=Mexico among the qualifiers to the quarterfinals in beach volleyball|location=Toronto, Canada|agency=Notimex|publisher=Terra|language=Spanish|date=2015-07-16|accessdate=2016-08-09}} They defeated 2–0 to the Mexicans in the elimination round{{cite web|url=http://www.afecavol.org/afecavol/noticias/2015/07/karen-cope-y-natalia-alfaro-avanzan-contundentes-en-toronto.aspx|title=Karen Cope y Natalia Alfaro avanzan contundentes en Toronto|trans-title=Karen Cope and Natalia Alfaro strong advance in Toronto|location=Toronto|publisher=AFECAVOL|language=Spanish|date=2015-07-17|accessdate=2016-08-09}} but lost 0–2 in the quarterfinals round to the Canadians,{{cite web|url=http://www.afecavol.org/afecavol/noticias/2015/07/cope-y-natalia-buscan-finalizar-quintas-en-toronto.aspx|title=Cope y Natalia buscan finalizar quintas en Toronto|trans-title=Cope and Natalia seek to finish fifth in Toronto|location=Toronto|publisher=AFECAVOL|language=Spanish|date=2015-06-19|accessdate=2016-08-09}} and 0-2 the Colombian Galindo sisters{{cite web|url=https://www.norceca.net/Colombia%20and%20United%20States%20to%20battle%20for%20fifth%20place.htm|title=Colombia and United States to battle for fifth place|location=Toronto, Canada|publisher=NORCECA|date=2015-07-20|accessdate=2016-08-09}} and ending their Pan American Games participation in the eighth place when they lost 0–2 to Uruguay.{{cite web|url=http://www.ovaciondigital.com.uy/multideportivo/uruguay-septimo-beach-volley.html|title=Uruguay fue séptimo en beach Volley|trans-title=Uruguay was seventh in beach volleyball|last=Naranjo|first=Julio|publisher=Ovacion|language=Spanish|date=2015-07-21|accessdate=2016-08-09}}

In October she won the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour silver medal in Saint Lucia when she lost 0–3 to the Americans Irene Hester and Caitlin Ledoux the gold medal match.{{cite web|url=http://www.teletica.com/Deportes/105855-Karen-Cope-y-Natalia-Alfaro-ganan-medalla-de-plata-en-la-sexta-fecha-del-NORCECA.note.aspx|title=Karen Cope y Natalia Alfaro ganan medalla de plata en la sexta fecha del NORCECA|trans-title=Karen Cope and Natalia Alfaro won the silver medal in the sixth stop of NORCECA|last=Naranjo|first=Julio|publisher=Teletica|language=Spanish|date=2015-06-14|accessdate=2016-08-09}}

The Costa Rican Institute for Sports and Recreation granted Kope a C$1,500,000 (Costa Rican Colones){{mdash}}approximately {{US$|2,830}} in March 2016{{mdash}} annual scholarship.{{cite web|url=http://test.prensalibre.cr/Noticias/detalle/62175/icoder-concede-%C2%A2200-millones-en-becas-para-deportistas|title=Icoder concede ¢200 millones en becas para deportistas|trans-title=Icoder grants ¢ 200 million in scholarships for athletes|last=Sanabria|first=Francisco|publisher=Prensa Libre|language=Spanish|date=2016-03-17|accessdate=2016-08-03}}

