Rocky Top Romance: Zakai Zeigler Pops the Question on Campus, Engages Fellow Tennessee Vols Student in Epic Surprise Proposal
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – April 8, 2025 — In a heartwarming twist that captured the spirit of Tennessee pride and youthful love, Vols basketball star Zakai Zeigler got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend—a fellow University of Tennessee student—in an unforgettable moment that has lit up social media and sparked headlines across the country. What started as an ordinary spring evening on campus transformed into a life milestone for one of the most beloved student-athletes in UT history.
The proposal took place just outside the iconic Ayres Hall, where the crisp Tennessee sunset bathed the campus in gold. Dozens of friends, teammates, and curious onlookers gathered, many tipped off earlier in the day by Zeigler himself, who wanted the moment to be shared with the extended Volunteer family. Surrounded by orange and white balloons, a string quartet playing a soft rendition of “Rocky Top,” and a backdrop of hand-painted signs reading “Forever Starts Now,” the scene was set for a proposal straight out of a modern-day Southern fairytale.
Zakai, dressed in a crisp white button-down and his signature Nike kicks, stood with shaking hands and a wide grin as his girlfriend—junior Alyssa Monroe, a kinesiology major and longtime UT fan—walked into the scene, clearly unaware of what was about to unfold. Alyssa, who has been dating Zeigler since their sophomore year, had reportedly been told they were attending a “media event” related to the university’s athletics program.
“I wanted it to be something that felt like us,” Zeigler later said, beaming in a post-proposal interview. “We met on this campus, we grew together here, and I wanted to make this the place where I asked her to be my forever. I couldn’t imagine doing it anywhere else.”
As soon as Alyssa laid eyes on the surprise setup and saw Zakai on one knee, her hands flew to her face, and tears started to fall. The crowd went silent as Zeigler pulled out a glimmering oval-cut diamond ring from his pocket—a custom piece designed by a local Knoxville jeweler, featuring intricate orange sapphire details as a nod to UT’s school colors.
“Alyssa Monroe, you’ve been my rock through every win, every loss, every late-night practice and every early morning class. You made this place home for me,” he said, voice steady despite the emotion in the air. “Will you marry me?”
Her answer came quickly, wrapped in both laughter and sobs: “Yes, a thousand times yes!”
The couple embraced as the crowd erupted in cheers, teammates hoisted Zakai onto their shoulders, and several Vols coaches, including head coach Rick Barnes, joined the celebration. “He’s always been a leader, on and off the court,” Barnes said. “To see him take this next step in life with so much intentionality and love—it’s powerful. I couldn’t be happier for him and Alyssa.”
Zakai Zeigler’s journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Known for his relentless grit, lightning-quick footwork, and emotional resilience—especially after overcoming the tragic loss of his family’s home to a fire in 2022—Zakai has grown into one of the most respected point guards in the SEC. Off the court, he’s been just as impactful, participating in numerous community outreach events, mentoring youth through UT’s student-athlete programs, and maintaining a 3.5 GPA in sports management.
But those who know him best say that Alyssa has been a major part of that journey.
“She’s kept him grounded,” said teammate Josiah-Jordan James. “When Zakai gets into his head after a game, she’s the one who helps him refocus. She’s calm, smart, funny, and tough—she matches his energy perfectly. They’re a power couple for sure.”
According to close friends, the couple has been talking about marriage for nearly a year, but Zeigler kept the proposal plans under tight wraps. Only his mother and a few teammates were in on the secret. “I wanted it to be genuine, surprising, and a little bit theatrical,” he laughed. “I mean, if you’re gonna ask the love of your life to marry you, why not go big, right?”
Social media, naturally, exploded with the news. The official Tennessee Basketball X account (formerly Twitter) shared a photo of the newly engaged couple with the caption: “She said yes! Congratulations to our guy Zakai Zeigler and his beautiful fiancée. Rocky Top love is real!” The post has since garnered over 2 million views and counting.
Fans and fellow students alike flooded comment sections with love and congratulations. “This is the kind of wholesome content we needed!” one user posted. Another joked, “Zakai didn’t just secure the win on the court—he secured the ring off it too!”
University officials also joined in the celebration, with UT Chancellor Donde Plowman tweeting, “At the University of Tennessee, we don’t just build champions—we build families. Congrats to Zakai and Alyssa!”
As for what’s next, the couple plans to finish out the semester before spending the summer back in New York and Chattanooga, respectively, with their families. While no wedding date has been announced, Zeigler hinted that they’re eyeing a fall 2026 ceremony, possibly right on the UT campus. “If we can find a way to get married at Neyland Stadium,” he said with a grin, “we’re doing it.”
Until then, the Vols community will be keeping a close eye on one of its favorite sons—not just for his lightning-fast assists and clutch three-pointers, but for his steps toward a future beyond basketball.
For now, the only ring that matters isn’t the one from March Madness—it’s the one Alyssa Monroe said yes to under the Tennessee
