Kurt Budke & Miranda Serna: OSU Coaches Killed in Plane Crash

OSU women's basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna were killed in a plane crash on November 17, 2011. A statement from OSU reads in part, “Kurt was an exemplary leader and a man of character who had a profound impact on his student-athletes,” Hargis said. “He was an outstanding coach and a wonderful person. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Shelley, and their children, Sara, Alex and Brett. “Coach Budke elevated our women’s basketball program to new levels of success,” Hargis said. “He and his staff raised our profile in the nation’s toughest conference.” “Miranda was an up-and-coming coach and an outstanding role model for our young ladies.” Mike Holder, OSU vice president for athletics, said, “We are shocked by this terrible loss. Kurt Budke was an incredibly positive influence on his players and was a tremendous coach. He quickly turned our program around and put Cowgirl basketball on the map. Miranda was a tireless worker and great recruiter.”