Kara began coaching at Pikes Peak Volleyball Club while she was playing on the National Team in Colorado Springs in 1998. In 1999, Kara began coaching club volleyball at San Diego Volleyball Club. She coached there for 20 years and has coached top teams in all age groups. Kara coached one year for Mt. Carmel High School before she began coaching at Rancho Bernarado High School in 2016. In 2017, she led the Rancho Bernardo Broncos to the State Championship in Division IV. As a coach, she focuses on developing her players skills, strengthening team chemistry, and instilling a competitive spirit in her athletes. She has a true passion for volleyball and wants her players to enjoy every moment!

As a player, Kara played Varsity volleyball for 4 years at Poway High School. She was the MVP of both the Palomar League and CIF for 3 years (1991-1993). She was also First Team Palomar League and CIF in basketball from 1993-1994. Being a 2 sport athlete helped her achieve Poway High School's Female Athlete of the Year in 1992 and in 1993. She was a USA High School All American in 1993 as well as the Paul Mitchell High School Volleyball All-American in 1993. In 1992 and 1993, Kara was a member of the U.S. Junior Elite Volleyball Team. She played her club volleyball career at San Diego Volleyball Club. She made it to the finals of the Volleyball Festival in her 14's and 16's age divisions.

Kara earned a full ride scholarship to UCLA. She was a 4 year starter at UCLA and played for Andy Banachowski. While at UCLA, Kara made the Pac-10 and Volleyball Magazine All-Freshman Team in 1994. She made the All-Pac 10 honorable mention in 1995 and 1996. Kara was First Team All- Pac 10 in 1997, First Team All-District 8 in 1997, and was a Second Team All-American in 1997. She finished third in most kills at UCLA (1,691), and third nationally in 1997. She also made the Athletic Director's honor roll in 1997 and 1998.

Professionally, Kara was a United States National Team in 1998 and 1999, and competed in the World University Games in 1997.

Kara majored in Sociology and specialized in Education. She has her Masters in Education, California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and Single Subject Credentials in both Physical Education and Health Science. Kara has been teaching in Poway Unified School District since 2000. Kara enjoys spending time outdoors, and is an animal lover. She is married to her husband Aaron and they have three kids, Luke, Jenna, and Jake.