Chaz Lanier Intensifies Love for Tess Darby: Unveils Her Officially as His Fiancée in Heartfelt Gesture That Captivates Tennessee and the Nation…
By: Rocky Top Sentinel Staff | June 23, 2025
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In a moment that has captivated hearts across the Volunteer State and beyond, Tennessee men’s basketball standout Chaz Lanier has taken his relationship with Tennessee Lady Vols star Tess Darby to the next level. Just days after whispers and speculation began swirling around their status, Lanier officially unveiled Darby as his fiancée, sealing the news with a public declaration of love that sent fans into joyful celebration.
The announcement came during a touching, surprise appearance at Thompson-Boling Arena, where both teams were gathered for a joint event promoting unity in athletics and celebrating the legacy of Tennessee sports. What was expected to be a routine address turned into a headline-grabbing love story that captured the essence of loyalty, respect, and romance on Rocky Top.
> “I’ve always believed in family, in love, and in Tennessee,” Lanier said as he turned to Tess. “She’s all three. This woman is my heart, my home, and today, I want the world to know — Tess Darby is officially my fiancée.”
With those words, Chaz gently took Tess’s hand and kissed it, lifting her finger to show a sparkling diamond ring that shimmered under the lights. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as Darby smiled, tears rolling down her cheeks.
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A Love Story That Grew Alongside Their Basketball Careers
Chaz Lanier and Tess Darby aren’t just star athletes — they are living, breathing reflections of what it means to grow with someone through every challenge and triumph. Their relationship, which began as a friendship during joint volunteer events and mutual training sessions, slowly blossomed into a romance rooted in shared values: faith, family, discipline, and community.
Lanier, a graduate transfer from North Alabama who became a dynamic presence for the Vols, found in Darby someone who matched his focus, his spirit, and his deep love for Tennessee. Meanwhile, Darby, a seasoned Lady Vol and team captain known for her lockdown defense and clutch three-point shooting, admired Lanier’s humility and character even more than his on-court brilliance.
> “He’s not just the guy who lights up the scoreboard,” Darby once said. “He lights up every room he walks into — with kindness, with intention, and with love.”
Over the past year, fans noticed the couple’s growing closeness. From attending campus events together to posting each other on social media with the simple but powerful caption “My Rock,” their relationship became a source of hope and pride for Tennessee supporters.
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The Proposal: A Private Moment With Deep Meaning
Although Lanier had publicly revealed Darby as his fiancée just today, sources close to the couple revealed that the actual proposal happened last week during a quiet walk through the Smoky Mountains — a favorite getaway for the couple. Surrounded by nature, Lanier got down on one knee and asked the question that would change everything.
> “I didn’t want a spotlight. I wanted serenity. Just us, where love is louder than applause,” Lanier later shared.
Darby, overwhelmed and emotional, said yes instantly. “There was never a doubt in my mind,” she told close friends.
Though the proposal was kept private, Lanier said he wanted to make their engagement known publicly “because Tennessee gave us the space to grow and love freely.”
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Reactions from the Tennessee Family: ‘This Is Our Fairytale’
The reaction from the Tennessee community was instantaneous and emotional. Social media exploded with photos, video clips, and messages from players, coaches, students, and fans:
Zakai Zeigler: “My boy Chaz ain’t just a bucket — he’s a real one Congrats fam! Tess, you got a king right there.”
Coach Rick Barnes: “They are an example of the best kind of partnership: two hearts led by faith and commitment. Proud of them.”
Coach Kellie Harper: “Tess is a leader, on and off the court. Seeing her find this joy is beautiful. We are celebrating this across the entire Lady Vols family.”
Even Lady Vols legend Tamika Catchings posted her congratulations: “Love wins. And when two athletes find that balance and joy — it’s something to celebrate!”
The university itself lit up Ayres Hall in orange and white with a glowing heart symbol projected across the front. The message on the school’s official Instagram page read:
> “From Rocky Top with love. Congratulations, Chaz and Tess — our Volunteer Royalty.”
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What the Engagement Means for the Tennessee Basketball Culture
Beyond the beautiful romance, the engagement of Chaz Lanier and Tess Darby symbolizes something much bigger — a cultural statement about unity, purpose, and community in collegiate athletics.
In a world where athletes often get swept up in branding deals, professional aspirations, and constant transfer rumors, this couple has stayed true to what they believe in: loyalty, humility, and heart.
They are both remaining with Tennessee for the upcoming season — Lanier to anchor the Vols’ offensive ambitions, and Darby to help lead a veteran Lady Vols team with championship dreams. Their engagement only strengthens their resolve.
> “Now we’re not just playing for a school,” Darby said. “We’re playing for our future together, too.”
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The Future Together: Wedding Bells and Volunteer Dreams
Though no official date has been set, the couple confirmed that they’re aiming for a Summer 2026 wedding, most likely in Knoxville. Rumors are already swirling about a Neyland Stadium ceremony or a Volunteer-themed wedding with orange-and-white attire for the entire bridal party.
But more than the spectacle, the couple says their eyes are still set on the goals at hand: graduation, championships, community impact, and walking the walk as examples of integrity and love.
> “We want to be role models for what love looks like when it’s done right — built on trust, faith, and service,” Lanier said in closing.
Darby added, “This isn’t just about rings and headlines. It’s about walking in purpose — together.”
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Final Thoughts: A Modern Love Story Rooted in Rocky Top
In a year filled with transfers, retirements, and unpredictability in the world of college sports, Chaz Lanier and Tess Darby’s love story stands out like a bright orange sunrise over Neyland Stadium. It’s a reminder that amid all the hustle, there is still space for deep connection, selfless devotion, and genuine love.
Their engagement has become a symbol — not just of romance, but of the Tennessee spirit that binds its community together.
They came to Knoxville for basketball.
They found something even greater.
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