“My husband is really positive. Sometimes, it’s annoying.” Sabrina Ionescu had opened up about her husband, Hroniss Grasu’s relentlessly positive attitude. While the New York Liberty star clearly appreciates her husband’s optimism, there are moments when his endless cheerfulness can be a bit much. And it seems like Ionescu might be experiencing that feeling once again, as Grasu recently gave her a quick, yet clear, directive during her off-season fitness routine.

After a thrilling season that ended with her first championship with the New York Liberty, Sabrina Ionescu is soaking up the off-season. She’s opted out of playing in the teammate-founded Unrivaled league, choosing to take a well-deserved break. However, that doesn’t mean she’s letting her fitness slip. Ionescu has been keeping up with her training, even sticking to morning jogs to maintain her stamina.

But recently, when her husband, Hroniss Grasu, spotted her on one of these early runs, he couldn’t resist giving her a playful nudge—telling her to push herself a little harder. Grasu then shared a story on Instagram, capturing a slow-paced Ionescu mid-jog, along with the caption: “caught you slacking smh.” Not stopping there, he shouted, “Faster, faster!” to which Ionescu flashed a smile and picked up the pace.

However, Ionescu wasn’t going to let this go without a response. She quickly reposted his story, adding a witty three-word reply: “Mind ya business,” followed by several laughing emojis. While Grasu’s playful coaching may have sparked a competitive fire, Ionescu was clearly in the mood to keep things fun and easy going, even during her off-season training.

Sabrina Ionescu and NFL player Hroniss Grasu’s made their relationship public in 2021. But it wasn’t until 2023 that he officially popped the question. “I was completely shocked and caught off guard,” Ionescu admitted earlier recalling the unforgettable moment. Fast forward to March 2024, and the couple tied the knot, marking a beautiful new chapter in their relationship.

While Sabrina Ionescu may find her husband’s relentless optimism a bit annoying at times, she also credits it for helping her through tough moments.

How Hroniss Grasu’s positivity fuels Sabrina Ionescu’s mental toughness

Ahead of Game 2 of the WNBA Finals against Minnesota, Ionescu shared how her husband, Hroniss Grasu—an NFL center who last played for the Las Vegas Raiders—has become her personal, unpaid therapist.

“He’s been able to help me a lot. Like, you got home, sit there, and you start thinking, and he’s able to… he’s like, ‘It’s just one game. You didn’t win or lose.’ So getting positive affirmation from the people around me helps,” shared Ionescu as Grasu’s words gave her the boost she needed after challenging performance in Game 1 of the finals.

Hroniss Grasu and Sabrina Ionescu have always shared a unique connection. Although they both attended the University of Oregon and played for the Ducks, their time there didn’t quite overlap. Despite this, their shared experiences and Romanian heritage helped nurture their bond, turning it into something truly special over time.

While moments of playful annoyance do emerge in Sabrina Ionescu and Hroniss Grasu’s relationship, they thrive on support and shared positivity. “Appreciation post- being able to support one another in our pro careers is something I’ll never take for granted 🤍 #65,” she says.