PRIOR TO TOWSON: Finished seventh in her region in 2009 and qualified for the National Championships in her 16-year old age group ... In 2011, she shot a career-low 76 at her club championships where she finished first among all female competitors ... Shot in the 70’s during several Club team tournaments in her native Germany during the 2011 season.

BACKGROUND: Native of Essen, Germany ... Daughter of Markus and Corinna Spiess ... Has a younger sister, Carolina (18).

GETTING TO KNOW LARISSA:

*Admires her parents the most
*Favorite sports besides golf include hockey, skiing and snowboarding
*Favorite pro player is Martin Kaymer
*Favorite television show is 'How I Met Your Mother'
*Favorite actor is Ryan Reynolds
*Favorite musician is Adele