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Alumni couple’s journey from volleyball partners to life partners

January 21, 2025
With an ivy-covered building behind them, a man on bended knee presents an engagement ring to a surprised woman.

Bradley Morris, Geographic Analysis ’15, proposes to Hayley Winters, Hospitality and Tourism Management ’13, on the TMU campus where they first met. Photo credit: Jeremy Daly Photography.

In May 2024, Bradley Morris got down on one knee and proposed to Hayley Winters on campus at Kerr Hall Quad, a place filled with great memories for the couple — both Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) alumni. 

Bradley and Hayley first met while playing intramural volleyball at the Recreation and Athletic Centre (RAC) in the Quad more than 13 years ago. Bradley was immediately impressed by Hayley’s outgoing personality while Hayley was thrilled by how much they had in common. Despite being in different undergraduate programs, with Hayley pursuing Hospitality and Tourism Management and Bradley pursuing Geographic Analysis, they were brought together by their love of staying active.

Two men wearing sports jerseys and a woman stand in a gymnasium.

One memorable moment for the couple was when Bradley met Hayley’s brother, Fred Winters, for the first time during a volleyball competition. Bradley played on the university’s team and Fred played on the Canadian Masters team. From left: Bradley, Hayley and Fred. Photo courtesy of Bradley Morris and Hayley Winters.

According to Bradley, months-long planning for the surprise marriage proposal started in his parents’ garage, with help from his mother and sister. The plan would begin with Bradley taking Hayley to Salad King, one of her favourite restaurants near the TMU campus. He hired a photographer to capture what was sure to be a memorable evening and did everything he could to prevent ruining the surprise for Hayley. 

“I even drew a map of where we were eating, and where my route would go up to the Quad,” he said, ensuring the photographer would know where to find them.

Then it happened: Bradley got down on one knee and pulled out the ring. And Hayley said yes!

A man and woman stand at the top of a set of stairs leading to a building entrance, her left hand held in his right hand, together gazing at her engagement ring.

Newly engaged couple Bradley (left) and Hayley (right) at the heritage stone facade of the Recreation and Athletic Centre, located on campus in the Kerr Hall Quad. Photo credit: Jeremy Daly Photography.

But the evening wasn’t over yet. Bradley had also planned a surprise engagement party at Piano Piano, a restaurant on Colborne Street, where he invited family and friends from both sides. 

“They were all at Piano Piano when we arrived there for dinner. Since they all knew what was happening before the actual day, they were fantastic at not giving anything away,” Hayley said. 

The couple plan to wed in July 2025 at Hayley’s parents’ property in B.C. In the meantime, they have achieved several milestones together.

“After a move out of Toronto, we purchased our first house together in the Cambridge, Ont. area, closer to Brad’s family. We have two cats, Khaleesi and Lennie. We’ve started our lives already, this engagement is the cherry on top,” said Hayley. 

Since graduating from TMU, Hayley has found herself leading the Office of Advancement at St. Jerome’s University at the University of Waterloo as the Manager of Development and Alumni Relations. Bradley went back to trade school to become an electrician and has been with Toronto-based company OVR Electric Inc., where he completed a new lecture hall within Kerr Hall at TMU. Bradley is currently working on a new ballroom location at Yonge and Dundas Square.

From their own experiences, the couple encourage current students to take advantage of all that TMU has to offer, outside of the classroom.

“Always get involved and put yourself out there,” said Hayley. Similarly, Bradley emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the extracurricular activities on campus.

Hayley said she was able to meet a lot of friends during Frosh Week. Bradley said that joining intramural volleyball and the men’s volleyball team helped him make amazing memories — like meeting Hayley! 

Congratulations, Hayley and Bradley!