There I was in West Palm Beach, Florida laying in my hotel room bed exhausted after a full day of spring training. At the time, and still probably true, dating apps were a hot commodity in the courting world and seemingly the best way to meet someone. As I mindlessly flipped through the endless amount of profiles on Bumble, one caught my eye—more so than the rest. The cutest golden doodle I had ever seen with his tongue dangling out of his mouth just begging to be loved on was front and center; so naturally I swiped right. It just so happened that his owner was also exceptionally cute as well. As soon as I swiped right, the app informed me that we had matched, and at the time, the platform was known for its unique algorithm in which the women have to message first.

Not 5 minutes later, I got a message from her with the words, “I’m not going to waste any time, you’re one good looking dude Kyle.” Her astute way with words combined with the monotony and dog days of spring training at hand led me to want to entertain this girl in hopes of establishing an escape outside of baseball. (Really I just wanted to meet her dog). We exchanged multiple messages over the course of a few days where I learned she was from Dallas, TX but living in West Palm Beach as she attended Keiser University playing collegiate volleyball. She drives a lifted Jeep, loves Mexican food and can spend all day at the beach—I was sold.

Eventually we swapped each other’s numbers and a first date was set. We hung out more often than not for the rest of spring training until I shipped off to New York where we transitioned to calls and facetimes. Anyone who knows how the minor leagues operate knows how unpredictable it can be but throughout the next 2 years as I managed the ups and downs, one thing always remained constant—Morgan. Conversations flowed so easily, sparks flew every day and feelings grew deeper and deeper. We continued to text each other what seemed like every day aside from the times she came to see me play in whatever city I happened to be in.

After the 2019 season was finished, we had decided to go on vacation together to San Diego and the only way she was able to go is if I flew to Dallas to meet her family before we went. Meeting her family added another layer of comfort and confidence that there was something real here which sent us to SD on a high note. The trip was planned for Morgan’s birthday which included dates to the beach, zoo and historic Gaslamp district. Feelings were evident the entire week which eventually culminated in me confessing my love asking her to be my girlfriend while spending the day poolside at Hotel Coronado—a day both of us still talk about to this day.

The advent of the pandemic derailed my entire 2020 season resulting in me retiring from the game of baseball to return to school and pursue another career. Although my chapter with the Houston Astros was closing, my chapter with Morgan was just beginning. All of this led me back to West Virginia University to finish my undergrad and Morgan reluctantly agreed to move from Dallas, TX to Morgantown, WV with me—quite a culture shock to say the least. Fast forward to June of 2022, we were invited back to a wedding in West Palm Beach for one of Morgan’s old college teammates and instantly I knew this was my opportunity. With all of her college friends in the one place we originally met, it was time to make this undeniable love permanent. We got engaged in 2022 in Jupiter, FL surrounded by the most amazing friends and with our families there in spirit.

We have since moved to Lexington, KY as I pursue a career as a Physician Assistant at the University of Kentucky while Morgan continues to be my biggest supporter and soon to be wife.

To recount this story is to be reminded how much we have gone through as a couple, how strong and steady this foundation is, how stable our support system is and how great our Lord is. If you are reading this then you know we love and appreciate you understanding why this day is rather untraditional. You will be in our hearts throughout the entire day.

–K&M