Shir came to the US as a student-athlete from Israel to Marshall University, WV in 2015. At that time, Michael was pursuing his Master's in Exercise Physiology in Marhsall. As part of his training experience, he worked as a strength coach with The Herd's athletics teams. Shir knew Mike as "Coach-Mike" in her Freshman year, and during this time, they were acquaintances who awkwardly waved at each other in Walmart.

Fast forward, Michael stayed in Marshall and got into pharmacy school. In 2018, the two met each other at a Christmas party organized by the swimmers. Shir was her Israeli self, asking Michael how he had been. Michael thought she was hitting on him (she was not), and did not leave her side the whole night. They were inseparable from there on. Six years later, they are getting married and look forward to celebrating with their family and friends!