Riley Leonard played under center for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2024 season. The 6’3″ quarterback finished his secondary studies at Fairhope High School in Fairhope, Alabama.

Riley Leonard’s Love Story: Meet Girlfriend Molly Walding
Molly Walding is Leonard’s girlfriend, according to People magazine. Walding is Auburn University’s student recruiter. She attends Auburn University and studies public relations.
Leonard has been committed to his high school sweetheart, Molly, since 2017. Their lifelong relationship began in their hometown of Fairhope, Alabama, and has flourished despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship during their college years.
Riley and Walding met at Fairhope High School and began dating there. While Riley was playing football at Notre Dame, Molly attended Auburn University in Alabama. Despite the physical distance, their love remained strong, and they frequently shared their adventures and milestones on social media.
The couple recently celebrated their seventh anniversary. Riley and Walding have been together for a little over seven years, as of February 2025. Molly shared a post on Instagram about the couple celebrating 7 years of togetherness.
Walding is a public relations student at Auburn University who advocates for persons with disabilities. Her personal experience with cholesteatoma, which caused partial hearing loss, inspired her passion for advocacy.
She regularly participates in college events and manages social media for a Christian ministry, highlighting her dedication to her faith and community.
Riley and Walding are both committed Christians, and their faith has served as a foundation for their relationship. Molly has played an important role in Riley’s spiritual development, offering encouragement both on and off the field.
Leonard and Walding’s relationship exemplifies enduring love, mutual support, and shared beliefs. Their love story continues to inspire both fans and followers.
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