Sopper was appointed as the head coach for UC Santa Barbara Gauchos ' women 's gymnastics team on August 31 , 2001 . UC Santa Barbara , just days earlier on August 10 , had announced the immediate discontinuation of the program , but it was re-instated on August 13 . Despite a pay-cut of over 70 % , a salary of $ 98,000 as a lawyer to her new $ 28,000 women 's gymnastics salary , and UC Santa Barbara officials stating the program 's termination in a year , Sopper agreed to take the job . She was aboard American Airlines Flight 77 en route to Los Angeles International Airport to begin her new career . She was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery
American Airlines Flight 77
American Airlines Flight 77
Mari-Rae Sopper