“To all my people who knew, y’all ain’t right.” Maybe Melissa Jefferson didn’t know back in 2022 that she was in for the long haul with her boyfriend. But maybe he knew. With Melissa Jefferson, it felt different, like this is going to work. Fast forward to the present, having exchanged their vows, they have started their beautiful forever. But do you know who we are talking about? Well, let’s get to know the track and field star’s other half.

Who is Melissa Jefferson’s Husband?

Born in Acworth, Georgia, Melissa Jefferson’s spouse, Rolan Wooden II, was a football player while studying at Coastal Carolina University (CCU) from 2018 to 2022. Before that, he was a student of Allatoona High School. In fact, only in his senior year of high school would he start playing football. But soon, he found his passion and the talent for the game. In one season, he recorded 53 tackles, which included six for loss and 3 sacks.

A quality defensive talent, he also registered 8 quarterback hurries and got 2 fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. The defensive linemen played a big part in helping the Buccaneers finish 2nd in Region 6AAAAAA, which would take them to the Class AAAAAA state quarterfinals. Wooden’s exploits would get him a place on the CCU football team roster as a defensive lineman.

Having played 37 games in his college career, Rolan Wooden II got 25 tackles in total. One of the highlights of his college football career was blocking a 45-yard field goal attempt in the 3rd quarter against Marshall in October 2022. It helped them earn a road win. Besides being a defensive lineman, Rolan Wooden II has also been in special teams, making him a versatile football player with an overarching understanding of the game. And, taking that expertise, he has now become a strength and conditioning coach at the same college.

But don’t let football define this 6’4” massive unit. He has also excelled in academics, earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science. Then, he did a master’s in instructional technology from CCU, graduating in December 2022. Well, to give you a better idea about how good the Georgia native is, he was named to the Dean’s List (3.5 GPA or higher) in 5 semesters. And in addition to that, he was named on the President’s List (4.0 GPA) for both semesters of the 2021-22 year.

As you can understand, Rolan Wooden’s college life was quite hectic, with so much going on. But this is also when he met Melissa, his “lucky charm”.

When did Melissa Jefferson and Rolan Wooden II start dating?

Both Melissa and Rolan are involved in sporting endeavors, so maybe their fateful encounter took place on the field. And it all started with Wooden asking the sprinter out on a date. But when did it happen? We can say Melissa and Rolan Wooden’s love story started in 2021. Even though neither of them posted anything together on social media, you will find connecting and sharing their love signs for one another in the comments or through the caption. One of her Insta posts from October 2021 had the caption: “Not a Pick Me Girl but He Picked Me 😘” And Wooden would comment, “That’s me😍”

Since then, they have been sharing their journey, growing closer, and making each other the best versions of themselves. Their shared experiences of being involved in sports no doubt have helped them build a strong connection; they can relate to one another’s experiences on a personal level. And that’s precious. They officially became a couple in May 2022 as Melissa and Rolan attended a Gala together. Posting their picture on Instagram, the Paris Olympics 100m bronze medalist captioned it, “•Just the two of Us• Gala Tings 🥰🥰”

Not just with Melissa, Wooden’s love had even seen him grow very close to Melissa’s family. As their love blossomed, the former defensive lineman realized it was time to take the plunge. And in October 2023, Rolan popped the most important question in his relationship with Melissa. The romantic beach proposal went perfectly as the 2-time Olympic medalist said yes ecstatically.

Taking to Instagram, she shared the news with the world while saying how important Rolan Wooden has been for her. Part of her caption read as: “Rolan, thank you for coming into my life when you did, you don’t know how much I needed someone like you not only as a partner but as my bestfriend🥺. You make me the happiest person alive…” And now, on March 2, 2025, the couple exchanged their vows and took the step to start the next beautiful chapter in their life.

As for their wedding, it was a stuff of dreams, and yet thoughtfully done.

A Glimpse into the Paris Olympian’s Star-Studded Wedding

Winter Park Events Center in Winter Park, Florida, was the dream location. It was also an unplugged ceremony. The idea was to acknowledge the solemnness of a new blessed beginning. No distractions, no smartphones, just being in the present and taking it all in in its most natural way.

There were around 250-odd guests, including the best man, Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, and Olympic gold medalist Twanisha “Tee Tee” Terry as a bridesmaid. But that was not the only highlight in the guest list. Melissa Jefferson’s close friends, Sha’Carri Richardson, Kenny Bednarek, and Christian Coleman, were also at the wedding.

As for the bride and groom, Rolan Wooden II looked the part of a perfect classy gentleman wearing a suit designed by Tom James Company. On the other hand, Melissa Jefferson wore a Lillian West wedding dress. It was complemented by a mermaid silhouette from the Bridal Gallery. Tiffany Stylez did her hair, while Alysse Parker was in charge of the makeup, along with Beatz by Stenza.

Looking like a perfect angel, Melissa Jefferson walked down the aisle to the tune of “Still” by Mali Music. The bride and groom exchanged traditional, and handwritten vows, and as they said “I do”, they started to write a new beautiful story, in which they were the main characters.

The honeymoon will wait for a while, because the Olympian’s track season is still ongoing. We are about to see her soon in the much-coveted Grand Slam Track.