Dr. G. Anthony Grant, Director of Athletics/DAPER Department Head:  

"I am shocked and truly saddened by news of the plane accident that has tragically taken the lives of Karenna, James and four other extraordinary people, including Karenna's father and mother, who were great fans and supporters of the women's soccer team.  

Both Karenna and James were tremendous contributors to their sport teams, the institution, and their local communities. They had great promise for the future, as did Karenna's brother, a former collegiate student-athlete at Swarthmore, and her brother's partner. We also send our condolences to the Swarthmore Athletics community, as I'm sure, like our community at MIT, that they are heartbroken today.  

This is a devastating loss for our athletics department and for the MIT community. We offer our sincere condolences and grieve with the Groff and Santoro families as well as their loved ones."

Martin Desmarais, Head Women's Soccer Coach:  

"Karenna was the face of MIT Women's Soccer during her time at MIT and in many ways is still the best example of a true MIT student-athlete – successful on the field, successful in the classroom and a beloved teammate.  

She won just about every award you could win playing college soccer, but I have no doubt that her favorite part about playing was just being with her teammates on the soccer field every day. She loved her teammates, she loved the game of soccer, and she loved competing as a college athlete. More than anything I will always remember how hard she worked to become one of the best players our program has ever had and how she was always smiling around the game. She just loved playing soccer."  

I would also just like to say that her parents, Michael and Joy, also had a big impact on MIT Women's Soccer during Karenna's time on the team. They hosted the team every preseason for a pool party and cookout at their house and helped with other activities around games during the season. With a team full of players from all over the country, they were often one of the few local parents that could easily be at games and their presence meant a lot to the team." 

Tyler O'Keefe, Walter Alessi Head Coach of Men's Lacrosse 

"I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of James, a former member of our lacrosse program. I share my deepest condolences to the Santoro and Groff families, friends and all those affected by this loss, including the MIT men's lacrosse community and the MIT women's soccer community."