Who Is Shalin Spani? All About Collin Klein's Wife Amid Buzz Of Him Taking Over As Kansas State HC

Collin Klein is once again in the spotlight after a major college football speculation has made headlines. According to reports, Kansas State's longtime player may return to Manhattan as the next head coach. The news comes after multiple outlets, including ESPN's Pete Thamel and The Manhattan Mercury, reported that Chris Klieman is expected to retire, and Collin is the leading candidate to replace him. Amid the new speculation, here is everything to know about the family behind the man.

Who is Collin Klein's wife, Shalin Spani?

Shalin Bree Spani is not just known as Collin Klein's wife, but she is herself a former Kansas State athlete with her own legacy. She was a standout guard for the Kansas State Wildcats women's basketball team, playing from 2007 to 2011. Initially, her athletic journey began with a strong freshman season, and she quickly rose to be a key player on the team. Consequently, by her sophomore year, she averaged 3.9 points and 1.8 rebounds, and delivered a breakout 16-point performance against Alcorn State. According to K-State Athletics archives, her stats secured her place on the All-Big 12 First Team.

Shalin's basketball lineage runs even deeper. She is the daughter of NFL legend, Gary Spani, the Kansas City Chiefs linebacker for nine seasons. Later, he was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2003. Needless to say, she grew up surrounded by elite sports, which shaped her discipline, drive, and connection to Kansas State. However, Shalin's college career unexpectedly came to an end after she tore her ACL during her senior season. Although she never got to play professionally, she continues to share close bonds with the K-State community through her athletic past and Collin's rising career. 

Collin Klein and Shalin Spani's love story is rooted in faith 

Collin Klein and Shalin Spani's relationship is one of the most talked-about romances in K-State's sports history for their commitment to faith. They met at Kansas State in 2011 when he was the Wildcats' star quarterback. According to multiple interviews, including local features by The Wichita Eagle, the duo called their relationship something they both felt 'called' to pursue. But their courtship period was deeply rooted in faith as they went on one date at Olive Garden before exchanging rings after a few weeks on February 17, 2012. Five months later, they got married on July 21, 2012.

The couple's wedding made headlines across the college sports community because Collin and Shalin first kissed at the altar. He had allegedly made a promise at the age of 14 to save his first kiss for his future wife, and Shalin was the lucky one. Presently, they have four children: sons Beric, Rhett, and Trek, and a daughter, Briar.

Will Collin Klein take over as Kansas State's next coach? 

Until now, there has been no official announcement about Collin Klein taking over as Kansas State's next head coach. But reports suggest that he is the top choice to fill the role. According to Ned Seaton, the publisher of the Manhattan Mercury, Chris Kleiman might retire, and Collin Klein could be his potential successor. Furthermore, ESPN's Thamel and The Athletic's Austin Meek confirmed the retirement news but acknowledged that the final decision on Collins' hiring is still pending.

What do you think about Collin Klein's possible return to Kansas State Football as a head coach?

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