University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Mourn the Passing of Gretchen Larson
5/18/2026 4:25:00 PM | Softball
Former University of Minnesota softball great Gretchen Larson has passed away. She was 64.
Larson played for the Gophers from 1980-83 and was one of the most versatile players in program history. She played nearly every position during her time at Minnesota, including pitcher, catcher, outfielder and first base.
Larson earned AIAW All-America honors as an outfielder in 1982 and was named an NCAA All-American in 1983. She also excelled in the circle, finishing her career with a 0.81 ERA, which stood as a school record.
Larson was inducted into the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame in 1985.
After her Gopher career, Larson competed internationally with the Raybestos Brakettes. She helped the team win American Softball Association women's major fast pitch national titles in 1983 and 1985, while also finishing as runner-up in 1984.
Larson also played on the U.S. Tri-Nations Team in 1984 and was part of first-place teams at the World Championship Tournament in London in 1985, the Netherlands Invitational in 1985 and the World Championship Tournament in New Zealand in 1986.
Her jersey was retired by the Gopher softball program in 2022 and continues to be displayed on the outfield wall at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.