Get to Know Kayla Varner, Wife of Baseball Superstar Bryce Harper

Few people draw as much attention in Major League Baseball (MLB) as Bryce Harper. But behind every incredible athlete is often someone exceptional in their own right and for Bryce, that person is his wife, Kayla Varner. From her skills on the soccer field to her inspiring role as a wife and mother, Kayla is more than a supportive partner; she has a remarkable story of her own.

Here’s everything you need to know about Kayla Varner and her life as Bryce Harper's high school sweetheart, college athlete, and devoted mother.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings

Kayla Varner grew up in Henderson, Nevada, and her love for soccer began early. She attended Green Valley High School, where she established herself as a standout athlete. Kayla dominated the soccer field, earning the title of team MVP three years in a row from 2009 to 2011. By the time she graduated in 2011, she had not only set the Nevada state record for career assists but also led her team to a state championship. Her outstanding performance earned her national All-American recognition.

Kayla’s passion for soccer didn’t stop after high school. She played collegiate soccer, first at Brigham Young University (BYU) and later at Ohio State University. At BYU, she showcased her talent during the 2011 and 2012 seasons before transferring to Ohio State for her junior and senior years. By the time she graduated in 2015, Kayla had left her mark on the collegiate soccer world.

Meeting Bryce Harper

Kayla and Bryce share a love story that began in their teenage years. Both hail from Henderson, Nevada, and attended different high schools Kayla at Green Valley High School and Bryce at Las Vegas High School. Despite Bryce’s rising fame as the “LeBron James of Baseball” during his high school years, Kayla fell for his humor and selflessness.

“He’s selfless, the most selfless guy ever,” Kayla once said when describing what initially attracted her to him. She also shared how Bryce’s goofy personality and love for pranks made their bond stronger.

The couple stayed close as Bryce’s career skyrocketed, proving that even teenage sweethearts could persevere through life’s challenges together.

A Rocky Engagement

Bryce Harper proposed to Kayla Varner for the first time in 2014. At the time, Kayla was still attending Ohio State University, and the couple appeared publicly as an engaged duo at the Washington Nationals' Dream Gala fundraiser later that year. Bryce’s MLB teammates celebrated their engagement, calling it a blessing.

However, their path to marriage wasn’t entirely smooth. They originally planned to marry in early 2015, but the wedding didn’t happen as scheduled. Rumors of their breakup circulated when they unfollowed each other on social media and removed mentions of one another from their Instagram bios.

Despite the brief split, the two couldn’t stay apart for long. They rekindled their relationship in 2015 and announced their re-engagement in July 2016. Kayla made the announcement memorable, posting a photo of her engagement ring on Instagram with the playful caption “We’re engaged… Again!”

Their Romantic Wedding

Kayla Varner and Bryce Harper tied the knot on December 16, 2016. The couple, who are both practicing Mormons, chose to have their marriage sealed in the San Diego California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For them, their faith was the most important aspect of their union.

“Religion was obviously the most important part of our marriage,” Kayla explained. “The temple marriage is very sacred. It was really nice to just enjoy that with our immediate family.”

The wedding reception was equally extraordinary. Held at the San Diego Polo Fields, where Kayla played soccer as a child, the event was a mix of personal touches and grandeur. From a barn built specifically for the reception to decorations that celebrated their athletic pasts, the couple ensured the day reflected their unique love story.

Family Life with Bryce Harper

Since their wedding, Kayla Varner and Bryce Harper have built a beautiful family together. They welcomed their first child, Krew Aron Harper, on August 22, 2019, followed by their daughter, Brooklyn Elizabeth Harper, on November 12, 2020. Both children’s names hold sentimental value, with Brooklyn’s middle name being a tribute to her grandmothers.

As of 2024, Kayla and Bryce are expecting their third child, a milestone they announced with a heartwarming family photoshoot captioned “3 for 3.”

Kayla and Bryce also have a beloved dog named Wrigley. Their Maltese-Yorkshire terrier mix has been part of their family since at least 2015 and often makes appearances on Kayla’s Instagram, dressed in Phillies gear or enjoying family trips.

A Loving Partner and Supportive Wife

Kayla Varner’s role in Bryce Harper’s life goes beyond being his wife. Bryce often credits her support as a key factor in his success.

“As much as I love baseball and love what I do, my family comes first,” Bryce once shared in an interview. He praised Kayla for holding their family together during the baseball season and called her his source of strength.

Kayla frequently attends Bryce’s games, cheering for him alongside their children. She’s known to post heartfelt messages online in support of her husband. After Bryce was named the National League MVP for the second time in 2021, she wrote on Instagram, “I’m so dang proud of you! Thank you for being so fun to watch on the field and so present with our family off the field. Congrats, babe, you are so deserving!”

Standing Up for Her Family

Kayla Varner isn’t afraid to defend her family publicly. When Bryce faced harsh comments and heckling from fans while playing against his former team, the Washington Nationals, in 2019, Kayla spoke out. After some fans dragged their then-4-week-old son Krew into the heckling, Kayla called out their behavior on Twitter.

“When you bring his son or family into it, yes, you’re crossing a line,” Kayla wrote. “Stick to your chants if you’re really that loser that goes to a game to heckle someone.”

Her ability to stand up for her loved ones shows how fiercely protective she is of her family.

Balancing Life in the Spotlight

Despite the attention that comes with being married to an MLB star, Kayla Varner maintains a humble presence. She balances her public role as Bryce Harper’s wife with her duties as a mother and her own passions.

From attending games to raising her children, Kayla remains a constant source of strength and stability in Bryce’s fast-paced life. It’s clear she plays an essential role in helping him stay grounded, even amid the pressures of professional sports.

Kayla Varner’s Legacy

Kayla Varner’s life offers a glimpse into what it means to balance personal passions, love, family, and fame. While Bryce Harper shines on the baseball field, Kayla’s devotion to her family and accomplishments as an athlete in her own right makes her an equally inspiring figure.

Whether it’s cheering on her husband in the stands or creating cherished memories at home, Kayla’s influence is undeniable. She is living proof that success isn’t only measured by trophies or personal accolades sometimes, it’s the love and dedication you bring to the people around you that leave the greatest mark.