PEA RIDGE, Ark. — A Pea Ridge couple are cheering each other on as they play basketball on a national stage.
The National Christian College Athletic Association is hosting its tournament this weekend and some names familiar to 5COUNTRY are participating.
Nick and Gabby Coble played for the Pea Ridge Blackhawks and both donned the number 21.
"We met in English class in the 10th grade. And then yes, we were both playing basketball too at the time. So we were kind of crossing paths frequently," Nick said.
Gabby transferred to Pea Ridge from Bentonville after her mom got a job in the district.
"Senior year came around, and I was single, and she was single. And we got together," Nick said.
The two continued their basketball careers in college. Nick became an Ecclesia College Royal while Gabby spent a year away at Crowder.
"The long-distance was kind of difficult, you know, on weekends, sometimes we would be able to meet up in our hometown, and it was hard, you know, going back to school on Monday, splitting up," Nick explained.
"I think keeping God at the center of your relationship really is the only meaningful anchor you can have. You know, being on the road and stuff for basketball and, you know, being apart so much. You know, things get hard sometimes," he added.
Gabby quickly joined Nick at Ecclesia College the following year. They no longer wanted to spend time away from each other, so they both made the move to Mission University in Springfield.
"I've had a lot of changes that basically a college every year. So that was a big change. And I was getting a new coach every single year, new teammates, but I adapted very well," Gabby said.
It was at Mission University where their athletic careers and relationship would take the next step. Five years after they met, Gabby and Nick are now married.
"For the first time in school history, and in our lives, we both made it to the tournament," Nick claimed.
Nick and Gabby both are playing as Patriots for the Mission University men's and women's basketball teams. The teams both made it to the National Christian College Athletic Association tournament. They describe the experience as like a dream, a storybook and a movie.
"It's gonna be it's gonna be different for both of us after our last game tonight," Nick said.
Nick added that they've made time for each other at the tournament, but are focusing on the time with their teammates and friends. After all, they say they have the rest of their lives with each other. After their final game, they'd like to use their business degrees and move back to Pea Ridge.
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