The No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft took the league by storm this season. Philadelphia Union defender Keegan Rosenberry quickly became a fan favorite among the Union faithful. Rosenberry was the only field player in MLS this season to play all 3,060 minutes and was just the fourth rookie field player in league history to play every minute of every regular season game. Rosenberry was voted to the MLS All-Star game and started for the MLS squad against English Premier League club Arsenal.
Rosenberry wrapped up his 2016 campaign with two goals and two assists, while finishing second in Rookie of the Year Voting, and winning the MLS Fair Play Award. Rosenberry committed the second fewest fouls (13) by any player appearing in all 34 games, and ranked among the league’s top 20 in both tackles (78) and interceptions (88). Rosenberry was dynamic on the attack with the sixth most crosses in open play.
No. 12 had an impressive rookie campaign, but the roots of his success lie in the Rosenberry family tree.
The Rosenberry family recently achieved an unbelievable accomplishment as every member of the family has now earned a trip to an NCAA Final Four in their respective sport. Only one of the Rosenberry’s however walked away with a championship.
Keegan’s father, Rob Rosenberry attributed the family’s success to those around them during each of their playing days.
“Keep in mind that these are team sports and we’ve been fortunate to have played on some really good teams.” Rob Rosenberry said.
Keegan’s parents set the tone when they were putting in the hours in college. Rob and Candy Rosenberry were both athletes at Messiah College. Rob was on the soccer team, while Candy played field hockey. Candy was on the 1984 Messiah team that reached the NCAA Championship game, and Rob was a NCAA Final Four semifinalist in 1986.
The oldest Rosenberry sibling Kilee, was a NCAA Final Four field hockey regular for Messiah College. Kilee’s first trip to the final four was in 2008 where her team finished as a semifinalist. In 2009 and 2010 Kilee’s team reached the NCAA championship game finishing second both years.
It has been well documented that Keegan was a four-year starter at Georgetown on the men’s soccer team. Keegan’s Georgetown Hoyas reached the NCAA Final Four in 2012, finishing in second place.
The youngest Rosenberry sibling is the one who has bragging rights over the entire family. Just over two weeks ago, Kaylor Rosenberry brought home a NCAA Championship as a member of the Messiah College field hockey team. Kaylor recorded the third most shots on her team in the snow, while leading Messiah College Field Hockey to their first ever National Title.
When Kaylor found out she was the first Rosenberry to walk away with a title, it took her by surprise. Although she’s incredibly grateful for the lessons and examples her family has provided, that won’t stop her from enjoying this accomplishment with friendly banter within the family.
“To be honest I never even knew this was true until my parents told me! I think that being the youngest sibling and attending the number of high-level sporting events that I have, has taught me a lot that I now take into account for my own athletic career,” Kaylor Rosenberry said. “I've seen the passion and work-ethic that my family has had and the way they handle the wins and losses. I am just grateful that I am a part of a team that has now felt the reward of the biggest win we can at our level. However, I won't lie, it is nice to have this one thing over them all and be able to brag at the dinner table.”
For Rob and Candy they instilled competition with their children at a young age, while teaching them the core values of teamwork and purpose. The level of success their family has achieved throughout their lifetime is certainly not taken for granted however.
“We were always a very active family, whether it was four square, street hockey, whiffle ball, basketball, field hockey, or soccer, the kids were on the move,” Rob and Candy said. “Success is a motivator and each of them worked hard in whatever sport they were involved in and enjoyed the competition so it is great to see each of them rewarded for their hard work - it doesn't always work out that way.”
Knowing the family history, it should come as no surprise for Union fans that Keegan elevated his play to an elite level in his first season. For Keegan and the Rosenberry family their passion in their respective sports has produced the ultimate reward and it’s reflected in how Philadelphia’s defender plays the game.
“I love that we all could compete at a high level in our own sport,” Keegan Rosenberry said. “My sisters and I were very competitive growing up and although we took the competition too far sometimes I'd like to think it attributed to our toughness in athletics going forward.”
