UCSB Women's Gymnastics Coach, Mari-Rae Sopper, Among Those Who Perished On American Airlines Flight 77

Santa Barbara, Calif. - Mari-Rae Sopper, recently appointed women's gymnastics coach at UC Santa Barbara, was among those who perished on American Airlines Flight 77, bound from Dulles Airport in Washington D.C. to Los Angeles International Airport, it was confirmed today.

Sopper was appointed to her post on August 31, and was making the trip to California to begin her job as the Gaucho women's gymnastics coach. "We are shocked and dismayed by what has happened," said UCSB Athletic Director Gary Cunningham. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her family. Mari-Rae was a very dynamic and enthusiastic person and it is tragic that her life was cut short. We are all extremely saddened by the loss, and its significance cannot be expressed in words." UCSB Chancellor Henry T. Yang also expressed his sorrow.

"We are extremely saddened by the loss of a dedicated educator and coach, and our hearts go out to her relatives and loved ones," Chancellor Yang said. "We had been impressed by Mari-Rae's Sopper's enthusiasm, and were looking forward very much to the direction and energy she would bring to our women's gymnastics program. Although our student-athletes had not yet had an opportunity to meet Mari-Rae, they were extremely excited about her impending arrival. We have made counseling available on campus to these athletes as well as other students, staff, and faculty."