Oklahoma State University Athletics
Title IX At 50: A Run To Remember
August 11, 2022 | Cowgirl Basketball
As we celebrate 50 years of Title IX, travel back in time with us as we recount several program-defining moments throughout the history of Cowgirl Basketball which have helped shape the program.
From the unthinkable to the improbable.
That was the story of the 2011-12 season for the Oklahoma State women's basketball team as tragedy struck the Cowgirls just one game into the campaign.
While on a recruiting trip in Arkansas on Nov. 17, head coach Kurt Budke, assistant coach Miranda Serna and supporters Olin and Paula Branstetter were killed in a plane crash.
After canceling a pair of games, the Cowgirls collected themselves and returned to the floor against Coppin State on Nov. 26.
"It's the best therapy we could have," OSU President Burns Hargis said of the Cowgirls' return to the court. "I just think the whole OSU family came together wonderfully. It's not going to be easy. There are going to be a lot of tough times ahead, but if we pull together we'll figure out a way to get through this."
In that first game back, OSU notched a 59-35 victory and would reel off six more victories to improve to 8-0 on the year.
The Cowgirls would continued to honor the 4 throughout the winter, battling their way to eight league wins, including victories over Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Iowa State.
A late rally in the first round of the Big 12 Championship against Missouri came up short and put OSU's postseason destination into question.
As the 64-team field for the NCAA bracket was revealed the Cowgirls came in at No. 65.
March Madness for OSU would instead consist of a berth in the WNIT.
Despite the disappointment of being on the outside of the Big Dance looking in, the Cowgirls adopted the mentality of their point guard, Tiffany Bias.
"If we are going to play in it, we need to go win it."
And win they did.
After opening with a resounding 72-51 victory over Central Arkansas, the Cowgirls easily handled Wichita State, 63-44, and Missouri State, 70-57, to set up a quarterfinal matchup against a familiar foe in Colorado.
With its 78-70 victory, OSU would reach the WNIT semifinals for the first time in program history while securing its 20th win on the year. Additionally, OSU would set a school single-season mark with its 16th victory inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.
The homestand continued with a 73-57 triumph over San Diego to set up a showdown against a formidable James Madison squad, which sported a 29-7 record on the year.
Behind a 25-point effort from Toni Young, 17 points and 11 assists from Bias and Liz Donohoe's fifth consecutive double-double, the Cowgirls successfully finished their run with a 75-68 victory.
The journey from tragedy to triumph was completed with Budke's wife, Shelley, cutting down the final piece of net.
"It was a roller coaster. When we were sad, we were sad. When we were happy, we were happy. I think we all went through that. It was a tough spot, but we're getting through it as a team and as one," Bias said.
Following the victory, the Cowgirls were recognized with the inaugural RUSSELL ATHLETIC "Together We R" Team Award, honoring programs that have striven to succeed in the face of adversity, overcoming extraordinary circumstances.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Devon Energy paid tribute to the squad as well with the Devon Energy Community Hero Award, while former OSU President and Senator Jim Halligan and OSU alum and Senator Eddie Fields authored the Senate Concurrent Resolution 37 in recognition of the squad.
"After everything this team has gone through in the last six months, these ladies showed tremendous heart and courage throughout the season and they are to be commended," Halligan said. "Their dedication and perseverance is an amazing tribute to the memories of our lost OSU family members."
From the unthinkable to the improbable.
That was the story of the 2011-12 season for the Oklahoma State women's basketball team as tragedy struck the Cowgirls just one game into the campaign.
While on a recruiting trip in Arkansas on Nov. 17, head coach Kurt Budke, assistant coach Miranda Serna and supporters Olin and Paula Branstetter were killed in a plane crash.
After canceling a pair of games, the Cowgirls collected themselves and returned to the floor against Coppin State on Nov. 26.
"It's the best therapy we could have," OSU President Burns Hargis said of the Cowgirls' return to the court. "I just think the whole OSU family came together wonderfully. It's not going to be easy. There are going to be a lot of tough times ahead, but if we pull together we'll figure out a way to get through this."
In that first game back, OSU notched a 59-35 victory and would reel off six more victories to improve to 8-0 on the year.
The Cowgirls would continued to honor the 4 throughout the winter, battling their way to eight league wins, including victories over Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Iowa State.
A late rally in the first round of the Big 12 Championship against Missouri came up short and put OSU's postseason destination into question.
As the 64-team field for the NCAA bracket was revealed the Cowgirls came in at No. 65.
March Madness for OSU would instead consist of a berth in the WNIT.
Despite the disappointment of being on the outside of the Big Dance looking in, the Cowgirls adopted the mentality of their point guard, Tiffany Bias.
"If we are going to play in it, we need to go win it."
And win they did.
After opening with a resounding 72-51 victory over Central Arkansas, the Cowgirls easily handled Wichita State, 63-44, and Missouri State, 70-57, to set up a quarterfinal matchup against a familiar foe in Colorado.
With its 78-70 victory, OSU would reach the WNIT semifinals for the first time in program history while securing its 20th win on the year. Additionally, OSU would set a school single-season mark with its 16th victory inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.
The homestand continued with a 73-57 triumph over San Diego to set up a showdown against a formidable James Madison squad, which sported a 29-7 record on the year.
Behind a 25-point effort from Toni Young, 17 points and 11 assists from Bias and Liz Donohoe's fifth consecutive double-double, the Cowgirls successfully finished their run with a 75-68 victory.
The journey from tragedy to triumph was completed with Budke's wife, Shelley, cutting down the final piece of net.
"It was a roller coaster. When we were sad, we were sad. When we were happy, we were happy. I think we all went through that. It was a tough spot, but we're getting through it as a team and as one," Bias said.
Following the victory, the Cowgirls were recognized with the inaugural RUSSELL ATHLETIC "Together We R" Team Award, honoring programs that have striven to succeed in the face of adversity, overcoming extraordinary circumstances.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Devon Energy paid tribute to the squad as well with the Devon Energy Community Hero Award, while former OSU President and Senator Jim Halligan and OSU alum and Senator Eddie Fields authored the Senate Concurrent Resolution 37 in recognition of the squad.
"After everything this team has gone through in the last six months, these ladies showed tremendous heart and courage throughout the season and they are to be commended," Halligan said. "Their dedication and perseverance is an amazing tribute to the memories of our lost OSU family members."
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