Lucas Byrd, for some, is living the dream.
The 5-foot-5 amateur wrestling star of the University of Illinois recently captured national attention, not only for his athletic prowess but also for his relationship with former Illini volleyball player Ellie Holzman, who stands at 6-3.
After winning the 133-pound NCAA championship, Byrd ran over to embrace his family, and sprinted to hug Holzman, who was seated matside in support of her “short king” boyfriend, and the two embraced
“He loves her, Ellie,” former UFC champion and Division I All-American Daniel Cormier exclaimed on the ESPN broadcast as the announce table searched for the words to express in the moment.
“Love knows no boundaries, certainly not height, D.C.,” play-by-play announcer Mike Couzens replied.
“I think they’re wonderful together, they’re wonderful,” Cormier added.
Byrd and Holzman, standing at 6-3, have embraced their notable height difference, sharing their experiences on social media platforms like TikTok, where they have amassed roughly 420,000 followers.
Holzman posted a photo of their hug on Instagram following the win, “You freaking did it baby🥹🥹 NATIONAL CHAMPION!🥇🏆 I am so beyond proud of you. Coming back after a gnarly injury, rehab/recovery, and medical redshirt season to go all the way to the top. My SUPERSTAR!!!!🌟The world is yours🖤 ILL💙🧡”
One top comment replied, “Look at my goat man,” referring to Byrd, “Giving all us short kings hope.”
Their relationship reportedly began after the two met at a bar near campus.
Holzman playfully noted Byrd’s resemblance to Harry Potter.
Initially hesitant due to the height disparity, Holzman eventually overcame her reservations, leading to a flourishing partnership.
Byrd finished fifth at the NCAA Championships in the same weight division in both 2021 and 2022.
He sat out last season due to a medical redshirt and emerged with his best season of college wrestling as a senior in 2024-25.
Holzman was a highly accomplished high school volleyball player, winning Gatorade National Player of the Year for the 2018-19 season, but injuries forced her to medically retire in 2022 after playing at Illinois in a limited fashion.
