A Podcast Connection Sparks a Journey
Avery Koenen and Trey Drake first crossed paths in an unexpected setting: a campus podcast called *Hot Mic with Dom Izzo* on July 11, 2022. The conversation, sparked by a simple observation from Drake’s mother, set the stage for a connection that would span three years.
Both were on the radar of North Dakota State University as prospective athletes. Koenen, a standout from Montevideo, Minnesota, arrived in Fargo with a reputation on the basketball court, while Drake, hailing from Jamestown, New York, brought his arm to the Bison football program. Their initial recruitment stories were separate, but the university’s tight‑knit community would soon intertwine them.
Koenen quickly made her mark on the women’s basketball team, helping the Bison reach the Summit League Tournament Championship game for the first time. Meanwhile, Drake redshirted his freshman season on the football field, using the year to adjust to the collegiate pace while watching Koenen’s rise.
The following summer, the two reconvened on campus in August 2023. A casual invitation from Drake led to a first date that rekindled a freshman‑year friendship into something deeper. Their bond grew amid shared workouts, study sessions, and the occasional rivalry on the practice fields.
By the fall of their senior year, Drake had publicly declared his intention to marry Koenen, saying, “I’m definitely going to date this girl, and I’m going to marry this girl too.” Determined to make the moment perfect, he enlisted a photographer and arranged a meticulously planned proposal in South Fargo, a setting that would later be captured in their engagement photos.
The engagement announcement was met with cheers from teammates across both sports. NDSU’s basketball and football squads celebrated the milestone, noting that Koenen and Drake join a growing list of Bison athletes who have found love on campus and are now planning weddings that often align with the team’s bye weeks.
Looking ahead, Koenen confirmed she will return for a senior season in 2026, a decision made before the proposal but now accompanied by the excitement of an upcoming marriage. The couple has hinted at a September 2027 wedding, continuing a tradition that blends athletic camaraderie with personal milestones.