Swimming & Diving Adds Former Spartan To Staff
10/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | Swimming and Diving
Oct. 7, 2008
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State swimming and diving head coach Matt Gianiodis announced Tuesday, Oct. 7 he has added former Spartan swimmer Dianne (Oliver) Johnson as an assistant coach. Johnson swam for MSU from 1996-2000.
"I am really happy we could work the details out to get Dianne here to help out our program," said Gianiodis. "She is a great Spartan and she has a great amount of energy and she is going to really be an asset for this season. I also have to thank our many alumni and boosters whose generous donations made this position possible."
In 1997 and 2000, Johnson was a top-eight finisher in the 50 freestyle at the Big Ten Championships for which she earned All-Big Ten honors. She also competed at the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials. Since graduating with a degree in parks and recreation, Johnson has been federal law enforcement Park Ranger for the National Park Service. In 2004, she has also founded the Grand Traverse Masters Swim Team.
"Competing as a Spartan and now being able to coach the Spartans is a dream come true for me," Johnson said. "I look forward to the opportunities and challenges this season brings."
The Spartans will hold their annual Green and White meet this Friday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at IM West before the regular season begins Saturday when the women's team takes on Minnesota at 2 p.m.
