Tara Davis and Hunter Woodhall, two of America’s most celebrated athletes, have a love story that could easily be the plot of a feel-good sports movie. Their journey together began in 2017 at the Simplot Games, an indoor track meet in Idaho, where fate brought them together in a surprising yet memorable way.
It was Hunter’s 18th birthday, and after he had finished running the 400m race, the announcer mentioned the milestone over the speakers. Tara, feeling an inexplicable urge, approached Hunter and, without any prior connection, offered him a hug. As she later explained, it was a spontaneous moment where she felt compelled to reach out. “I don’t know why, but I just feel like I need to give you a hug. I shot my shot,” Tara recalled. She added that women often just know what they want, and this was her way of taking a chance.
This simple but meaningful interaction sparked a connection between the two, and they soon found themselves on their first date at a local pizza place. During their meal, Tara confessed that she had to fight her urge to complain about the long wait for their food, jokingly admitting that she was the type of person who would usually ask to speak to the manager. Despite her impatience, she held her tongue, and later laughed about how difficult it had been to keep calm.
Following their initial meeting, Tara and Hunter began to stay in touch through social media, and by the summer of 2017, they were officially dating. Despite the challenges of long-distance relationships, they made it work, as Tara attended the University of Georgia before transferring to the University of Texas, while Hunter went to the University of Arkansas. Their commitment to each other remained strong, even though their college schedules and locations kept them apart.
In September 2021, after several years of dating, Hunter proposed to Tara during a romantic getaway in Mexico. The proposal marked a new chapter in their relationship, and the couple soon began planning their wedding. On October 16, 2022, they exchanged vows at D’Vine Grace Vineyard in McKinney, Texas. The ceremony, which was officiated by Hunter’s teammate Trenten Merrill, was attended by around 200 of their closest family and friends. Their two dogs, Milo and Winnie, served as the ring bearers, adding a personal touch to the day.
Now, as a married couple, Tara and Hunter no longer have to navigate the challenges of long-distance dating. They live together in Arkansas, but being professional athletes still presents unique challenges. Despite their busy schedules, they prioritize their relationship by working on their communication and cherishing their time together. One way they’ve been able to do this is by documenting their shared memories and experiences through videos, which they share on social media. This has not only allowed them to create lasting memories but has also helped build their growing influence and connection with fans.
Their love story is a testament to the power of taking chances, staying committed, and working through the challenges that life and athletics can present. The Woodhalls continue to inspire others, both on and off the track, as they share their journey together.
