Zak Keefer

zak.keefer@indystar.com

For the first time in 12 years, the Butler women's basketball program is searching for a new head coach.

Beth Couture has been fired following a 15-16 campaign that saw four of her players transfer as soon as the season finished. Another player left before the season began.

All told, nine players have decided to transfer from the Butler women's program since 2010, and four assistant coaches have left as well.

"I feel like everyone left because the culture just isn't very good," said one of the five players to transfer, Liz Stratman. "The culture just wasn't very good. Nobody was happy, so we all decided to leave.

"I came in with an open mind, but when I got there it wasn't the culture it was when I was being recruited there," Stratman said. "I just wasn't happy with the program."

Butler athletic director Barry Collier announced Wednesday that assistant coach Kurt Godlevske will take over as interim coach, while the search for a permanent head coach will begin immediately.

Couture was 193-174 in 12 seasons at Butler, including five women's NIT appearances.

Godlevske first joined Butler's staff last season after spending seven years as the girls' head coach at Bedford North Lawrence, where he went 120-41 and guided the Stars to a 28-0 mark and Class 4A state championship in 2013.

"I am very pleased that Kurt Godlevske has agreed to lead our program at this time," Collier said. "Kurt is highly respected, a tireless worked and has excellent relationships throughout the game of basketball."

Call Star reporter Zak Keefer at (317) 444-6134 and follow him on Twitter: @zkeefer.