Karen Henrikson

Karen Lee Henrikson (born 20 February 1961) is a former netball player who played on 16 occasions for New Zealand in the 1980s. She served in the New Zealand Police, rising to the rank of inspector, while continuing her involvement with netball as a coach.

Early life Henrikson was born on 20 February 1961 in Matamata in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. She was brought up on a farm and had two brothers. She went to school at Matamata College.

Netball playing career Playing for Wellington as a wing attack (WA) or centre (C), Henrikson was first selected for the Silver Ferns in 1985, playing her first game in July of that year, against Northern Ireland. The Silver Ferns were unbeaten in 1985 and she was a member of the team that won the gold medal at that year's World Games, which were held in London. She was reselected for the team in 1986.

Netball coaching For much of her time as a police officer, Henrikson was also able to continue her involvement with netball, including being assistant coach and then coach for the Waikato representative team in the national championships. At Waikato she worked with two other former Silver Ferns, Margaret Forsyth and Tracey Fear.

Awards and honours In 2012, Henrikson received the award for most outstanding female leader in the Australasian Council of Women and Policing's Excellence in Policing Awards. In the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the New Zealand Police and the community.