UWF HALL OF FAME - CLASS OF 2008-09
Women’s soccer graduate Heidi Dietiker came to UWF from Tennessee Wesleyan in 1995 after her freshman season, making the move to Pensacola along with Head Coach Bill Elliott. Dietiker played 56 games in her Argonaut career, 54 of which she started, and tallied nine goals and 10 assists while playing much of her time on defense. The Tampa, Fla. native was an All-GSC first team member in 1996 and 1997, and she also earned NSCAA/adidas All-South Region honors in her senior year in 1997. Dietiker was a member of the Argonauts team to make the transition to NCAA in 1996, capturing the GSC title in its first season.
After working in minor league sports earlier in her career, Dietiker is now working for Relay Worldwide, the premier sponsorship and experiential agency for the Publicis Group. She has worked with programs for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (Little League World Series sponsorship), the US Army (NASCAR sponsorship), Kellogg’s Rice Krispies (concert sponsorship), and WaMu (national events/WaMu live sponsorships).
Hall of Fame Questionnaire
1. What was your most memorable moment in UWF athletics?
I have many memorable moments from my time with UWF athletics. A lot of them center around a feeling; of a last minute win or loss over a great rival, of the camaraderie of being with a group that worked together through wins/loses injuries and setbacks, of anxiety and excitement before every match, of leadership/encouragement during the final minutes of a close game, of a great tackle in our defensive half, of agony during an injury (both my own and teammates), of excitement to board the bus/van for our next road trip. These are all feelings that I treasure and will always remember during my time as a UWF athlete.
2. Being a former student-athlete, how has it helped you in your life after college?
I think more than anything it has prepared me to be a driven, competitive person beyond the playing field. I know that in order to be successful it takes discipline, hard work and that nothing good comes without some form of blood, sweat, and tears.
3. Are you still involved with your sport? If so, in what capacity?
Absolutely, I have been playing soccer since I was five years old and God willing I will be playing when I am old and grey. These days I play in a few different adult leagues year round and at least once a week. Of course my body doesn’t move the way it used to and I might not be as fast as I once was but I still really enjoy it.
