Karin Maessen of Halifax, Nova Scotia excelled at every level of her participation in sports, from high school, university, to nationally, and internationally. In the opinion of renowned sport historian Dr. Sandy Young, Maessen “is the best Nova Scotian all-round athlete in the modern era.” She was a member of the 1982 Dal Tigers that won the CIAU volleyball title and was named the tournament MVP.

Maessen was an All-Canadian in 1980, 1981 and 1982, followed by CIAU Outstanding Player in 1982. She was the Nova Scotia Female Athlete of the Year in 1981 and 1982 as well as a nine-year member of Canada’s National Volleyball Team.

She has coached the women’s volleyball team at the University of Victoria, Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, as well as the Nova Scotia Canada Games Team. Karin Maessen was inducted in to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1994.