Tennis Signs Incoming Freshman Naomi Karki

PISCATWAY, N.J. – Rutgers women’s tennis head coach Hilary Ritchie announced the signing of Naomi Karki on Friday afternoon. Karki, a local from East Brunswick, New Jersey, will join the team in the 2023 fall as a freshman.  

“I am thrilled that Naomi has decided to join our squad,” Ritchie said. “She is a great example of local New Jersey talent, both academically and athletically. Naomi is hard working and mentally tough.  Our coaching staff is really looking forward to working with her.” 

“From the conversations I had and the time I spent with Coach Hilary, I felt she truly understood and supports my goals,” Karki said. “She always made Rutgers feel like a home for me and that meant a lot. I always loved that Rutgers has such strong academics and athletics, and getting to know coach Ritchie, coach Barrett and the team throughout recruiting made me feel connected to them.” 

Karki had an extremely successful 2019 season, leading her team to a NJSIAA State Championship. The team also secured GMC and Red Division titles in the process.  

As an individual, Karki compiled a dominant 24-2 record and was named the Heather O’Reilly Freshman of the Year as well as the GMC Fall Athlete of the Year by MyCentralJersey.com. She was also selected as the Girls Tennis MVP that season.

During the 2021 season, Karki guided her squad to repeat as both GMC and Red Division Champions. She also advanced to semifinals in doubles of G18 National Winter Championships. 

Karki spent the summer of 2022 training at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Villena, Spain. 

Off the court, Karki is a member of both the National and Spanish Honors Societies.  

“While I do live very close to Rutgers, it was very refreshing visiting the various campuses, Karki added. “They are so new to me that it feels like I’m discovering parts of New Jersey I didn’t know existed. I’m excited to explore the brilliant facilities during my time at Rutgers. I truly feel I can prosper in this environment.”