Pat Connaughton's Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Pat Connaughton’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

BASKETBALL BIOGRAPHIES

Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Candida Lucia

Pat Connaughton's Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Pat Connaughton is an American professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. Born on January 6, 1993, in Arlington, Massachusetts, his full name is Patrick Bergin Connaughton. He is the only child of Leonard Connaughton and Susan Connaughton, who supported his development as a basketball and baseball player. Although he grew up without biological siblings, he comes from a large extended family, with his father being one of eight children and his mother one of ten.

Beyond his successful basketball career, Connaughton has established a family of his own. He married American professional soccer player Ryan Gareis in June 2026, and the couple has a son named Crew Leo Connaughton, born on May 3, 2024. His wife plays for Chicago Stars FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, making them a professional sporting couple. Connaughton also maintains a close relationship with his parents, particularly his father, who introduced him to construction and real estate development, helping inspire his business career outside basketball.

Who Is Pat Connaughton’s Wife or Girlfriend?

Pat Connaughton is married to Ryan Gareis, an American professional soccer player who represents Chicago Stars FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in June 2023, announced their engagement in February 2024, and married in June 2026.

Before their marriage, Gareis was frequently described as Connaughton’s girlfriend or fiancée in sports publications.

However, their relationship status officially changed when they announced their wedding through a joint Instagram post on June 15, 2026.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the couple celebrated their marriage in Wisconsin, where Connaughton had spent seven seasons playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The announcement featured photographs of the newlyweds alongside their young son, Crew Leo Connaughton.

As of now, Ryan Gareis is Pat Connaughton’s wife, rather than his girlfriend or fiancée.

Who Is Ryan Gareis?

Ryan Melissa Gareis is an American professional soccer player born on November 13, 1998, in Naperville, Illinois.

She is the daughter of Leslie Gareis and Patrick Gareis, according to her official University of South Carolina athletics biography.

Growing up in Illinois, Gareis developed a passion for soccer and participated in competitive youth programs, including Sockers FC and the Elite Clubs National League.

She attended Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, where she became an accomplished soccer player.

Her performances earned her opportunities to participate in United States youth national team training programs.

In 2013, she attended a United States under-15 girls’ national team training camp.

She also represented Illinois in Olympic Development Program competitions and helped Sockers FC win national club championships in 2012 and 2013.

Following high school, Gareis attended the University of South Carolina, where she played college soccer for the Gamecocks from 2017 to 2021.

During her collegiate career, she developed into a versatile attacking player known for her pace, left-footed ability, and creativity.

Her achievements included Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team recognition and several selections to the conference’s Academic Honor Roll.

She also contributed to South Carolina’s 2019 SEC Tournament championship.

During her final collegiate season in 2021, Gareis recorded nine assists and received several individual honors.

Her performances eventually earned her an opportunity to pursue professional soccer.

Ryan Gareis’s Professional Soccer Career

Ryan Gareis began her professional soccer career after being selected by the Houston Dash with the 44th overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft.

She made her professional debut during the 2022 season and became a member of the Houston squad that reached the NWSL playoffs for the first time in club history.

Her promising performances helped her receive the Houston Dash Young Player of the Year award during her rookie campaign.

She continued playing for Houston during the 2023 season before temporarily stepping away from soccer following her pregnancy in 2024.

After welcoming her son, Crew, in May 2024, Gareis worked toward returning to professional competition.

Remarkably, she returned to the field approximately four months after giving birth.

Her comeback demonstrated her determination to continue competing at a high level while balancing motherhood and professional sports.

She remained with Houston through the 2025 season, making important contributions to the team’s attacking play.

On December 3, 2025, Chicago Stars FC announced that Gareis had signed a three-year contract with the club through the 2028 season.

The transfer allowed her to represent a professional soccer team connected to her hometown area.

In a June 2026 interview with CBS Chicago, Gareis explained that becoming a mother had changed her perspective on professional soccer.

She also praised her new club for creating an environment that welcomed her son and supported players with family responsibilities.

How Did Pat Connaughton Meet Ryan Gareis?

Pat Connaughton and Ryan Gareis publicly revealed their romantic relationship in June 2023.

Although the couple has shared photographs documenting their relationship, they have not extensively discussed the exact circumstances of their first meeting.

Both were already established professional athletes when their relationship became public.

At the time, Connaughton played for the Milwaukee Bucks, while Gareis represented the Houston Dash in the NWSL.

Their shared experiences as professional athletes helped give their relationship a distinctive sporting connection.

Both understood the demands of training schedules, travel, professional competition, and the importance of maintaining physical fitness.

