Courting on! TLC reality star Jinger Duggar announced on Monday, June 20, that she and soccer player Jeremy Vuolo are officially courting. Jill and Jessa’s younger sibling shared the news in an announcement video posted to Counting On‘s website, and even introduced Vuolo to curious fans.
In the clip, the 19 Kids and Counting alum stands in an open field with Vuolo, a professional soccer player who’s also pastor.
“I’m Jinger and this is Jeremy,” she shares. “And we’re happy to announce that we’re officially courting.”
Vuolo then jumps into the conversation and explains what this means. “As opposed to a more casual dating relationship, we really want to honor the Lord and be very intentional about how we move forward,” he says.
Jinger reveals that she first met Vuolo in May 2015, and the two subsequently attended a missions trip together. “It was there that I really saw his heart and really admired his character,” Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s daughter says in the video.
After the trip, Vuolo contacted Jim Bob Duggar about courting Jinger. “We are really excited to begin this journey together and for you to join us along the way,” the couple conclude in the clip.
The two share a common ground in their religious beliefs. The Duggars are devout Christians and like Jinger, Vuolo is the son of a pastor. The athlete has repeatedly spoken out about his faith and unwavering identity.
“My identity needs to be in something that’s never going to change, and that’s Jesus Christ,” he previously told Cru’s Athletes in Action. “Knowing there is a God who is in control and has promised that every single thing – not just the good things or bad things, but everything – will work for my good.”
Jinger’s big sisters Jill and Jessa both ended up marrying their respective suitors after brief courtships. Jessa entered into courtship with her now-husband, Ben Seewald, in September 2013, while Jill got a head-start on the marital process and officially entered a courtship with her future spouse, Derick Dillard, in March 2013.
Watch their announcement video above. TLC’s Counting On will return this summer.
