Dr. Carol Ludvigson Obituary News: Student-Athlete, Coach, Teacher and Administrator at University of Oklahoma Passes Away
The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Carol Ludvigson. Dr. Ludvigson, who served as the Deputy Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Experience and Well-Being and was the former Head Women’s Golf Coach for 24 years, passed away on Thursday at the age of 63 after battling cancer.
Ludvigson has had a significant impact on OU’s campus, dedicating over 40 years to serving the athletics department in various roles, including as a student-athlete, coach, and administrator. She was a true inspiration to the university and its athletic community, touching the lives of numerous OU students, athletes, and colleagues with her unwavering passion and positive attitude, consistently brightening everyone’s day.
“Carol fought her illness with incredible strength for a considerable period of time, and yet her passing still comes as an immense surprise,” expressed OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. “Despite the challenges she encountered during her health battles, she always maintained a positive outlook, concealing the immense hardships she endured.” We are overwhelmed with sorrow, but we find solace in knowing that Carol has found tranquility at last.
“Carol’s influence on our department, our staff, coaches, and student-athletes is truly unparalleled. The attention she gave to everyone she interacted with showcased her profound understanding and respect for the worth of each person. She made a conscious effort to create time in her schedule to ensure that we felt valued, encouraged, listened to, and acknowledged. She embraced life and everything it had to offer, ensuring that she and those around her understood the importance of contributing to a greater cause. She did that on our behalf.”
A former OU golfer from 1978–82, Ludvigson had an impressive collegiate career. He earned four letters, served as a team captain for three years, and was recognized as a three-time Academic All-American. From 1985 to 2009, she held the position of head women’s golf coach for the Sooners. During her tenure, she provided guidance and support to numerous All-Americans and academic All-Americans. She led OU to the 1991 Big Eight Championship and the 2000 Big 12 Championship, making her one of the few coaches to achieve team titles in both leagues.
Under her guidance, the Sooners achieved great success, winning 31 tournaments and qualifying for the NCAA tournament five times. In 1995, she received the co-national coach of the year award. She was also recognized as the Big Eight Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1995 and the Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2001. Additionally, she received various regional coaching honors.
