University of Minnesota Athletics
U Mourns Loss of Long-Time Senior Associate Donna Olson
2/7/2020 1:58:00 PM | Athletics
The University of Minnesota Athletic Department is saddened to learn of the passing of Donna Olson, who was a former senior associate women's athletics director. Olson, who retired from Minnesota in 2001, passed away in her home state of Idaho at the age of 74.
Olson worked in collegiate athletics for 40 years as a coach and administrator, including the last 16 at Minnesota. In addition to Minnesota, Olson was an associate athletics director at Montclair State University after stints as head softball and field hockey coach. She devoted her entire career to the advancement of women's athletics.
"Donna spent 16 years at Minnesota and left a lasting impact," said Athletics Director Mark Coyle. "She leaves a legacy of being a champion and ardent supporter of women's athletics, and her hard work and dedication is still evident every time that one of our women's teams compete."
While at Minnesota, Olson oversaw the day-to-day operations of 12 varsity sports, event management and the medical and performance enhancement areas. During her tenure, Olson also served as the University of Minnesota's tournament manager for NCAA and Big Ten Championships. She also played a key role in the design and development of seven new facilities as well as the addition of soccer, hockey and rowing as varsity sports. Along with her U of M responsibilities, Olson also served as a member of the NCAA Olympic Liaison Committee and Big Ten Conference Sports Governing Committee.
"Donna Olson's legacy extends beyond the brick and mortar of Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, Jane Sage Cowles Softball Field and Ridder Arena," Gopher supporter Julianne Bye said. "She had the extraordinary ability to connect with student athletes, coaches, staff, supporters, University officials and those reluctant to support the women athletes. Her winning smile disguised an unwavering commitment to the women student athletes. She was the best of the best."
Following her retirement, Olson received the 2012 National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to individuals who have dedicated their professional career to advancing women in sport and rendered meritorious service. In 2000, Olson received a Special Merit Award at the state of Minnesota's National Girls and Women in Sports Day, while in October of 1999, was named to Montclair State's Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1996, Olson was also involved in the Olympic Games, where she served on the Atlanta Committee as a sport manager for men's and women's basketball.
A 1967 graduate of the University of Idaho, Olson received her bachelor's degree in education. She earned a master's degree in education in 1971 from Washington State University.
Olson worked in collegiate athletics for 40 years as a coach and administrator, including the last 16 at Minnesota. In addition to Minnesota, Olson was an associate athletics director at Montclair State University after stints as head softball and field hockey coach. She devoted her entire career to the advancement of women's athletics.
"Donna spent 16 years at Minnesota and left a lasting impact," said Athletics Director Mark Coyle. "She leaves a legacy of being a champion and ardent supporter of women's athletics, and her hard work and dedication is still evident every time that one of our women's teams compete."
While at Minnesota, Olson oversaw the day-to-day operations of 12 varsity sports, event management and the medical and performance enhancement areas. During her tenure, Olson also served as the University of Minnesota's tournament manager for NCAA and Big Ten Championships. She also played a key role in the design and development of seven new facilities as well as the addition of soccer, hockey and rowing as varsity sports. Along with her U of M responsibilities, Olson also served as a member of the NCAA Olympic Liaison Committee and Big Ten Conference Sports Governing Committee.
"Donna Olson's legacy extends beyond the brick and mortar of Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, Jane Sage Cowles Softball Field and Ridder Arena," Gopher supporter Julianne Bye said. "She had the extraordinary ability to connect with student athletes, coaches, staff, supporters, University officials and those reluctant to support the women athletes. Her winning smile disguised an unwavering commitment to the women student athletes. She was the best of the best."
Following her retirement, Olson received the 2012 National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to individuals who have dedicated their professional career to advancing women in sport and rendered meritorious service. In 2000, Olson received a Special Merit Award at the state of Minnesota's National Girls and Women in Sports Day, while in October of 1999, was named to Montclair State's Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1996, Olson was also involved in the Olympic Games, where she served on the Atlanta Committee as a sport manager for men's and women's basketball.
A 1967 graduate of the University of Idaho, Olson received her bachelor's degree in education. She earned a master's degree in education in 1971 from Washington State University.
Remembering Tom Moe
Friday, February 27
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Wednesday, February 04
Cub Plays of the Week
Wednesday, September 24
Cub Plays of the Week
Thursday, September 18