(1) Sisters Melissa and Rebecca Groseibl share a joyful moment during a photoshoot for the Towson University women’s soccer team. (2) The inseparable duo, Melissa and Rebecca, bask in the camaraderie of the sport they both love.
Soccer
Sister Act
In a thrilling clash against their long-standing rival UMBC, the Towson University women’s soccer team found themselves in a tense scoreless stalemate just moments before halftime. That was until senior Rebecca Groseibl executed a stunning chip shot from an impressive 35 yards away, which sailed gracefully into the net. As her teammates erupted in celebration, one person in particular was filled with overwhelming joy amongst them.
Before the season took off, Rebecca’s younger sister, Melissa, made a momentous decision to join the program, rekindling the special bond between the sisters, who share not only family ties but also the unbreakable camaraderie of teammates.
“Melissa and I have been best friends and as close as can be for as long as I can remember,” Rebecca expresses warmly. “It’s been absolutely incredible having her here, sharing this journey with me.”
The Groseibl sisters, alongside their two other sisters and a brother, grew up in the vibrant soccer culture of New Jersey. From a young age, they discovered their natural talent for soccer and quickly became dedicated players. Rebecca, now 22, initially showcased her skills at Boston College before transferring to Towson University, where she is currently pursuing a degree in mass communication. Meanwhile, Melissa, 20, joined Rebecca after overcoming a back injury that temporarily halted her journey at Canisius College.
“I came to their game when they won the [CAA] championship last year, and I felt like if I could be a part of something that exciting, that would be a dream of mine,” reflects Melissa, who also majors in mass communication. “When my sister and I were younger, we often fantasized about how amazing it would be to play college soccer together. When the opportunity arose, I knew immediately that Towson was where I wanted to be.”
Rebecca has continually proven to be a pivotal contributor on the team, amassing a career-high total of four assists in the previous season, crucial in leading the Tigers to secure the CAA championship title and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
“We came in early as a team in the summer to do extra workouts and really put in the work, so it was fantastic to witness the season unfold just the way we aimed for it to,” she noted, reflecting on their dedication.
Although Melissa has had limited playing time this season, both sisters are regarded as indispensable assets to the squad, as lauded by head coach Katherine Vettori.
“Both are composed with the ball at their feet. They are technically clean and possess high soccer IQs. They are fantastic teammates who enhance the dynamic of this group,” Vettori praised.
This season has been nothing short of a delightful and storybook reunion for the Groseibl sisters, even if their closeness sometimes leads to minor disagreements.
“If we’re spending too much time together, we sometimes argue over where to get coffee: Dunkin or Starbucks,” Melissa shares with a chuckle. “But we understand each other so well. Nobody can read me like my sister.”
Welcome Back
Volleyball assistant coach Terry “Hutch” Hutchinson returns to the bench after dedicating two years to coaching at Georgia State. His previous five seasons at Towson (2017–21) were marked by tremendous success, during which the Tigers clinched three consecutive Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) titles and secured berths in the NCAA Tournament. Over those three seasons, the team boasted an impressive combined record of 61-9, including a stellar 30-4 in CAA play.
Soccer
Going Pro
Phoebe Canoles ’23 signed with DC Power FC in July for the highly anticipated 2024-25 season. The talented midfielder joined the Washington D.C. club following her impressive tenure with the Tigers, where she played a vital role in helping secure Towson’s first CAA regular season and tournament championship in 2023. The Power compete in the USL Super League, which commenced its inaugural season in August. They play their home matches at the renowned Audi Field.
Hall of Fame
Honored Tigers
On Friday, October 18, a remarkable group of former athletes and coaches including Jerrelle Benimon (basketball), Kacy Catanzaro (gymnastics), Mike Garner (track), the voice of the Tigers Spiro Morekas, Frank Olszewski (soccer coach), Bobby Poist (football), and Brian Yaniger (golf coach) were inducted at the Hall of Fame’s prestigious 60th-Annual Induction Banquet. Additionally, the 2012–13 men’s basketball team was celebrated as a Team of Distinction.
Pack the Stands
Black & Gold x3
On November 16, TU sports enthusiasts can revel in an exciting full day of events. Kicking off the festivities, football will welcome North Carolina A&T for a thrilling senior day showdown, starting at noon. Following that, at 3:30 p.m., volleyball will host their CAA rival Hofstra in TU Arena, and later at 8 p.m., the men’s basketball team will face off against former CAA rival and 2023–24 Sunbelt Conference champion James Madison.
Golf
FORE!, er, SIX
Six talented golfers from Towson University, out of 129 players, qualified for the prestigious 103rd Maryland Open Championship. These golfers include David Hutsell ’92, Billy Wingerd ’05, Chris Baloga ’05, Ryan Siegler ’16, Brad Riley ’24, and Braden Anderson ’28. Among them, three exceptional Tigers have claimed victory in the tournament within the last 15 years, with Siegler winning in 2023, Hutsell taking the title in 2011, and Wingerd triumphing in 2007.
Tags: Athletics
More from the Fall Issue
**Interview with Rebecca and Melissa Groseibl: Sisters on and off the Soccer Field**
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for joining me today! It’s wonderful to have you here. Let’s start with you, Rebecca. Can you tell us about that thrilling moment during the UMBC game when you scored that incredible chip shot?
**Rebecca Groseibl:** Thank you for having us! Scoring that goal was surreal. The game had been tense, and I could feel that the team needed a lift. When the opportunity came, I just went for it and fortunately, it went in! The celebration with my teammates was unforgettable.
**Interviewer:** And Melissa, you recently joined your sister at Towson. What motivated you to make that decision after your injury?
**Melissa Groseibl:** It was a tough time when I got injured at Canisius, but watching Rebecca from the stands during last year’s championship inspired me. I thought, “I want that experience too.” Playing soccer with my sister has always been a dream, and when the opportunity at Towson came up, I knew it was meant to be.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like such a special bond you both share. Rebecca, how has having Melissa on the team changed your experience this season?
**Rebecca:** It’s been amazing! We’ve always been close, but sharing this journey together adds a whole new layer to our relationship. We support each other, and it’s really comforting to have her by my side in this competitive environment.
**Interviewer:** Melissa, you may not be getting as much playing time yet, but how do you feel you contribute to the team?
**Melissa:** Absolutely! I may not be on the field as much, but I focus on being a supportive teammate. I bring positive energy in practice and games, and I think that contributes to our team dynamic. Plus, I’m always learning from the players, especially Rebecca.
**Interviewer:** It’s great to hear how you both uplift each other. Lastly, do you ever find that being sisters might lead to some disagreements, especially with all that time spent together?
**Melissa:** Oh, for sure! Sometimes it’s as simple as where to get coffee—Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks? (laughs) But we know how to communicate and resolve our differences quickly, and that understanding makes our bond even stronger.
**Rebecca:** I agree! We may bicker, but at the end of the day, we truly have each other’s backs. No one knows me like Melissa does, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your story! It’s wonderful to see how your relationship and love for soccer intertwine. Best of luck for the rest of the season!
**Rebecca and Melissa:** Thank you! We’re excited for what’s to come!
