Tes and I’s story started in December of 2021. After being set up by my cousin and one of her best friends, we began talking as she was home for Christmas break, and I was still in Iowa City preparing for our bowl game. If you would ask us both, we got set up at a time we absolutely did not expect! It didn’t take long for me to see her warm and light-hearted spirit to realize I really wanted to ask her out on a date. So, I did what every gentleman does on a first date and took her to Firehouse Subs! And for free on football’s black card nonetheless!

In February, we made our relationship official. We had many conversations about our relationships with the Lord, how we were growing spiritually, and started talking about our future. As the first football season began while we were a couple, I was worried about how much time I would get to spend with her, but through every season, Tes has been such an encouragement to me even if we didn’t get to see each other as often. Something we love to do is write notes for each other, and that’s something I’ve found to be such a blessing as I go through the season.

Fast forward through many of the highs and lows in our relationship, whether that be family vacations, date nights, playing card games, and health challenges, we both graduate in May of 2024. On my graduation day, May 11, I asked Tes if she would marry me, and she said YES! We give God the glory for the growth in our relationship and bringing us together. We can’t wait to enter into the covenant of marriage and spend the rest of our lives together!