Greenwood Proposal on Basketball Court Creates Memorable Holiday Moment at Lander University

Greenwood’s Holiday Proposal Sparks Joy at Lander University Basketball Game

The city of Greenwood was buzzing with excitement on a particularly brisk Saturday afternoon for a women’s basketball game at Lander University. While the forecast promised a high of 57°F with a bright mix of sunshine and clouds, it was a different kind of warmth that captured everyone’s hearts in the university arena on December 7th.

A Proposal Unfolds on the Court

During a lull in the game, something unexpectedly sweet unfolded. Karlie Dean, a senior business major at Lander and a spirited member of the Spirit Team’s Sassy Cat dancers, was enthusiastically performing one of her high-energy routines. But then, mid-performance, she was pleasantly surprised when Mrs. Bearcat, the university’s beloved mascot, intervened during the first timeout of the game to the sweet tune of “Chapel of Love.”

Lander’s women’s basketball fans, already on the edge of their seats, witnessed as Karlie was led away from her team by the mascot. Unknown to her at that moment, there was an orchestrated surprise waiting — one crafted with love, anticipation, and the spirit of the holiday season.

A Reconnected Love Story

Dalton Hawkins, Karlie’s longtime boyfriend, had planned every detail to perfection. Disguised as the much-loved Bearcat mascot, Dalton used this opportunity to propose to Karlie in a memorable fashion. As the first timeout began, Dalton took the dramatic step of removing the Bearcat’s head mask, revealing himself to Karlie at the center of the court. There, on bended knee, he asked Karlie to marry him, placing an engagement ring on her hand. To the delight of the cheering audience — including family, friends, teammates, and even the opposing USC Aiken players — her answer was a joyful and resounding “yes.”

Their journey had roots that dug deep into childhood. The couple first met in kindergarten at Ware Shoals Primary School, where they were the best of friends. Known for their lively chats, their teachers often had to ask them to “quiet down.” However, as Dalton’s family relocated during his third grade and eventually Karlie’s family moved as well, they lost touch.

Years later, the two reconnected during Karlie’s senior year of high school at a mutual friend’s birthday party, sparking a bond that hadn’t dimmed with time. Since that fateful reunion, the couple has been inseparable — a true testament to an enduring friendship refined into romantic love.

A Community Celebrates

With the support of Lander’s Spirit Team Coach Kim Schoolfield, the proposal went off without a hitch. It was a magical moment that turned an ordinary basketball game into a cherished memory for everyone involved. Enthusiasm rang high among the Lander fans, teammates, and family members, while even the USC Aiken women’s basketball team caught the joyous spirit, jumping excitedly on the sidelines as the scene unfolded.

In the backdrop of this exciting day, while the skies slowly shifted to a cloudy outlook for the evening with temperatures set to drop around 40°F, the warm glow from the day’s events lingered in the hearts of the onlookers. Indeed, love was truly in the air, wrapping around those present like a cozy winter blanket, making this particular Saturday a day to remember.

A Heartfelt Conclusion

As December spins its magic across Greenwood, this proposal stands out as a beautiful reminder of love’s timeless journey. Karlie and Dalton shared their unforgettable moment with their extended Lander family, proving that sometimes the most cherished gifts during the holiday season are those given from the heart.