Former OU golf coach Ludvigson dies
Longtime OU women’s golf coach and deputy athletics director Dr. Carol Ludvigson died from cancer on Thursday, the university announced. She was 63.
Ludvigson spent more than 40 years in the department, first as a golfer before becoming a coach and administrator.
“Carol fought her illness bravely for some time, and yet her loss still comes as a great shock,” OU vice president and director of Athletics Joe Castiglione said in a release. “Ever positive, the resiliency she demonstrated throughout her health struggles masked the great difficulty she faced. We are wrecked with grief, but thankful that Carol is now finally at peace.
“Carol’s impact on our department, our staff, coaches and student-athletes is simply unmatched. The care she took with everyone she engaged illustrated her deep awareness and appreciation for each individual’s value. She was intentional, carving out space in her day to make sure that we felt loved, supported, heard and seen. She seized life and all it had to offer, making sure she and those around her recognized that we all have a responsibility to contribute to something larger than ourselves. She did that for us here.”
Ludvigson played golf for the Sooners from 1978-82 and was the coach from 1985-2009, winning the 1991 Big Eight title and 2000 Big 12 championship. OU won 31 tournaments and made five NCAA Tournaments under her guidance. She was also named co-national coach of the year in 1995 and Big Eight Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1995. She was the Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2001.