USF Olympians
The Dons have been represented in the Olympics over 20 times, including once in the Winter Olympics.
Peter Arnautoff, Soccer Player (USF: 1975 - 1978)Â
The former Dons goalkeeper was selected for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, but did not get to play any games due to the United States boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games. At USF, he was the goalkeeper on three NCAA Championship teams. He did not allow a single goal in the 1976 NCAA tournament. He went on to play professionally in the NASL with the Edmonton Drillers and the Philadelphia Fury. He is in the USF Hall of Fame and has been named a USF Legend of the Hilltop.
Andy Atuegbu, Soccer Player (USF: 1974 - 1977)
The former Dons forward led the Nigerian Olympic team in 1976. At USF, he set the season scoring record with 14 goals in 1975. He was selected MVP of the 1975 and 1976 NCAA Finals. The three-time All-American is in the USF Hall of Fame.
Jennifer Azzi, Women's Basketball Coach (USF: 2010-2016)
Former USF head women's basketball coach, Azzi was a member of the USA Basketball Senior National Team from 1990-91 and 1993-98. A key member of the United States gold medal-winning 1996 Olympic Team that concluded a perfect 60-0 season with an 8-0 record during the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Azzi played on 13 USA National Teams, compiling a mark of 114-14. She also medaled three times at the World Championships, claiming gold in 1998 and 1990, while earning a bronze in 1994.
Laurie Corbelli, Volleyball Coach (USF: 1986-1989)
The former Don was a member of the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team (won silver in 1984). While coaching at USF earned West Coast Conference Coach of the Year Honors in 1987, guiding the team to a program best record of 9-5. She ranks second in career coaching victories for the Green and Gold.
Troy Dayak, Soccer Player (USF: 1989)
The former Don was a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team and has earned nine caps playing for the U.S. National Team. While at USF, he earned the Stephen Negoesco Award in 1989 (given to the top newcomer) and he also earned All-American First Team West Coast Conference Honors. He played eight seasons for the San Jose Clash/Earthquakes of the MLS and was named the 2001 MLS Comeback Player of the Year.
Gus Donoghue, Soccer Head Coach (Coach, USF: 1941-42, 1946-60); Player, USF: 1932-35)
The former Dons player and coach was a member of the 1936 U.S. Olympic team. He coached at USF for 15 years and guided the team to an amazing 121-12-14 record. He led the Green and Gold to a share of the 1950 College Bowl National Championship and 11 NCISC Championships. He later went on to serve as the USF Admissions Director from 1952-73. In 2001, he was inducted into the NSCAA Hall of Fame.
John Doyle, Soccer Player (USF: 1985 - 1988)
The former Don was a member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic team. He was also a member of the 1990 U.S. World Cup team. While at USF, he was given the Stephen Negoesco Award in 1985 (top newcomer) and earned All-American First Team West Coast Conference Honors in 1988. He has been elected to the USF Hall of Fame.
Hans Friessen, Soccer Player (USF: 1968 - 1971)
The former Don played for the 1968 Mexico Olympic team. At USF, was on the 1969 team that advanced to the NCAA Finals and the 1971 team that won the NCAA Western Regional. He was a three-time All-American Honorable Mention Honoree.
Yvonne Gomez, Figure Skating (USF: 1985-91)
The former Don was on the 1988 Spanish Olympic team and is the only Winter Olympian for the Green and Gold. She is a three-time Spain National Champion. At USF, she represented the Dons in the World University Games in 1985, 1987 and 1989. She has been inducted into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mike Ivanow, Soccer Player (USF: 1966 - 1969)
The former Don was the goalkeeper for the 1972 U.S. Olympic team. At USF, he was on the 1966 NCAA championship team. He earned first team all-conference honors in both 1967 and 1968 and earned Soccer All-American Honorable Mention Honors in 1968.
K. C. Jones, Basketball Player (USF: 1951-1956)
The former Don was a member of the 1956 U.S. Olympic team (won gold). At USF, he helped lead the team to its then NCAA record 60 consecutive game winning streak. In 1956 he earned first team All-American Honors. He was elected into the NCAA Hall of Fame. After USF, he played professional for the Boston Celtics from 1958-1967, winners of eight NBA titles.
