Alyssa and Justin’s story began in 2018, but not in the way most people might expect. They met through a dating app, both unsure of what they were looking for but open to seeing where things went. At first, they just started chatting, and what began as a casual conversation quickly turned into a genuine friendship. They both played sports at Northern Arizona University—Alyssa on the softball team and Justin on the baseball team—but it wasn’t their athletic backgrounds that made them click. It was the easy conversations, shared sense of humor, and the way they just seemed to get along.

After a few weeks of messaging, they decided to meet in person. Instead of a typical coffee date, they opted for something a little more fun—bowling. It was relaxed, low-pressure, and a perfect way to get to know each other. What was meant to be a quick, casual date turned into hours of laughter, friendly competition, and great conversation. By the end of the night, it was clear they had something special.

From there, their friendship grew into something more. They started spending more time together—hiking, trying new foods, and traveling to nearby places. About a year ago, they decided to try pickleball, and it quickly became one of their favorite activities. While they were new to the sport, it offered them another way to bond, whether they were playing seriously or just enjoying the game for fun.

What began as a connection on a dating app turned into a solid relationship built on shared experiences and a deep friendship. Whether they were traveling, eating great food, or playing pickleball, every moment was better together. Alyssa and Justin’s story wasn’t about finding love in the traditional sense—it was about finding someone who shared their interests, values, and sense of adventure. And from there, everything else just fell into place.