Our story started on a college campus at Olivet Nazarene University, but not in the way you might expect. It wasn’t a class or a party that brought us together, but rather a shared experience of injury and recovery.

It was the fall of 2021 when Sydney, a freshman on the women’s volleyball team, tore her ACL. A devastating injury that would sideline her for months and turn her attention away from the court and toward the athletic training room. Not long after, Gabe, a sophomore on the men’s basketball team, hurt his ankle. Suddenly, we found ourselves side by side in the same place for physical therapy, each navigating the frustration of long recoveries and wondering what life would look like after the season ended.

Our athletic trainer, who knew both of us well, saw an opportunity for us to meet. Gabe had asked our trainer about Sydney and expressed his interest to our trainer. One day, after treatment she approached Sydney and asked if she would be interested in dating someone. Little did we know, that simple question would set everything in motion.

Gabe, ever the outgoing and friendly guy, was the first to strike up a conversation with Sydney. He found a way to make her laugh while they were both doing their rehab exercises, a welcome distraction from the pain and frustration. The more they talked, the more they realized they had a lot in common, and their connection grew naturally from there.

By the time Sydney came back from surgery in September, Gabe took a chance and asked for her Snapchat. They started talking every day, sharing stories, and getting to know each other better. What started as lighthearted chats soon turned into deeper conversations, and before they knew it, they had become inseparable.

Then, on October 31st, 2021, after weeks of laughter, long conversations, and spending more and more time together, Gabe asked Sydney to be his girlfriend. It was a moment they both would remember forever, marking the start of a journey that has led us here today.

From two injured athletes finding common ground in a training room, to building a relationship full of love, support, and adventure, our story is one of timing, chance, and a little bit of help from a friendly athletic trainer. We couldn't be more grateful for how our paths crossed — because in the end, it was the best thing that ever happened to us.

Now, we’re excited to take the next step in our journey together. And we can’t wait to celebrate this beautiful adventure with all of you!