Ollie Matson, Football/Track and Field (USF: 1949-1952)
The former Don was a member of the 1952 U.S. Olympic Track and Field team (won silver and bronze medals). While at USF, he set the football rushing record his senior year, 1,566 yards and 21 touchdowns. He led the Green and Gold to its first undefeated season in 1951 and was named All-American. He set the NCAA record for rushing with 3,166 yards as a starter. After college, he played football in the NFL with the Cardinals, Rams, Lions and Eagles. In his professional career he earned Rookie of the Year honors and was named All-Pro five times. He is inducted into the USF Hall of Fame in both football and track and has been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame as well.
Jimmy Needles, Basketball Coach (USF: 1924 - 1931, 1943, 1944)
The former Don was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1936 (won gold). At USF, led the 1929 team to a 23-2 record, capturing the championship of the "Pacific Coast and all other titles pertaining thereto".
Haley Nemra, Cross Country/Track (USF: 2008 - 2012)
In 2008, this member of the Green and Gold was on the Marshall Islands first ever Olympic team and competed in the 800 meters. In 2012, Nemra became a two-time Olympian with the Marshall Islands and was selected as the flag bearer in the Opening Ceremonies in London.
Pete Newell, Basketball Coach (USF: 1946 - 1950)
The former Dons coach led the 1960 U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal as its Head coach. At USF, he led the Dons to their first national title, 1949 NIT. In just four years with the team, he coached them to a 70-37 record. He also coached baseball and men's golf for the Green and Gold, leading them to a 14-1 overall record in 1949. He has a NCAA Career Coaching record of 234-123 (14 years). He was inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame. Professionally, he served as general manager of the LA Lakers and the San Diego Rockets.
Lothar Osiander, Soccer Player (USF: 1965 - 1969)
The former Don coached the 1988 and 1992 U.S. Olympic teams. At USF, he helped the Green and Gold win the conference and regional championships in 1965 and scored the final goal in the 1966 NCAA Championship game. Professionally, he coached the U.S. National Team from 1986-1988 and in 1996 led the Los Angeles Galaxy to the MLS Championship.
Hugo Perez , Soccer Assistant Coach (USF: 2002-04)
The former Don was a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. He played in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups and was named National Player of the Year for 1991. He has played professionally in the U.S. and abroad.
Alex Roboostoff, Soccer Player (USF: 1968 - 1970)
The former Don was a member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic team. At USF, he was a two-time first team All-Conference in 1967 and 1968. He was a member of the 1969 NCAA finals team. He was a three-time All-American.
Sue Rojcewicz, Women's Basketball Coach (USF: 1982-1987)
The former Don was a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball team (won silver). At USF, she guided the Green and Gold to the 1987 West Coast Conference Championship. She compiled a 71-63 overall record as head coach of the Lady Dons.
Fernando Rosales, Soccer Player (USF: 1968-69)
The former Don made the 1968 El Salvador Olympic team. At USF, he played on the 1969 NCAA Finals team and earned All-American Honorable Mention Honors that year as well.
Bill Russell, Basketball Player (USF: 1953-1956)
The former Don was a member of the 1956 U.S. Gold Medal winning Olympic team. At USF, he played on the 1955 and 1956 NCAA Championship teams. He scored 1,636 points and 1,606 rebounds (West Coast Conference Record) in just three seasons with the Green and Gold. He earned first team All-American Honors in 1955 and 1956. He has been elected to the USF Hall of Fame and the NCAA Hall of Fame. As a pro, he led the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA Championships in 16 seasons. He has been elected to the NBA Hall of Fame.
David Sheldon, Baseball Player (USF: 1984 - 1985)
The former Don was on the 2000 Italian Olympic team. At USF, he set all types of records with 16 home runs in both 1984 and 1985. He notched 64 RBI in 1985 as well. He took home first team All-West Coast Conference Honors in 1985 and the USF MVP - Dante Benedetti Award. He has played professionally in the Italian League.
Please note this may not be a comprehensive list and we do not want to leave anyone off this roster. If you have additional names and information of former USF student-athletes and coaches who participated in the Olympics, please contact the Marketing Communications department.
