The NAIA began offering national championship competition for women during the 1980-81 academic year. Karen Regman-Kessler came along at the right time for both Grand Canyon and the NAIA. She helped to anchor the on-court effort for Grand Canyon, leading the way to the 1981 National Championship. The 1982 and 1983 GCU teams finished 3rd at the NAIA Championships. A three-time NAIA First Team All-American, she teamed with two different partners (Pat Smith-Evola in 1981 & 1982 and Jo Murto in 1983) to win three NAIA Doubles National Championship Awards. Karen was also a two-time quarter-finalist in NAIA Singles (1982 & 1983) and capped her career by being named Outstanding Performer at the 1983 NAIA National Championships.