You could say our story began when we were just kids. Young and driven kids devoted to the same sport. One in El Paso and one in Amarillo. Braeli expanded her athletic career for several years out in Fort Worth. So how do two gymnasts, competing in two different disciplines, separated by our giant state meet? Well that may have just happened thanks to Michelle and Jeff Dow, owners of Texas Elite Gymnastics Academy (TEGA.) Thanks to their commitment to the sport, and to them hosting gymnastics competitions in good ole Lubbock, Texas; Braeli and I subconsciously planted a seed in a small city that is now our home. Although separated by years and miles, we decided to pursue our education at one of the most beautiful institutions. Which brought us to apply and start our careers as coaches of the sport we both love. Texas Tech brought us to Lubbock, but TEGA allowed an introduction that would change both of our lives forever. Here we are four years later in love with our community, our careers, and each other.

Unfortunately, our engagement was not as originally planned, or even plan B! Thanks to Covid, a Vegas Valentine's Day date and a trip to the Master's didn't end up happening, but that couldn't stop Fernie! Everything happens for a reason, and our proposal was beyond perfect to me. The day started at a gymnastics meet...shocker, and led to Texas Tech...bigger shocker. I was told about a week in advance that we would be going to a Tech baseball game and we were getting to sit in a suite/box. (I don't even know if that is a real thing for baseball games). After the meet, we changed and headed to campus. Fernie had to stall to make sure our families made it to campus before we got there. We ended up at Chimy's... a drink and a shot of purple gecko later we were on our way to the "baseball game". We left the truck at Chimy's which I was confused why we couldn't just drive. I even said "we can reminisce on your college days after the game" when he wanted us to walk through Memorial Circle. I'm not sure how he kept his composure (probably the shot) but about five minutes after that comment he had me looking at a fake statue and was down on one knee. I was completely in shock and speechless. I obviously said yes, and the last thing I remember from that moment was "I hope this is a good time to tell you we are not going to the game". I couldn't be more grateful for my guy and maybe we will make it to a baseball game this spring!