As Sam completed her junior year of college she needed an internship. After deciding to stay in North Carolina rather than returning home to Massachusetts, she found the perfect match. In January of 2021 she began her journey with the Burlington Sock Puppets. At the same time a couple of hundred miles away, Brady was navigating a post-grad life amid a global pandemic. He decided to apply to the Appalachian League, and thanks to a friend (s/o Chris) that had just secured a job coaching in the league, Brady was assigned to be the Video & Data Coordinator for the one and only Burlington Sock Puppets. Skip to June 2021, it is Brady’s first day on the job, and he needs to bring his super smart equipment up to the press box. Well, Sam was painting ADA compliant lines on said steps, she was covered in yellow paint and sweating bullets. Brady introduced himself, and Sam thought “Why is the weird tech guy talking to me?”. From there they became acquaintances, smiling in passing. With only ½ a season left, Brady sent out a group text to the entire staff asking if they wanted to head to Greensboro for another baseball game on their off day from baseball (classic). Sam was the first to respond and say “I’m in”. Brady proceeded to text everyone individually to let them know the plans were cancelled, except Sam. Sam picked Brady up at his hotel to find out it was just the two of them. Brady surprised her with brunch, which was followed by a text Sam sent to her mom “I think I’m on a date?”. The day was great, Sam dropped Brady off and said goodbye. After all, it was just a group of interns hanging out. They continued to be friends. With T-2 weeks until summer ended/ Brady moved back to Kentucky, he remained persistent and eventually Sam agreed to second date. With T-1 Day until summer ended, Brady asked Sam to be his girlfriend. She said “no”. Within three minutes, he asked two more times. On August 4th, 2021, she finally said yes and the two have been head over heels for each other ever since. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first two years of their relationship was long distance as Sam remained in Burlington to finish college & start her career. Brady got his big break and was able to move just 2 hours away to Gastonia. In 2023, they decided to take the leap and move in together. In 2024, Sam started a new career in racing, they adopted their Millie Cat, and bought their first home. In September of 2025, they got engaged!! Sam & Brady here: It is now 2026, and we are pinching ourselves that this is the life we get to live and the story we get to tell. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in getting us to where we are now.