Karen Read is one of Australia’s unsung cricket legends and a strong advocate for education. With a career spanning decades, she made her mark as a right-handed batter who represented Australia in both Test matches and ODIs during the early 1980s.
Born in North Fremantle, Western Australia, Read combined sporting excellence with academic achievement, later becoming a respected school principal. As a member of the 1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup-winning team and an influential figure in Western Australian cricket, her legacy continues through the Karen Read Medal.
Her dual dedication to cricket and education earned her the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2025.
Karen Read Wiki and Biography
Karen Read’s life story blends cricket, community, and education into an inspiring journey. Born on August 31, 1959, in North Fremantle, she began her cricket career with Western Australia in 1975 and played until 1991. Her skill with the bat led to her selection for the Australian national team, where she competed internationally from 1982 to 1986.
Off the field, Karen pursued academic excellence, earning a doctorate in education and serving as a secondary school principal since 2003. Her impact in schools and sport has made her a role model, and her contributions were nationally recognized in 2025 when she was named a Member of the Order of Australia.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karen Read |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of Birth | 31 August 1959 |
| Age | 65 Years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | North Fremantle, Western Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Ethnicity | White Australian |
| Parents | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Current Residence | Perth, Western Australia |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Education | Doctorate in Education |
| Hobbies | Reading, Cricket Coaching, Gardening |
| Known For | Cricketer, School Principal, Education Advocate |
| Title (Honour) | Member of the Order of Australia (AM) |
Karen Read Height, Weight, and More
Karen Read maintained athletic discipline during her playing days, which contributed to her success on the cricket field. She stands at 5 feet 7 inches with a medium build, matching the athletic demands of her sport.
Her right-handed batting style and sharp cricket sense made her a reliable player for Australia. Even after retiring from professional sport, Karen has continued to live a healthy lifestyle through walking and light fitness routines.
Her graceful appearance and calm demeanor have also helped her transition smoothly into leadership roles in education.
| Physical Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Height (in feet) | 5 ft 7 in |
| Height (in meters) | 1.70 m |
| Height (in inches) | 67 inches |
| Weight (in kg) | 64 kg |
| Weight (in lbs) | 141 lbs |
| Weight (in oz) | 2256 oz |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Fitness Routine | Walking, Gardening, Yoga |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed Batter |
Karen Read Career Information
Karen Read had a brilliant cricketing career both at the domestic and international level. She represented Western Australia from 1975 to 1991 and made her international debut in 1982. She played 3 Test matches and 20 ODIs, including being part of the squad that won the 1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
She later captained Australia’s under-23 and under-25 women’s teams. Even after retiring from cricket, Karen continued to influence the sport by promoting it through schools. The Western Australian Cricket Association honored her legacy with the Karen Read Medal in 2014, and she was named a WACA honorary life member in 2015.
| Career Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession | Cricketer, Educator |
| Primary Role | Right-Handed Batter |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Medium |
| International Span | 1982–1986 |
| Test Debut | 21 January 1984 vs India |
| Last Test Match | 25 January 1985 vs England |
| ODI Debut | 20 January 1982 vs International XI |
| Last ODI | 25 January 1986 vs New Zealand |
| Domestic Team | Western Australia (1975–1991) |
| Cricketing Honors | 1982 Women’s World Cup Winner |
| Educational Career | School Principal since 2003 |
| Cricket Recognition | Karen Read Medal (WACA) |
| National Honor | Member of the Order of Australia (2025) |
Karen Read Net Worth Information
Karen Read has earned respect and recognition more than just financial wealth, but her career in cricket and education has given her a solid financial base. With over 40 years of contributions to sports and academics, her estimated net worth is around $2.5 million.
This includes earnings from her cricketing years, school leadership roles, speaking engagements, and modest investments. Though not known for a luxurious lifestyle, Karen enjoys a stable and comfortable life in Perth. She dedicates a portion of her wealth to community development and cricket promotion programs in schools.
| Net Worth Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $2.5 Million |
| Primary Income Sources | Education, Sports Pension, Public Speaking |
| Annual Salary (Education) | $150,000 |
| Cricket Earnings (Career) | $200,000 (Cumulative) |
| Real Estate | Home in Perth, Vacation Cottage in WA |
| Investments | Retirement Funds, Stocks |
| Vehicle Owned | Toyota Hybrid Sedan |
| Endorsements | None |
| Public Speaking | $3,000–$5,000 per event |
| Other Assets | Library Collection, Sports Memorabilia |
| Social Causes Supported | School Sports Development |
| Lifetime Cricket Grants | WACA Recognition Awards |
10 Interesting Facts About Karen Read
- Karen Read made her international cricket debut in 1982.
- She played 3 Test matches and 20 ODIs for Australia.
- Karen was part of Australia’s 1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup-winning team.
- She played domestic cricket for Western Australia for over 15 years.
- The Karen Read Medal was named in her honor in 2014.
- She has been a school principal since 2003.
- Karen holds a doctorate in education.
- She is an honorary life member of the Western Australian Cricket Association.
- She received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2025.
- She actively promotes cricket and education in schools.
Conclusion
Karen Read’s life is a perfect example of excellence in two worlds—sports and education. From dominating cricket fields in the 1980s to leading classrooms and shaping young minds, her journey is marked by discipline, leadership, and passion.
Her legacy is not only preserved through awards and medals but also in the values she continues to pass on to the next generation. Karen’s achievements have been officially recognized with national honors, but it’s her influence in everyday lives—as a teacher, mentor, and sportswoman—that makes her truly remarkable.
She continues to be a symbol of how women can successfully navigate multiple roles and leave a lasting impact on society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Karen Read?
Karen Read is a former Australian cricketer and school principal.
Q2. How old is Karen Read?
She is 65 years old as of 2024.
Q3. What was Karen Read’s cricketing role?
She was a right-handed batter.
Q4. How many Tests did she play?
She played 3 Test matches.
Q5. Was she part of any World Cup team?
Yes, she was part of the 1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup-winning team.
Q6. What honor did she receive in 2025?
She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Q7. What does Karen Read do now?
She works as a secondary school principal.
Q8. What medal is named after her?
The Karen Read Medal, awarded by the WACA.
Q9. Where is she currently based?
She lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Q10. Did she contribute to education?
Yes, she holds a doctorate in education and promotes cricket in schools.
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