Togegther with Marcela Araya and Valeria Valenciano the duo of Alfaro and Cope qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics by winning the NORCECA Continental Cup, first time ever in beach volleyball for their home country.{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Voleibol-femenino-clasifico-Olimpiada-Rio_0_1569243162.html|title=Voleibol de playa femenino clasifica por primera vez a los Juegos Olímpicos|trans-title=Women beach volleyball qualified for the first time to the Olympics|last=Villareal|first=Juan Diego|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2016-06-26|accessdate=2016-08-09}} The knowledge of each other and a solid friendship was the foundation to achieve the Olympic berth,{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Voleibol_de_playa-Karen_Cope-Natalia_Alfaro-Juegos_Olimpicos_2016_0_1569443087.html|title=Natalia Alfaro encontró en Karen Cope el complemento perfecto para llegar a Río 2016|trans-title=Natalia Alfaro Karen Cope found the perfect complement to reach Rio 2016|last=Masis|first=Fiorella|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2016-06-28|accessdate=2016-08-09}} she also defined that moment as the result of teamwork and achieving the highest point in her sport career.{{cite web|url=http://sports.bycampbell.com/lo-mejor-del-mundo-deportivo/10376-karen-cope-pieza-fundamental-del-voleibol-de-playa-tico-en-rio.html|title=Karen Cope, pieza fundamental del voleibol de playa tico en Rio|trans-title=Karen Cope, a key part in tico beach volleyball in Rio|last=Brenes|first=Luis Carlos|publisher=Sports By Campbell|language=Spanish|date=2016-08-01|accessdate=2016-08-09|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202031529/http://sports.bycampbell.com/lo-mejor-del-mundo-deportivo/10376-karen-cope-pieza-fundamental-del-voleibol-de-playa-tico-en-rio.html|archivedate=2017-02-02}} The team was one of 10 Costa Rica representatives to the games.{{cite web|url=http://www.elpais.cr/2016/07/12/andrey-amador-y-nery-brenes-encabezan-delegacion-de-costa-rica-para-rio-2016/|title=Andrey Amador y Nery Brenes encabezan delegación de Costa Rica para Río 2016|trans-title=Andrey Amador and Nery Brenes of Costa Rica lead delegation for Rio 2016|location=San Jose|agency=EFE|publisher=El Pais|language=Spanish|date=2016-07-12|accessdate=2016-08-09}} They lost their first match 0–2 to Australia,{{cite web|url=http://www.nacion.com/deportes/otros-deportes/Juegos_Olimpicos_Rio_2016-voleibol_de_playa-Natalia_Alfaro-Karen_Cope_0_1577442275.html|title=Natalia Alfaro y Karen Cope pierden su primer partido en el voleibol de playa de los Juegos Olímpicos|trans-title=Natalia Alfaro and Karen Cope lost their first game at the beach volleyball Olympic Games|last=Tayver|first=Fanny|publisher=Nacion|language=Spanish|date=2016-08-06|accessdate=2016-08-09}} 0–2 to Netherlands in the second match.{{cite web|url=http://www.teletica.com/Deportes/133179-Natalia-Alfaro-y-Karen-Cope-pierden-ante-Holanda-su-segundo-juego-en-Rio-2016.note.aspx|title=Natalia Alfaro y Karen Cope pierden ante Holanda su segundo juego en Río 2016|trans-title=Natalia Alfaro and Karen Cope lost their second game against the Netherlands in Rio 2016|last=Naranjo|first=Julio|publisher=Teletica|language=Spanish|date=2016-08-08|accessdate=2016-08-09}}

• {{flagicon|SWE}} Engelholm VS (2006–2007)
• {{flagicon|CRC}} Universidad de Costa Rica (2007)
• {{flagicon|SWI}} Kanti Schaffhausen (2007–2009)
• {{flagicon|AUT}} SVS Post Schwechat (2009–2010)
• {{flagicon|CRC}} Universidad de Costa Rica (2010)
• {{flagicon|CHI}} Boston College (2011)
• {{flagicon|PUR}} Valencianas de Juncos (2012)
• {{flagicon|CRC}} San José Bio Gel (2012)

• ''2011 Chilean League "Best Spiker"
• 2012 Costa Rican League "Most Valuable Player"

• 2006-07 Swedish League - 16px Runner-Up, with Engelholm VS
• 2007-08 Swiss League - 16px Runner-Up, with Kanti Schaffhausen
• 2008 Swiss Supercup - 16px Champion, with Kanti Schaffhausen
• 2008-09 Swiss League - 16px Runner-Up, with Kanti Schaffhausen
• 2008-09 Swiss Cup - 16px Champion, with Kanti Schaffhausen
• 2010 Costa Rican League - 16px Champion, with Universidad de Costa Rica
• 2011 Chilean League Super-4 - 16px Champion, with Boston College
• 2012 Costa Rican League - 16px Champion, with San José Bio Gel

• {{FIVB beach player|124384}}
• [http://www.fivb.org/EN/Volleyball/Competitions/WorldChampionships/2010/Women/Players.asp?Tourn=WWCH2010&Team=CRC&No=118416 FIVB Indoor Profile]
• {{Beach Volleyball Database}}
• {{CEV player|5333}}
• {{Olympedia}}
• {{Olympics.com|karen-cope-charles}}
• {{2015 Pan American Games profile|beach-volleyball/athlete-profile-n10144708-cope-karen}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cope, Karen}}

Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:Costa Rican women's volleyball players

Category:Costa Rican women's beach volleyball players

Category:Beach volleyball players at the 2015 Pan American Games

Category:Pan American Games competitors for Costa Rica

Category:Sportspeople from Limón Province

Category:Beach volleyball players at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic beach volleyball players for Costa Rica

Category:Volleyball players at the 2007 Pan American Games

Category:Central American and Caribbean Games bronze medalists for Costa Rica

Category:Competitors at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games

Category:Central American and Caribbean Games medalists in volleyball