Matt Wong and Brittnee Rossi: Balancing School, Sports and a Relationship

As the spring semester comes to an end and graduating students look to life after college, many of them will also be reflecting on the many relationships they’ve formed over the years. Throughout the course of a student’s collegiate journey, they would’ve encountered and formed relationships with hundreds of other students, all from different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life. 

It is the hope of every student that these relationships may eventually grow past “classmates” and “teammates” to eventually become “friends.” Or maybe even a romantic relationship. As baseball right fielder Matt Wong and softball center fielder Brittnee Rossi end their collegiate career at UH Manoa, they looked back on how their relationship grew into a romantic one, while also juggling the responsibilities of school and their respective sports.

“It’s been a long journey for the both of us,” Wong said. “It’s already tough being a student and an athlete, but then we threw a relationship into the mix.”

Wong, who is 23 and graduates with a degree in sociology, described the difficulties of keeping up with classes while also playing baseball. “Not only do you have to put in the work on the field, but you also have to put in the extra work off the field,” talking not only about classes, but also, the workouts that come with being an athlete. 

However, the benefit of dating someone who is also going through similar challenges has helped. “It’s honestly a plus” he said. “You’re both going to understand that there are obligations both of you must give to your sport.”

Both Wong and Rossi have had impressive athletic careers. Originally from Hollister, Calif., Rossi graduated with a degree in communications and a minor in sociology. This past season she was named captain for the softball team. It was actually something that she didn’t see happening. “Originally, it was the coaches who saw me coming out my shell and put me in a situation where they thought I could grow, ” she said. 

Coming from a small town, Rossi described herself as being a shy, more reserved girl growing up — someone who talked only when talked to. But when given the opportunity to be team captain, she appreciated the chance to grow as a leader and to grow as an individual. The 22-year-old said that she’s continually worked on becoming more vocal, while also helping her team by leading through example.

Wong has also had a strong career in baseball, coming from Mililani and playing for Saint Louis School in Honolulu. He originally left the islands and played at the College of Southern Nevada before transferring back home. 

“(Going away) was the best decision I’ve ever made,” he said. “It was “a journey I’ll never regret. I went to a place that taught me how to live on my own and helped me grow as an individual. But coming back home was also the second best decision in my life because I’ve always dreamed about playing in front of my friends and family as well as everyone who’s helped me get to where I am today.”

Wong and Rossi have been dating one another for a little over a year now. What started out as just a friendship and two people living in the same apartment building together turned out to be more than that. “Our intention wasn’t to be in a relationship but to just be friends. But because we were around each other so much and enjoyed our time together, we wanted to hangout everyday. It became addicting,” Wong said. 

Their similarities as student-athletes has only helped their relationship. “You’re both committed to something outside of the relationship, but you’re both willing to make time for the relationship when you do have the time,” Wong stated. 

Rossi further added, “It comes down to a level of understanding from both parties. We both have our initial priorities for school and softball/baseball, but at the end of the day, we do usually get to see each other after it’s all done.”

The one downside to about the relationship is the competitive factor. While the two don’t like to necessarily compare themselves, they had a running bet between them as to who will have the most home runs by the end of the season. Ultimately Wong has won the bet as he has five home runs with seven games to play. Rossi conclude her season and her career on May 14th against UC Davis with three home runs on the year. 

And while the two don’t have their plans after college completely laid out, Rossi intends to stay in Hawai‘i and make it her home. As the two of them move onto another stage in their lives, they’ll definitely be doing it together and with the help and support of one another. 

#GoBows