Born and raised in East Tennessee; after graduating from Halls High School, Karen attended the University of Tennessee, married Daryle Smith in 1985, and in 1986 received a bachelor’s degree in human ecology/child and family studies with continued education in early childhood special education. 

After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Karen raised 3 boys and directed multiple weekday education programs in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. She then transitioned to Knox County schools as an early childhood special education teacher within the Head Start program. Karen has a combined 18 years of experience as a wife and mother of a professional athlete; and now blessed with the opportunity to be serving young athletes and the Triple F family. 

She is especially grateful for the opportunity to be working with her son, Lee and the rest of the Triple F family.