What Happened to Karenna Groff? NCAA Star Dies in NY Plane Crash – Legacy Remembered

Former MIT soccer standout and NCAA Woman of the Year Karenna Groff was among six individuals tragically killed in a private plane crash over the weekend in Copake, New York. The devastating news has left the sports and academic communities mourning a rising star who had already made a profound impact on and off the field.

Here’s what we know about the crash, Groff’s legacy, and the heartbreaking details that emerged.

Was Karenna Groff On the Plane That Crashed in New York?

Yes. Karenna Groff was one of the six victims aboard the Mitsubishi MU-2B twin-engine aircraft that crashed on Saturday in upstate New York. The flight went down in a remote, muddy field in Copake, near the Massachusetts border, just after noon.

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According to reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Associated Press, the plane did not respond to three urgent low-altitude alerts issued by air traffic controllers. No distress call was made before impact.

Among those traveling with Groff were her parents—Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, both medical professionals—and her boyfriend, James Santoro. All were confirmed deceased at the scene.

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Who Was Karenna Groff?

Karenna Groff wasn’t just a soccer player—she was a force for change in college athletics.

Groff played for MIT’s women’s soccer team, where she tied the program record for goals in a game (4 in 2019), posted one of the fastest hat-tricks in NCAA Division III history, and graduated ranking second all-time in both goals (50) and points (128), and fourth in assists (28).

In 2022, she was awarded the NCAA Woman of the Year, a national recognition honoring excellence in academics, athletics, service, and leadership.

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But Groff’s ambitions extended well beyond the soccer pitch. She was enrolled in NYU Langone’s Department of Neurosurgery, pursuing a career in medicine. Her dual dedication to sports and science made her a role model for student-athletes across the country.

How Did Karenna Groff Impact NIL in Women’s Sports?

Karenna Groff was also a vocal advocate for equality in college sports, especially regarding NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for women athletes.

She joined forces with H&R Block on a national initiative that committed millions of dollars to improve NIL visibility and deal flow for female student-athletes. Her work aimed to level the playing field in a rapidly shifting landscape where women were often left out of major endorsement conversations.

Her leadership helped push universities and brands to take gender equity in NIL seriously—setting an example for how athletes can drive systemic change.

What Happens Next?

The NTSB is currently investigating the cause of the crash, with early reports indicating a sudden loss of communication and no distress signal before impact. The muddy terrain complicated recovery efforts, but authorities have begun reviewing flight data and maintenance records of the aircraft.

A memorial service for Karenna Groff and the other victims is expected to be announced soon. MIT and NYU Langone have both issued statements mourning the loss and honoring her legacy.