Relationships of any sort is being a part of a team, and that’s what brought Christian Bundy and Brooke Stauffer together.
The now-engaged couple came to Missouri Southern because it was close to home and because of basketball.
“The education program was great,” said Brooke. “I also really enjoyed the basketball environment.
“I also wanted to be a part of an amazing team,” Christian explained. “The players and coaches made me feel like family.”
At first, they knew each other since they were both on the Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams. They didn’t talk much until they worked the MSSU athletics live action event, but a few months later is when Christian finally asked Brooke out to ice cream. Brooke decided that he was so sweet and a ton of fun that she accepted another date.
“My first impression of Christian was, of course, he was really tall and handsome,” said Brooke. “He had a great personality and always had a good energy about him. I could just tell he had a kind heart and was the kind of guy that would do anything for someone. Most importantly he was a God-fearing man and loved to share His Word.”
"My first impression of Brooke was she was gorgeous and had really pretty eyes,” said Christian. "As we started talking, I quickly realized she's a very kind, honest, and extremely competitive woman. I loved her humor and quirky side. She is truly a joy to be around."
From then on, they were truly inseparable. Ever true basketball players, most of their dates included going to the gym to shoot and rebound for each other.
“Basketball was honestly one of the biggest parts of our lives,” said Brooke. “It was something we both fell in love with at an early age and something that we were both truly passionate about.”
After graduating, Brooke started her career at Webb City School District, where she currently teaches high school physical education and training and is the assistant coach for Webb City High School Girls’ Basketball. Christian traveled overseas to continue his basketball career in Serbia and Macedonia. Since returning to Joplin, he works a medical devices sales representative for Arthrex.
Their wedding is on September 27th, 2025, where they will be surrounded by their loved ones, including a few close teammates.
"Getting to cheer each other on were some of the best memories if not the best memories at MSSU,” they said.
