A Rainy Morning Turns into a Charming Proposal at Lander University
The city started with a typical December chill. The skies were covered with clouds, and a morning rain swept through, leaving the streets of Lander glistening with the fresh sweep of water. As the rain finally began to clear and the wind picked up its pace, reaching speeds of 20 to 30 mph, temperatures started to dip from a morning high of 62°F to about 45°F, reminding everyone that winter was indeed upon us.
But amidst the dreary weather, love and excitement brewed inside the Lander University gymnasium. On Saturday, December 7, during a high-energy women’s basketball game, a heartwarming holiday proposal was set to unfold, transforming the cloudy day into one of sheer joy.
A Game Turned into a Fairytale Moment
As the Lander University women’s basketball team battled it out on the court, the crowd was energized, enjoying the thrilling plays happening right before them. During the game’s first timeout, the spotlight temporarily shifted from the players to the Sassy Cats dance team, captivating the audience with their spirited performance.
Among the vibrant dancers was Karlie Dean, a senior business student known for her infectious energy and dazzling dance moves. What she did not know, however, was that her world was about to change forever during this routine timeout. As she danced, Mrs. Bearcat, Lander University’s beloved mascot, appeared mid-performance and, to everyone’s surprise, hastily led Karlie away from her fellow dancers.
From Friends to Forever!
Unbeknownst to Karlie, underneath the mascot’s costume was her longtime boyfriend, Dalton Hawkins. As the song “Chapel of Love” played sweetly through the speakers, Dalton found himself in the center of the basketball court. He removed the costume’s head to reveal his face, and in a moment that seemed pulled from the pages of a fairy tale, he knelt before Karlie. The crowd held its breath.
Karlie couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with emotion. Her teammates, family, friends, and the entire gym’s audience witnessed this beautiful moment. Excitedly, she accepted the proposal, and joyful cheers erupted not only from the Lander side but even from the opposing USC Aiken team’s players, who kindly joined in the celebration.
A Love Story Rooted in Childhood
Dalton and Karlie’s love story has its roots deeply entrenched in their shared history. They first met in kindergarten at Ware Shoals Primary School, where their chatty nature often got them humorous reprimands from their teachers. Life had their families moving apart during their elementary years, but destiny had plans to cross their paths once more. It was during Karlie’s senior year at Greenwood Christian School that they reconnected at a friend’s birthday party. The spark reignited, they formed a bond that only grew stronger with time.
The support from the Lander community, including Coach Kim Schoolfield, added an extra layer of sweetness to this already magical encounter. As the couple prepares for their future together, this proposal stands as a significant highlight, especially within the festive atmosphere of the holiday season.
The weather, which turned clear as the day progressed with temperatures dropping overnight to a brisk 31°F, mirrored the clarity and brightness now present in the future for Karlie and Dalton. Their story is a beautiful reminder that even on the cloudiest of days, love has the power to shine through.
