Melissa Jefferson-Wooden is the talk of the town after torching the track and setting a new meet record at the Silesia Diamond League. Her record-shattering 10.66-second 100m victory was a masterclass in speed, leaving everyone from Jamaican stars to Sha’Carri Richardson in her wake. But while her feet were flying on the track in Poland, it got fans wondering about the rock supporting her off of it. Everyone wants to know who exactly the man is she married to?

Here’s the full scoop on her husband, Rolan Wooden II.

Who is Melissa Jefferson’s Husband?

Born in Acworth, Georgia, Melissa Jefferson’s spouse, Rolan Wooden II, was a football player while studying at Coastal Carolina University (CCU) from 2018 to 2022. Before that, he was a student of Allatoona High School. In fact, only in his senior year of high school did he start playing football. But soon, he found his passion and the talent for the game. In one season, he recorded 53 tackles, which included six for loss and 3 sacks.

A quality defensive talent, he also registered 8 quarterback hurries and got 2 fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. The defensive linemen played a big part in helping the Buccaneers finish 2nd in Region 6AAAAAA, which would take them to the Class AAAAAA state quarterfinals. Wooden’s exploits got him a place on the CCU football team roster as a defensive lineman.

Having played 37 games in his college career, Rolan Wooden II got 25 tackles in total. One of the highlights of his college football career was blocking a 45-yard field goal attempt in the 3rd quarter against Marshall in October 2022. It helped them earn a road win.

Besides being a defensive lineman, Rolan Wooden II has also been in special teams, making him a versatile football player with an overarching understanding of the game. And, taking that expertise, he has now become a strength and conditioning coach at the same college.

But don’t let football define this 6’4” massive unit. He has also excelled in academics, earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science. Then, he did a master’s in instructional technology from CCU, graduating in December 2022. To give you a better idea of how good the Georgia native is, he was named to the Dean’s List (3.5 GPA or higher) in 5 semesters. In addition to that, he was named on the President’s List (4.0 GPA) for both semesters of the 2021-22 year.

As you can understand, Rolan Wooden’s college life was quite hectic. But this is also when he met Melissa, his “lucky charm.”

What Does Rolan Wooden II Do for a Living?

Let’s be real. Most of us know Rolan Wooden II as Melissa Jefferson-Wooden’s husband, but the guy’s got his own background, too. Back in the day, he was balling out as a wide receiver for Coastal Carolina University. These days, he is keeping his career low-key and seriously under the radar. No flashy job posts, no interviews bragging about his grind. Honestly, it seems like he’s totally cool flying away from the public radar.

But here’s the point. If you’ve ever watched Melissa dominate on the track, you’ve definitely seen Rolan in the background going absolutely nuts and no cap. He’s basically her full-time hype man, her anchor, and honestly, it looks like being her #1 supporter is his main gig right now. So yeah, his LinkedIn might be MIA, but his role as Melissa’s rock? That’s front and center for everyone to see.

How Did Melissa Jefferson and Rolan Wooden II Meet?

Both Melissa and Rolan are involved in sporting endeavors, so maybe their fateful encounter took place on the field. And it all started with Wooden asking the sprinter out on a date. But when did it happen?

We can say Melissa and Rolan Wooden’s love story started in 2021. Even though neither of them posted anything together on social media, you will find connecting and sharing their love signs for one another in the comments or through the caption. One of her Insta posts from October 2021 had the caption: “Not a Pick Me Girl but He Picked Me 😘” And Wooden commented, “That’s me😍”

Since then, they have been sharing their journey, growing closer, and making each other the best versions of themselves. Their shared experiences of being involved in sports, no doubt, have helped them build a strong connection. They can relate to one another’s experiences on a personal level. And that’s precious. They officially became a couple in May 2022 as Melissa and Rolan attended a Gala together. Posting their picture on Instagram, the Paris Olympics 100m bronze medalist captioned it, “•Just the two of Us• Gala Tings 🥰🥰”

Not just with Melissa, Wooden’s love had even seen him grow very close to Melissa’s family. As their love blossomed, the former defensive lineman realized it was time to take the plunge. And in October 2023, Rolan popped the most important question in his relationship with Melissa. The romantic beach proposal went perfectly as the 2-time Olympic medalist said yes ecstatically.

Taking to Instagram, she shared the news with the world, mentioning how important Rolan Wooden has been for her. Part of her caption read, “Rolan, thank you for coming into my life when you did, you don’t know how much I needed someone like you not only as a partner but as my bestfriend🥺. You make me the happiest person alive…”

Finally, on March 2, 2025, the couple exchanged their vows to start the next beautiful chapter in their life.

As for their wedding, it was a stuff of dreams, and yet thoughtfully done.

When and Where Did Melissa Jefferson and Rolan Wooden II Get Married?

Winter Park Events Center in Winter Park, Florida, was the dream location. It was also an unplugged ceremony. The idea was to acknowledge the solemnness of a new, blessed beginning. No distractions, no smartphones, just being in the present and taking it all in in its most natural way.

There were around 250-odd guests, including the best man, Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely, and Olympic gold medalist Twanisha “Tee Tee” Terry as a bridesmaid. But that was not the only highlight in the guest list. Melissa Jefferson’s close friends, Sha’Carri Richardson, Kenny Bednarek, and Christian Coleman, were also at the wedding.

As for the bride and groom, Rolan Wooden II looked the part of a perfect, classy gentleman wearing a suit designed by Tom James Company. On the other hand, Melissa Jefferson wore a Lillian West wedding dress. It was complemented by a mermaid silhouette from the Bridal Gallery. Tiffany Stylez did her hair, while Alysse Parker was in charge of the makeup, along with Beatz by Stenza.

Looking like a perfect angel, Melissa Jefferson walked down the aisle to the tune of “Still” by Mali Music. The bride and groom exchanged traditional, handwritten vows, and as they said “I do,” they started to write a fresh story, in which they were the main characters.

What are your thoughts on this couple? Comment and let us know.