The name Grant Ellis has recently become prominent in the realm of reality television, particularly within the “Bachelor Nation.” However, a deeper look reveals a multifaceted individual with a background in professional sports and a burgeoning presence in the world of online personality. This article will explore the journey of Grant Ellis, from his athletic pursuits to his reality TV fame, and address the questions that have been generating buzz online.
It’s important to distinguish that while the recent focus is on the reality television personality, there is also a highly respected surf photographer named Grant Ellis. Where relevant, this article will briefly touch upon the latter to provide a more complete picture for those who might encounter the name in different contexts.
From the Hardwood to Reality TV: The Journey of Grant Russell Ellis
Born on December 15, 1993, Grant Russell Ellis hails from Newark, New Jersey. Before capturing the attention of millions on television, Ellis was a dedicated and accomplished basketball player. His athletic journey began in high school at Hudson Catholic Regional High School, where he was a standout player. This talent earned him a Division I scholarship to play for the Iona Gaels men’s basketball team in 2012.
After two years at Iona University, Ellis transferred to Albertus Magnus College, where he continued his basketball career and graduated in 2017 with a degree in criminal justice. His passion for basketball didn’t end with his collegiate career. Following graduation, Ellis pursued professional basketball, playing in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto in the Dominican Republic for four and a half years. Unfortunately, his professional basketball aspirations were cut short due to an injury, leading him to pivot his career path.
A New Chapter: Day Trading and the Call of Reality
After retiring from professional basketball, Ellis moved to Houston, Texas, and embarked on a career as a day trader in the finance sector. While he found success in this new venture, the world of reality television came calling.
Grant Ellis first appeared on Season 21 of “The Bachelorette,” starring Jenn Tran. His charisma and genuine connection with Jenn made him a fan favorite. He progressed through the season, making it to the final five before being eliminated just before the hometown visits. His heartfelt admission of falling for Jenn resonated with viewers.
However, Ellis’s journey in the Bachelor Nation was far from over. Immediately after his elimination aired in August 2024, he was announced as the lead for Season 29 of “The Bachelor,” which aired in early 2025. This marked a significant moment, making Ellis the second Black Bachelor in the franchise’s history.
“The Bachelor” Season 29: Finding Love and a Fiancée
As “The Bachelor,” Grant Ellis embarked on a journey to find love among a group of 25 women. The season followed the familiar format of dates, eliminations, and emotional connections. Throughout the season, Ellis was portrayed as thoughtful and sincere in his search for a life partner.
The season culminated in a proposal to Juliana Pasquarosa during the finale, which aired in March 2025. Ellis chose Juliana as the winner, expressing his deep connection and love for her. The couple’s engagement was met with both celebration and scrutiny from Bachelor Nation fans.
Life After “The Bachelor”: Engagement and Future Plans
Since the finale of “The Bachelor,” Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa have been navigating their engagement in the public eye. They have given interviews discussing their relationship, future plans, and their desire to take their time before getting married.
In recent interviews in late April 2025, the couple has emphasized that they are “taking it one day at a time,” focusing on learning more about each other and deepening their love. While marriage is their ultimate goal, they are in “no rush” to walk down the aisle. Ellis has also expressed his intention to move to Boston to be closer to Juliana.
Grant Ellis: The Surf Photographer
It’s crucial to acknowledge another prominent individual named Grant Ellis: a highly respected and accomplished surf photographer. Originally from Amanzimtoti, South Africa, this Grant Ellis discovered his passion for photography in the early 1990s. His deep connection to the ocean, stemming from his early years as a surfer, heavily influences his work.
After studying commercial photography, Grant Ellis (the photographer) combined his skills with his love for surfing, working for local South African surfing magazines. A pivotal trip to the North Shore of Oahu in 1998 solidified his path in surf photography. He went on to hold significant positions, including Photo Editor at Surfer Magazine for 17 years and currently serves as the Photo Editor for the esteemed Surfers Journal. His photography has taken him around the globe, documenting surfing and the surfing lifestyle.
FAQs
What was Grant Ellis’s athletic background before becoming a television personality?
Grant Ellis was a professional basketball player. He played at three colleges: Iona University, Southern University, and Albertus Magnus College. After college, he played professionally overseas, primarily in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto in the Dominican Republic, for four and a half years before an injury ended his basketball career.
Did Grant Ellis play baseball in his athletic career?
Based on the information available, there is a “Grant Ellis” who played baseball for the Appanoose County Miners in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. There is also a “Grant Ellis” who played baseball for Northland Prep Academy, with stats available for the 2025-2026 season. However, it is not explicitly stated if either of these individuals is the same Grant Ellis who played professional basketball and was on “The Bachelor.”
What is known about Grant Ellis’s college basketball career?
At Albertus Magnus College, Grant Ellis was a significant player. In his senior season (2016-2017), he averaged 19.1 points per game and was named Second Team All-GNAC. He was also named to the GNAC All-Tournament Team in 2017. He scored 30 or more points three times during that season and led the league in free-throw percentage (91.7%). Prior to Albertus Magnus, he played at Iona University and Southern University.
Has Grant Ellis held any coaching positions in baseball or other sports based on the provided information?
The information available does not indicate that Grant Ellis has held any coaching positions in baseball or other sports. His post-basketball career mentioned is as a day trader and his role in reality television.
In summary
Grant Ellis has navigated a diverse path, from the competitive world of professional basketball to the unpredictable realm of reality television. His journey on “The Bachelor” has brought him national attention and a fiancée in Juliana Pasquarosa. As they embark on their life together, many will continue to follow their story.
It’s also important to remember the other Grant Ellis, the talented surf photographer who has captured the beauty and dynamism of the ocean for decades. While both individuals share a name, their professional worlds are distinct.
Ultimately, Grant Russell Ellis, the former basketball player turned reality TV star, represents a contemporary figure navigating career changes and the pursuit of personal fulfillment in the public eye. His future, both with Juliana and in his professional endeavors, will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of interest for many.
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