Rowie Holly Harper was twenty-five when she realized love might look different than she’d imagined.

Her life was full: second-year pro with the Boston Fleet, alternate captain, fresh off a championship ring, living in a cozy apartment overlooking the Charles with a balcony perfect for morning coffee. She had her family—close even across distances—teammates who felt like sisters, and a rhythm of games, practices, and off-season training that kept her grounded.

Dating had ...