Imagine having your twin sister by your side through every twist and turn of your college softball career.
For Maddia and Rylinn Groff, that’s their reality.
The Omaha natives have been a dynamic duo on the diamond from the start, and as a pitcher-catcher pair, their connection runs deeper than just sharing a last name.
Now, as they continue their journey together at Omaha, they’re reflecting on what it means to be teammates, sisters, and something even rarer—twins playing Division I softball side by side.
Always in Sync
From tee-ball at four years old to college softball, the Groff sisters have rarely taken the field without each other.
Even now, they form a unique pitcher-catcher duo that brings comfort, chemistry, and competitive fire to every game.
“We haven’t really played a game apart,” Maddia said. “It’s just something that’s made our relationship super strong—on the field and in every other setting.”
Rylinn agrees. “Not a lot of people get to do this. It’s definitely one of my favorite things—getting to keep playing with Maddia in college.”
That connection is felt most in the circle. With Maddia on the mound and Rylinn behind the plate, communication often happens without a single word.
A look. A nod. Years of instincts.
It’s not just sisterhood—it’s strategy.
“We know each other so well that we can skip the extra steps,” Rylinn said. “That’s a huge advantage.”
Why Omaha Felt Right
After spending the start of their college careers at Southern Illinois, where they made program history by combining for the school’s first-ever seven-inning perfect game, the Groffs entered the transfer portal with an open mind.
Staying together was always the goal, but they didn’t want to force it.
And yet, it quickly became clear that the best path forward was the one they’d always been on—together.
That path led them home.
“We’ve known Coach Heard and Coach Emma Raabe for a long time and really trust them,” Rylinn said. “From August to now, I’ve learned so much from them. We knew these were people we wanted to play for.”
For Maddia, Omaha just made sense.
“There’s a lot of question marks when you enter the portal,” she said. “But for Omaha, there just weren’t a lot of them. We knew what we were going to get, and that was really reassuring.”
A Bonus That Felt Like Fate
Returning to Omaha wasn’t just about softball. It was about being close to home, even if that wasn’t the driving factor.
“It wasn’t why we chose Omaha,” Rylinn said, “but it worked out great. It’s special to play for your hometown.”
Now, they’re back in front of family and friends, wearing the name of their city across their chest—and embracing the opportunity to make an impact.
Maddia has taken a leadership role in the circle, ensuring the entire pitching staff feels like a unit. “Even when I’m not pitching, I want to help the other pitchers. It’s about feeling like we’re in it together.”
Rylinn is locked in behind the plate, supporting her pitchers and staying productive on offense. “My job is to have my pitchers’ backs and help any way I can—and then just try to have good, productive at-bats.”
Memories That Stick
Some of the Groffs’ most memorable moments this season haven’t come in a game—they’ve come between them.
Like the time they faced each other in a fall scrimmage, Maddia got Rylinn with her signature rise ball. “She struck me out,” Rylinn laughed. “Classic.”
Or the chaotic travel schedule that left the team arriving home at 5:30 a.m. on a Monday, half-asleep but still finding ways to laugh through the fatigue.
And then there was the first win over St. Thomas—the moment they knew they were clicking as a team.
“It just felt so good,” Rylinn said. “We were all on the same page. Everyone was playing for each other.”
As Omaha prepares for the postseason, the Groff sisters are focused on the present, but they’re aware of just how rare and meaningful their journey is.
“We’re just trying to enjoy it while it lasts,” Maddia said.
For two sisters who’ve spent nearly every softball moment side by side, this isn’t just about competition. It’s about connection.
And as they continue to make their mark at Omaha, their story is a testament to the power of family, the strength of teamwork, and the quiet magic of knowing someone’s got your back—on and off the field.