Water polo superstar Maggie Steffens has made waves in the pool for years, racking up Olympic golds and world championships. But in 2023, she scored her biggest win yet – tying the knot with her longtime love, Bobby Conner.
The couple’s journey from friends to newlyweds has been a steady progression, much like Steffens’ rise to the top of her sport.
So, who is her husband, and how has he supported one of water polo’s brightest stars?
The Couple’s Wedding Date – 11/11 – Is a Homage to the Significant 11 Steps in Their Relationship
Maggie and Bobby’s love story is as unique as their chosen wedding date. The couple tied the knot at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 11, 2023, a date that holds special meaning for them. This wasn’t a random choice – it’s a nod to the 11 key moments that shaped their journey together.
December 4, 2016, marked their first meeting, sparking with tequila shots and Cuba Libres. By January 4, 2017, they had established their cherished “Tuesday dates.” August 20, 2017, saw their first travel adventure together to Budapest and Croatia.
On March 10, 2018, Bobby committed to supporting Maggie’s water polo career, leading to their “married to the game” phase. August 8, 2018, brought a move and job change for Bobby. On June 1, 2019, they took the big step of moving in together in Long Beach.
August 6, 2020, put their strength to the test as they faced the Olympics postponement and bought their first home. On August 7, 2021, Maggie, 33, won the Olympic gold. October 23, 2021, saw them relocate to Spain together.
A special family trip to Puerto Rico on December 25, 2021, preceded the final milestone – Bobby’s proposal on July 8, 2022, in Belmont Shore.
By selecting 11/11, the pair wove these significant dates into their wedding day, creating a beautiful tribute to their time together.
Her Husband Stood By Through All Career Ups and Downs
Steffens’ life partner, Bobby, has been a constant pillar of support for her, standing by her side through the highs and lows of her water polo career. Their relationship, built on understanding and compromise, has survived the challenges of long-distance periods and the intense demands of professional athletics.
Early in their relationship, Bobby showed how committed he was by rearranging his work schedule to match Maggie’s only day off- Tuesday – from her demanding training at Stanford. Their ‘Tuesday dates’ became a key part of their growing romance, giving them a chance to explore the Bay Area together on those precious days.
As Maggie’s career soared, taking her to international competitions and eventually to the Olympics, Bobby’s support never wavered. He adapted to her globe-trotting lifestyle, even moving to Southern California to be closer to her training base. When she played professionally in Spain, he took the leap to join her, embracing life abroad and working on his Spanish skills.
Bobby Is A Former Athlete Himself
Raised in San Rafael, California, he was a standout soccer player at San Rafael High School before taking his talents to the collegiate level at St. Mary’s College.
At St. Mary’s, Bobby quickly became a key player on the soccer team, earning him the role of team captain for two years. As a defender during these years, he started in all 37 matches during his sophomore and junior years, proving to be one of the top defenders on the West Coast.
His college career was not only marked by athletic prowess but also academic excellence. Bobby maintained an impressive 3.537 GPA in business administration, consistently earning a spot on the Dean’s List. His dual success led to his selection for the first-team all-West Coast Conference Academic Team.
However, Bobby faced a significant hurdle when a knee injury forced him to step away from the game he loved.
Although Bobby could no longer play, his passion for sports and community involvement didn’t wane. He channeled his energy into organizing fundraisers for cancer research and participating in various community service events.
In addition to his community efforts, he has engaged in family business pursuits. Since June 2022, he has been working as the business development and production manager at 689 Cellars, a family-run winery.
However, his professional interests span beyond just the wine industry. He has also been serving as a financial advisor for 6-8 Sports since January 2018.
While Maggie Performs In The Olympics, She Is Grappling With The Loss Of Her Sister-in-law, Lulu Conner
As Maggie leads the U.S. women’s water polo team in their quest for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she is concurrently dealing with an unexpected personal tragedy.
Lulu Conner, the 26-year-old sister of Bobby, passed away suddenly upon the team’s arrival in Paris.
The loss has cast a shadow over what should be a time of excitement and anticipation for Steffens and her teammates. Coach Adam Krikorian described the situation as a shock for everyone and a devastating time for her spouse Bobby and their family.
Despite the heartbreak, Steffens has shown remarkable strength. At the Opening Ceremony, she was seen throwing flowers into the Seine from the U.S. team’s boat, a touching gesture in memory of Lulu. The following day, she scored two goals in the team’s opening 15-6 victory against Greece.
