University of Minnesota Athletics
Remembering and Celebrating Gopher Baseball Legends: Dianne Ficenko-Olson
1/21/2021 12:12:00 PM | Baseball
Throughout the 132-plus years of history that serves as the foundation for the University of Minnesota baseball program, there are countless figures who have gone above and beyond to make the Maroon & Gold what they are today. Over the years, the Gopher family has bid farewell to many of these influential minds, but it nevertheless remains essential to remember and celebrate the great people that helped build Minnesota into one of the nation's premier programs.
One such person is the late Dianne Ficenko-Olson (1954-2005), who played a vital role in the Gopher Baseball family for 24 years. Dianne started working at the University of Minnesota Athletic Department in 1982 as the secretary for head coach John Anderson during the early days of his coaching career.
"Dianne was the voice and spirit of the Gopher Baseball family for 24 years," Anderson said. "She helped create, and wove our players, their families, our alumni, boosters and fans into a closely knit group that was like her own family."
Throughout her tenure, Dianne was responsible for coordinating the Gophers' team travel, day-to-day operations and assisting with the annual DQ/Hormel Classic hosted at the Metrodome every March. In her honor, the garden at Siebert Field is named after her, as is the annual Dugout Club Player of the Year Award.
"She kept all us in line and made everyone feel like they mattered," Anderson said. "The bond she created by being a good listener and caregiver to us all translated into the many relationships that the former players maintained for many years with Dianne."
As a 1972 graduate of Fridley High School, Dianne loved the outdoors, was an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting as well as fishing. She loved her family, the holidays and especially the players, staff and families of Gopher Baseball. The Gopher Baseball family fondly remembers Dianne for her dedication to the program, the players and her infectious, lovable personality.
"Her legacy will forever be a part of the Gopher Baseball family and the inspirations of her life will live on, woven into the fabric of the University of Minnesota Athletic Department," Anderson said.
One such person is the late Dianne Ficenko-Olson (1954-2005), who played a vital role in the Gopher Baseball family for 24 years. Dianne started working at the University of Minnesota Athletic Department in 1982 as the secretary for head coach John Anderson during the early days of his coaching career.
"Dianne was the voice and spirit of the Gopher Baseball family for 24 years," Anderson said. "She helped create, and wove our players, their families, our alumni, boosters and fans into a closely knit group that was like her own family."
Throughout her tenure, Dianne was responsible for coordinating the Gophers' team travel, day-to-day operations and assisting with the annual DQ/Hormel Classic hosted at the Metrodome every March. In her honor, the garden at Siebert Field is named after her, as is the annual Dugout Club Player of the Year Award.
"She kept all us in line and made everyone feel like they mattered," Anderson said. "The bond she created by being a good listener and caregiver to us all translated into the many relationships that the former players maintained for many years with Dianne."
As a 1972 graduate of Fridley High School, Dianne loved the outdoors, was an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting as well as fishing. She loved her family, the holidays and especially the players, staff and families of Gopher Baseball. The Gopher Baseball family fondly remembers Dianne for her dedication to the program, the players and her infectious, lovable personality.
"Her legacy will forever be a part of the Gopher Baseball family and the inspirations of her life will live on, woven into the fabric of the University of Minnesota Athletic Department," Anderson said.
Follow Minnesota Baseball
Support Minnesota Baseball
Support the University of Minnesota Baseball program. Your support helps our student-athletes succeed athletically, academically, and socially. It takes just seconds to make a monthly or one-time donation. Thank you for your support! Give Now
Highlights: Gophers 14, Milwaukee 4
Tuesday, March 03
Highlights: Gophers 10, Kansas 3
Saturday, February 28
Highlights: Gophers 12, Kansas 5
Friday, February 27
Highlights: Gophers 7, Kansas 8
Wednesday, February 25