Gabriela "Gabby" Windey captured the hearts of Bachelor Nation long before she became the Bachelorette. From her work as an ICU nurse to her memorable moments on Clayton Echard's season, Windey has proven to be a multifaceted woman with a captivating story. This article delves into her journey, exploring her life before, during, and after "The Bachelor," and shedding light on her experiences, aspirations, and the qualities she seeks in a partner.
From ICU Nurse to Reality TV Star
Before finding herself in the world of reality television, Gabby Windey dedicated herself to a demanding yet rewarding career as an ICU nurse. Since graduating from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Nursing School in 2013, she has worked at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. Windey has been a registered nurse in the medical ICU at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. She has worked as a nurse since she was 22, and said she has always loved her job.
On the Front Lines of the Pandemic
Windey's dedication to her profession was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the spring of 2020, Windey spoke to the Athletic about what was unfolding. “We are used to change. But it is hard and, of course, this is different because of the seriousness of it and how many people it’s affecting,” she said. During an interview with GMA, Gabby spoke about the daily struggles of working in the ICU during COVID. She specifically recalled one patient that she lost and the medical team and nursing staff were able to recognize that death was imminent. She shared in an interview that it’s been hard. “Death and dying are often in the forefront. But then COVID exacerbated that," she said. As she shared with The Athletic, "We're all leaning on each other, and it really becomes a new normal kind of fast."
Recognition for Her Service
Her dedication and hard work on the front lines did not go unnoticed. In 2021, Gabby Windey was named a co-recipient of the prestigious Pop Warner Humanitarian Award. This recognition made her the first woman and the first NFL cheerleader to receive the honor, which is typically given to NFL players. "I'm so proud to represent Pop Warner's core value of excellence on and off the field," she shared, explaining how both the organization and the Denver Broncos "inspire" her to keep being involved with and representing her community. "I can't thank you enough for this recognition.
From the Sidelines to Center Stage: Windey's Cheerleading Career
Prior to her time on "The Bachelor," Windey balanced her demanding career as an ICU nurse with her passion for cheerleading. She joined the Denver Broncos cheerleading squad in 2015 and continued until 2021. She split her time between nursing and cheering for the Broncos.
Read also: The story of Gabourey Sidibe's transformation
A Dream Come True
Windey's journey to becoming a Denver Broncos cheerleader was a testament to her determination. After trying out for the team three times, she finally achieved her dream. In a 2021 Instagram video, she recalled the moment she made the team, saying, "I was overcome with joy, appreciation, and disbelief that one of my greatest dreams was coming true." She spoke of her love of dance and her time as a Denver Broncos cheerleader on the "Talking It Out" podcast, saying, "It was really everything I've always wanted to do." She went on, saying she truly enjoyed being a part of the organization for five years and that she learned many things, such as the importance of teamwork and the sense of community.
More Than Just a Cheerleader
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Windey's cheerleading career also highlighted her commitment to her community. When I was a Broncos cheerleader, our arms were always up with the pom poms…
"The Bachelor" and Beyond: Gabby's Quest for Love
Bachelor Nation first met Gabby Windey on Season 26 of "The Bachelor," where she quickly became a fan favorite. Her humor, vulnerability, and genuine personality resonated with viewers.
Memorable Moments on "The Bachelor"
Windey made a memorable first impression on Clayton Echard with her cheeky limo entrance, displaying a pillow covered with Echard’s face and saying, “I just want to sit on your face.” She continued to make Echard and fans laugh throughout the season. Her reenactment of the famous “Baywatch” beach stroll during an early group date made the other women burst into laughter. In week five, she referred to Shanae Ankney, the season’s "villain," as a “succubus” and celebrated with two bottles of champagne when Ankney finally left.
Vulnerability and Heartbreak
During a one-on-one date with Echard in Toronto, Windey got vulnerable. Specifically, Windey said her strained relationship with her mother affects how she approaches love. “Thank you for letting me share a glimpse of my story,” she wrote on Instagram after the emotional date. “As you can see, it takes me a while to warm up and let my guard down; however, the people I met during my time here have helped me start to overcome this struggle. It’s terrifying being yourself on national TV for fear of criticism, and that fear is compounded while being vulnerable.”
Read also: Sidibe's Story of Self-Discovery
Ultimately, Windey's journey on "The Bachelor" ended in heartbreak. After Echard confessed his love for multiple women, Windey delivered a powerful breakup speech, leaving the show with her head held high. Once there were only three contestants left, Echard's "Bachelor" season got dramatic, as promised. Evans departed early after finding out that Echard had been intimate with both Windey and Recchia. In response, Windey decided to leave, too - but then Echard convinced her to stay. Then, just days after introducing Windey and Recchia to his family, Echard broke up with both women at the same time. While Reechia wept, Windey immediately left the room and called Echard out for not caring about her. When he asked to walk her out, Windey firmly replied, “No,” as the live audience watching the “After the Final Rose” episode cheered in the background.
The Bachelorette: A Second Chance at Love
Despite the heartbreak she experienced on "The Bachelor," Gabby Windey was given a second chance at love as one of the two leads in Season 19 of "The Bachelorette." After unwaveringly supporting each other through a devastating dual breakup in the season 26 finale of The Bachelor, fan favorites and fierce women Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia stood by each other's side as they set out on a journey to find love. The show's 19th season made history as the first to feature two bachelorettes simultaneously. Rachel Recchia, also from Echard's season, joined Windey.
Finding Love with Erich Schwer
Windey's journey concluded with an engagement to Erich Schwer. "I thought you were too good to be true, but now I know you're too good and you’re also true," he told Windey. "I love you,"However, their relationship faced challenges after the show, with Schwer addressing revelations from an ex-girlfriend. Schwer said he handled the situation "poorly," admitting he "led" the ex-girlfriend on and used the show "as an excuse to not confront her about our relationship" when he didn't see a future with her. "I want to own that 100%. I do not have any hard feelings for this girl. It's a mistake I made on my part." He added that he wants a future with Windey. "I love this girl with all my heart," he said. "It's 100% real. I never expected it and, you know, I want this to be forever."
Life After "The Bachelorette"
Following her time on "The Bachelorette," Windey competed on "Dancing with the Stars." She told "Good Morning America" she was "on cloud nine," but said there were still "lots of unknowns.""Like, I'm not naïve to that and we'll gonna still have to work on a relationship," she said.
What Gabby is Looking for in a Partner
In her official bio, Windey said she wants “a man with quiet confidence” and a personality, otherwise it's a "hard pass." “Her ideal man will challenge her, communicate his feelings and work hard to equally carry the weight of the relationship,” the bio said. She is also looking for a partner who will respect her independence.
Read also: Diet and Wellness: Gabby Thomas
Must Love Dogs
The one nonnegotiable for Gabby? Whatever man captures Gabby's heart must also have room in their life for her four-legged friend because she and her goldendoodle, Leonardo, are a package deal.
Overcoming Insecurities: Gabby's Experience with Botox
Gabby has also been open about her experience with cosmetic procedures, including Botox. She shared a story about a neck Botox procedure that went awry, causing her discomfort and affecting her ability to swallow and speak. "I felt like, at any second, my head could completely fall off its neck and twist around. "Somehow, I thought it was going to kill me… "My neck was compromised for two to three weeks. I will say it worked. "So I couldn't swallow for weeks because I was aspirating. "I was like, 'Holy sh-t, is my swallow ever going to come back?'… And then not only that, but my voice dropped, like, two to 10 octaves, which I didn't hate. It kind of sounded like I had a cold.