Will Shipley finds himself lucky not for just being drafted in the league. He also feels that he is the most lucky person on the earth to have a partner like Ayden Yates. But how did they both meet? It seems the couple met each other through sports’ connection!

Besides Will Shipley’s football stint, his partner Ayden Yates is a former soccer player who has achieved numerous awards. According to her Instagram bio, she is a Virginia Tech WSOC alum, who graduated from the university, with a degree after four years, on May 10, 2024. Not only that! The Hokies player has been into football since her days with her “2nd family”–Lake Norman Charter School. There she achieved Regional Champion 2019, State Runner-up 2019, Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Champion (2017-2019), and State Runner-up 2018 championships with her LNC team.

Although Yates hasn’t said anything about whether she will pursue her soccer career, one thing is clear that she is ready to stay by her fiancé, Will Shipley’s side, forever. According to Yates’ Instagram profile, it seems by December 2022; the couple were already dating each other. It is because, on December 13 that year, the couple made their relationship public by attending a red carpet event at Clemson, South Carolina. It was also the first time, when the two shared their picture together online, while dropping a white heart emoji as a caption.

Since then, Will Shipley and soccer star Ayden Yates have been by each other’s side. And fans could even notice Shipley’s comments on almost every achievement post of his beloved partner. This shows how immensely he is proud of his lady! On the other hand, as Shipley is going to play his rookie season in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, Yates will be by his side to support her man.

But before the season begins, Will Shipley decided to surprise his love!

Will Shipley to marry his partner Ayden Yates!

The big day for Will Shipley and Ayden Yates arrived on July 13 this year. Shipley chose Folly Beach of South Carolina to pop the big question. As seen in pictures, Shipley went down on one knee, and asked for Yates’ hand, with an engagement ring in his hands. Yates, who appeared to be emotionally overwhelmed and shocked by the proposal, covered her mouth with her hands, indicating that this was the day she and Shipley had dreamed of together! Besides that, the carousel also portrays their snaps of hugging, holding hands, and kissing each other, along with a picture of their family together.

Sharing the pictures on his official IG account, the professional athlete wrote, “Luckiest man alive (ring emoji) Such a blessing getting engaged to the most perfect girl on this planet. Cheers to doing life together @ayden.yates, Love You more than you know (with a red heart emoji).” Wow! Who wouldn’t fall in love with such a proposal? So, it was obvious for the lady of the hour to say a ‘yes’ on their low-profile engagement day!

However, she didn’t miss capturing the memory on her IG account. Sharing the engagement day’s lovely pictures, Yates wrote, “Forever with you will never be long enough. You are everything I’ve prayed for and more. YOU & ME… my whole world. hi fiancé!! I love you (with a red heart and ring emoji).” To which, the running back replied, “Love you so much babe. Can’t wait to spend eternity wit ya.”

Now, it remains to be seen when this beautiful couple officially becomes Mr. and Mrs. Shipley!