July 21, 2025 Submitted by Kristiana Phillips
They’ve swum with sharks, leapt off cliffs, and surfed the Pacific — all before turning 22. Now, local couple Kristi Phillips and Ryan Parks are chasing their next big thrill: being crowned America’s Favorite Couple and landing a national feature in Variety magazine.
Kristi, a Hingham native, first met Ryan, who’s from Hull, when they were just 15 years old on Nantasket Beach. A “mistakenly” thrown ball and a spontaneous game of four-square sparked a connection that’s only grown stronger with time. Kristi still remembers spotting Ryan and his red bike that day — the beginning of a bold, adventurous love story.
From their first date (when Ryan nervously told her, “If you ever want to kiss me, please don’t eat peanuts”) to their cross-country move to San Diego, the two have embraced every challenge together. After a year of long distance, they reunited for college just 15 minutes apart. Since then, they’ve adopted a rescue dog, surfed every chance they get, and continued building a life rooted in trust, purpose, and shared adventure.
Now 21, Kristi and Ryan are currently ranked 4th in their group in the national competition, hosted by Colossal. A win would bring $20,000 to help cover rent and student loans, support the San Diego Humane Society where Kristi volunteers — and earn them a coveted spotlight in Variety magazine.
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