A Father's Pride: Corey Grassel and the Grassel Family Legacy at the Women's College World Series

Roots in Sports: A Family Tradition

May 29—GRAND FORKS — Corey Grassel, once known for his prowess on the hockey rink and baseball diamond, finds himself in a different arena today: the world of collegiate softball. Graduating from Senior High in East Grand Forks in 1989, Corey is now a devoted dad, deeply immersed in his daughter Gretta's journey. As Mississippi State steps onto the grand stage of the Women's College World Series for the first time, their family's love for sports shines brightly.

The Rise of Gretta Grassel

Gretta Grassel, a sophomore outfielder from Boscobel, Wisconsin, stands at the forefront of her team's incredible journey. It's a momentous occasion, not only for her but for the entire Mississippi State program, marking a landmark entry into the Women's College World Series, now taking place in Norman, Oklahoma. Described by her father as a player who's “hooked” on the sport since she was a child, Gretta's passion is palpable. Unfortunately, the team faced a tough start, losing 8-0 to Texas Tech, but there's so much more to the story.

“I made the switch from a baseball guy to a softball coach,” Grassel said, reflecting on his own transformation and engagement with Gretta's sport. “In our small town, there weren't many that knew about baseball and softball.”

A Small Town with Big Dreams

Boscobel, Wisconsin, is a quaint town of about 3,000, where opportunities for athletic expression are rare. For the Grassel family, sports became a cornerstone of their existence. Growing up, Gretta's mother, Penny, ensured that her daughters had the chance to shine in sports, with softball becoming the outlet for their family's athletic pursuits.

“We didn't have a lot of sports options where they grew up,” Corey recalls. “You either ran track or played softball.” This lack of variety only fueled their determination and love for the game. Gretta's journey, full of rapid development and significant milestones, pushed her ahead of her siblings, garnering attention from college scouts during travel ball in Colorado.

Journey Through Adversity

Despite the adversities, including a thumb injury that hindered her freshman year, Gretta bounced back impressively. This season, she has actively contributed in 39 games and flourished under pressure, notably hitting a crucial two-run home run against No. 12 Oregon in the NCAA Tournament on May 16. Her resilience and talent are manifestations of her upbringing, supported by her family's unwavering commitment.

Corey Grassel: More than Just a Coach

At 55, Corey brings a wealth of knowledge from his diverse sports background, having played two seasons of junior hockey and an accomplished college career at Minnesota State Mankato, where he netted 46 career goals. His transition to coaching Gretta when she was just eight years old has been instrumental in her development as a player. Today, he continues to connect with the community as a mentor, umpiring high school and college games.

A Summer of Transition

Gretta's summer plans reflect her grounded nature. After a promising season and her commitment to developing her skills, she intends to take a break to enjoy her sister's wedding in July while still playing with the Madison Nightmares of the Northwoods League. It's a thoughtful approach indicative of her family's values: balancing hard work with the importance of celebrating life's significant moments.

Looking Ahead

For the Grassel family, the Women's College World Series embodies more than just a game; it symbolizes the culmination of dreams, hard work, and the deep-rooted legacy of sports in their lives. As they cheer on Gretta and her team, we're reminded that sports are not just about competition—they're about family, community, and the aspirations that drive us all.