Caren Kemner played volleyball at the University of Arizona, but left after two seasons to join the US National Team, where she had a long tenure from 1985-96. Kemner played in three Olympics for the US (1988, 1992, 1996), winning a bronze medal in 1992. She also won a bronze medal at the 1987 Pan American Games. Kemner competed four times for the US at the NORCECA (North American, Central American, and Caribbean) Championships, winning silver medals each time, in 1985, 1987, 1991, and 1993. She played at the 1986 and 1990 World Championships, winning bronze in 1990, and at the 1986 and 1990 Goodwill Games, winning bronze in 1986.
Kemner played professionally for seven years in Brazil, Italy, and Japan. She then became a volleyball coach. She returned to her home of Quincy, Illinois to care for her ailing parents, and coached at her alma mater, Quincy Notre Dame High School. She later took over the volleyball program at Culver-Stockton College, near Quincy. Kemner also founded the non-profit Riverfront Athletic Association.
United States