Matt and Sydney first crossed paths on July 4th, 2022, through a dating app. Over the next month, their connection deepened as they texted, called, and FaceTimed regularly—especially as Sydney was recovering from hip surgery. Matt even woke up at 5 a.m. the morning of her surgery just to wish her well. Their first in-person date took place at the end of July, with Sydney still on crutches. Despite the circumstances, they had a memorable time grabbing Hawaiian Bros, enjoying Cold Stone, and taking a leisurely stroll (or rather, crutching) through Target. By August 6th, 2022, they officially became a couple, and their relationship only grew stronger from there. Though their first year together was spent long-distance—Matt in Garden City, KS playing baseball, and Sydney in Wichita for school—their bond remained unshaken. Their long-distance journey continued until December of 2024. On November 2nd, 2024, Matt proposed to Sydney in a place that held special meaning to them both—his family property, in their favorite spot.