Coach Maria Karis enters her 2nd year as the Varsity Girls Soccer Coach. Karis, who attended Shenendehowa, was a Co-Captain for the Section II and Regional Champions. She also helped lead her team to the finals of the Class "A" State Championship her senior year. During Karis' tenure at Shen, she was also named "Most Improved Player of the Year" and was a second team Suburban Council All-Star.

After graduating from Shenendehowa, Karis attended St. John's University in Queens, NY. At St. John's, she was a positive contributing member of the Division 1 team, starting in all twenty of the Red Storm's contests her freshman year. Coach Karis continued to have a successful career for her remaining years at SJU. Karis was also a member of the Big East All-Academic Team each year.

Coach Karis obtained a degree in Elementary Education in 2001 and began teaching in Brooklyn. While teaching, she earned her Master's Degree in Math, Science, and Technology for Elementary Teachers. She graduated with honors from Hofstra University in 2005.

Currently, Coach Karis is a Literacy Specialist at Chango and Karigon Elementary Schools. She is also a coach for the Shenendehowa Varsity Outdoor Track and Field team during the spring season. Coach Karis continues to play soccer and always looks forward to playing against the Shen Varsity Girls in the off season.