Ben and Kara met online through the dating app Bumble in the summer of 2022, while both training with team USA in California. Ben asked Kara out on a first date to a cute little rooftop in Newport called Lido. Ben only had a week in California before he had to head to France for World league. They hung out almost every day, trying to make the most of the time they had. The fact that they both were playing overseas was a big bonus, and a main factor as to why they decided to jump into long distance. After only about 1 month of knowing each other Kara was off to Turkey and Ben to Italy with a bunch of facetimes to look forward to!

Ben proposed in the city center of Monza, Italy, on December 24th, 2023, in front of a beautiful church. He had the ring bought and brought from America through a teammate. Initially, the plan was to walk the Christmas markets for a bit before ending at the church and proposing. However, they discovered that the markets close down on Christmas Eve. When they arrived, Ben had to adjust the plan because he had booked a photographer to be at the church at a specific time. They ended up having the whole town to themselves, which made the moment very intimate and special. A nearby restaurant with outdoor seating witnessed the proposal, and after Ben popped the question, they began clapping. They then celebrated this special moment with dinner at an amazing spot close by.

Both Ben and Kara have been playing professional sports in Europe for five years. Ben plays water polo, and Kara plays volleyball. Ben graduated from Stanford University, while Kara graduated from the University of Washington. Towards the end of their college years, they both knew they wanted to continue their sports careers at a professional level. Being away from home for about 10 months each year is challenging, but it also provides them with unique and exciting experiences in new places.

Kara and Ben look forward to life after living abroad and spending more quality time with family and friends. Ben was admitted to Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and will begin his masters in September, and Kara is considering playing in the American Volleyball league. They really want to get a dog at some point but are being patient for the right timing. For the past five years, they have moved frequently and lived mostly out of suitcases. Having a place to call home to put down some roots is what they look forward to the most. Kara's most anticipated house item to purchase is a comfy couch, while Ben's is a nice espresso machine.