Athletic leader, educator wraps up 4 decades of service to STCC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Always positive. Always upbeat. Always with a smile.

That’s how friends and colleagues describe J. Vincent “Vinny” Grassetti, who finished his service at Springfield Technical Community College in the spring of 2023. Grassetti’s time with STCC goes back to Sept. 27, 1981, when he was hired as athletic coordinator, the college lead for athletics. In addition to serving in a version of that role over the years, he has also taught part-time in Computer Basics and the First Year Experience. He left his mark on countless students, faculty and staff.

Vinny’s focus has been on advancing the mission of STCC, whether teaching in a classroom or coaching in the gym or on the campus green. He truly loves the students and the college and what it has stood for in the community.

“His heart is STCC. He is always looking out for students,” said Channing Calcasola, who met Grassetti when she was a student in 2010. Calcasola now serves as women’s head soccer coach and works as a LEAD Academic & Transfer Counselor at STCC.

Calcasola sees Grassetti as a mentor and role model to her and others.

“Vinny has been a positive role model and mentor to all those who have had the chance to be lucky enough to work under him, with him, or coached by him. He is a huge part of what motivated me to become a full time professional staff here at STCC so that I could give back to the students like he did for me when I was a student here in 2010,” she said.

Wilma Tynes, Director of TRIO Student Support Services, met Grassetti when she was a student in 1983-1984 and he was her basketball coach. She was an excellent jumper while playing hoops, so he nicknamed her “Sky” Tynes.

“He was such an instrumental and positive influence on me as a student, but also as a professional,” she said. “I remember him saying, ‘I don’t care if you don’t win. What I care about is that you always do your best when you get on that court – that you have a good time and you have a lot of fun playing.’”

His heart is STCC. He is always looking out for students. Channing Calcasola, Women's head soccer coach and STCC graduate

Tynes recalled that he taught life lessons and showed how teamwork on the court is not unlike teamwork in life. She carried skills she learned from Grassetti with her to Kansas Wesleyan University, where she was recruited to play basketball.

 In 2014, Tynes started working at STCC and was able to reconnect with Grassetti.

“It was so wonderful to see him still here,” she said. “I appreciate how he helped me to grow up and be a professional. I owe him a lot.”

Vice President of Student Affairs Darcey Kemp extended her thanks and gratitude to Grassetti.

"I'm grateful to Vin for serving as the Interim Coordinator of Athletics & Fitness this past year when a vacancy occurred,” she said. “His leadership helped to ensure that the athletics department, coaches and student athletes had the support they needed for successful seasons. Vin always has a smile on his face and brings a positive attitude wherever he goes. I hope this recognition by STCC brings the same joy to Vin that he has brought to STCC for so many years!"

Alberto Nieves, who is taking over as coordinator of athletics at STCC, was hired by Grassetti to be the college’s first wrestling coach in 1999. “He’s a mentor but he’s also been like a best friend and brother,” Nieves said.

Grassetti was instrumental in getting STCC its gymnasium.

“The gym was his baby,” added Andrea Tarpey, Coordinator of Student Activities who met Grassetti when she joined STCC in 1994. “You had to be careful with it!”

Tarpey said Grassetti was always willing to help out with activities such as student orientation or the multicultural luncheon, which was held in his beloved gym. He would always light up a room when he would arrive for a meeting, sometimes wearing his Indiana Jones style pinch-front fedora.

Grassetti was a star high school wrestler at Springfield’s Technical High School, which closed in 1986. He went on to wrestle at Springfield College, where he earned his baccalaureate degree. During his senior year at Springfield College, he started coaching wrestling at Ludlow High School shortly before coming to STCC.

While he was leading athletics at STCC, Grassetti served as the college’s men’s soccer coach for over a decade, while also serving as baseball coach.

Outside of STCC, and for decades, he has been a referee for soccer and wrestling for local high schools, spreading his enthusiasm for sports and competition far and wide.

Vinny’s wife, Sheila Grassetti, who works as an adjunct faculty in the Math Department, shared that he was the assistant coach for the Springfield Sirens, a short-lived professional women’s soccer team, in the early 1990s. He received an award for refereeing a few years ago, and was inducted into the Springfield High School’s Hall of Fame several years ago.

Grassetti retired from his full-time STCC role in 2018, but continued to teach as an adjunct. In October 2022, he returned as interim athletic director to help fill a vacancy.

“We were grateful when he returned to help out,” Calcasola said. “We were struggling (after COVID) and had a hard season last year. But Vinny was a big supporter for us as coaches.”

George Hargrove, who graduated from STCC in 2013, first met Grassetti as a student, but now knows him as a colleague. Hargrove works part-time in the STCC Fitness Center and serves as assistant wrestling coach.

“I was in his computer class,” Hargrove said. “He’s become a real good family friend, a dear friend of mine.”

Hargrove described Grassetti’s style as “laid back and straightforward.”

“He’s a real good talker. We can hold a great conversation,” Hargrove said. “I feel like he’s an important asset in many athletes’ and students’ lives and also other staff members lives. He doesn’t just do what needs to be done, but goes above and beyond. He’s a really funny guy and has all the stories in the world and a lot of wisdom. I’m always willing to sit down and have a chat with him.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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