Stanford Alum Couple Reveal Unconventional Engagement Story

Cameron Brink's fiancé Ben Felton reached out via email instead of social media DMs.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Cameron Brink, the star player for the Los Angeles Sparks, and her now-fiancé Ben Felton, who was on the Stanford rowing team, met as students at the university. Rather than reaching out to Brink through social media, Felton took an unconventional approach and contacted her via email to introduce himself and ask her out.

Why it matters

Brink and Felton's story provides a refreshing take on modern romance, eschewing typical social media courtship for a more personal, old-fashioned approach. Their engagement tale also highlights the enduring connections that can form between student-athletes at elite universities like Stanford.

The details

When Brink and Felton were still students at Stanford, where Brink was a star player for the women's basketball team and Felton was on the rowing team, Felton decided to reach out to Brink in a unique way. Instead of sliding into her DMs on social media, he sent her an email introducing himself and asking her on a date. The couple has been together since March 2021 and got engaged in September 2024 during Paris Fashion Week.

  • Brink and Felton met as students at Stanford University.
  • They began dating in March 2021.
  • Felton proposed to Brink in September 2024 in Paris.

The players

Cameron Brink

A star player for the Los Angeles Sparks who helped lead the Stanford women's basketball team to two national title games during her four seasons there.

Ben Felton

Brink's fiancé, who was on the Stanford rowing team when he and Brink were students at the university.

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What they’re saying

“Hey Cameron, Wanted to chat you up but I think dms are a bit creepy. Not that an email is much better so here's my number.”

— Ben Felton (Email)

What’s next

Brink and Felton hope to get married at the memorial church on Stanford's campus where they first met.

The takeaway

Brink and Felton's unconventional courtship story shows that personal connections can still thrive in the digital age, and that old-fashioned gestures like a thoughtful email can go a long way in capturing someone's attention.