In January 2024, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child.

Gareis shared photographs showing a miniature basketball jersey bearing Connaughton’s number 24, along with ultrasound images.

The pregnancy announcement attracted congratulations from Milwaukee Bucks players, supporters, and members of the soccer community.

Only a few weeks later, the couple announced another major personal milestone: their engagement.

Pat Connaughton and Ryan Gareis’s Engagement

Pat Connaughton proposed to Ryan Gareis in February 2024.

The couple publicly announced their engagement on February 21, sharing photographs from the proposal through social media.

According to Sports Illustrated, the announcement featured Connaughton proposing to Gareis, accompanied by a message expressing their commitment to one another.

The Milwaukee Bucks also congratulated the couple through their official social media channels.

At the time, Gareis was pregnant with their first child, making the engagement especially meaningful.

The couple welcomed their son approximately three months later, before eventually celebrating their wedding in 2026.

When Did Pat Connaughton Marry Ryan Gareis?

Pat Connaughton and Ryan Gareis married in June 2026, approximately two years after announcing their engagement.

The couple publicly confirmed their marriage on June 15, 2026, through a joint Instagram announcement.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel subsequently reported the wedding, describing photographs that featured the couple and their son.

The ceremony took place in Wisconsin, a state with special significance to Connaughton because of his successful years with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Ryan wore a white wedding dress featuring a corset-style bodice and a flowing skirt, while Connaughton wore a traditional black tuxedo.

Their son, Crew, also wore a black tuxedo with a matching bow tie.

One of the wedding photographs showed the family of three smiling together, highlighting the importance of their son in the celebration.

Another photograph captured Connaughton and Gareis preparing to kiss, while additional images showed the newlyweds walking together near the waterfront.

The announcement attracted congratulations from several of Connaughton’s former Milwaukee teammates.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo were among the basketball figures who publicly celebrated the wedding.

The marriage marked another important chapter in the couple’s relationship, following their engagement and the birth of their first child in 2024.

Does Pat Connaughton Have Children?

Yes. Pat Connaughton has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Crew Leo Connaughton.

Connaughton and Ryan Gareis welcomed their first child on May 3, 2024, while Pat was playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The couple publicly announced Crew’s birth on May 6, 2024, through Instagram.

The announcement was subsequently reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which confirmed the baby’s full name and date of birth.

Becoming a father represented an important personal milestone for Connaughton, who had previously spoken about the importance of family relationships and supporting the people closest to him.

As of now, Crew is the only child publicly confirmed through reliable reporting.

Crew Leo Connaughton – Pat Connaughton’s Son

Crew Leo Connaughton was born on May 3, 2024, to Pat Connaughton and professional soccer player Ryan Gareis.

His birth attracted attention from NBA and NWSL fans because both parents were actively competing in professional sports.

When Gareis announced his arrival, she shared photographs showing Crew alongside his parents shortly after his birth.

One photograph included plush toys representing several sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and football.

The collection reflected the sporting backgrounds of both parents, particularly Connaughton’s experience in basketball and baseball.

For Connaughton, the transition to fatherhood brought new responsibilities and priorities.

In an interview published by Boston.com in June 2024, he discussed adjusting to life as a father while continuing his NBA career.

At the time, he had also been involved in charitable activities through the Pat Connaughton Foundation.

His son was present during the couple’s wedding in June 2026, wearing a tuxedo that matched his father’s outfit.

By October 2026, Crew was approximately two years and five months old.

Although both parents occasionally share family milestones publicly, they have generally maintained privacy concerning their son’s everyday life.

How Pat Connaughton and Ryan Gareis Balance Parenthood and Sports

Pat Connaughton and Ryan Gareis face the unusual challenge of raising a young child while both pursuing professional sporting careers.

Connaughton’s NBA commitments involve frequent travel, training sessions, and games across the United States.

Gareis also follows a demanding schedule as a professional soccer player in the NWSL.

The couple’s responsibilities became especially challenging after Crew’s birth in May 2024.

Gareis temporarily stepped away from professional soccer during her pregnancy and recovery before returning to competition approximately four months after childbirth.

In a June 2026 interview with CBS Chicago, she described motherhood and professional athletics as a demanding but rewarding combination.

She also explained that Chicago Stars FC had created a supportive environment where she could bring Crew to team activities.

The club’s acceptance of her responsibilities as a mother helped her feel comfortable returning to competitive soccer.

Connaughton has similarly spoken about the importance of family support throughout his basketball career.

With both parents working in professional sports, Crew is growing up in a household where athletic competition and family responsibilities are closely connected.

Who Are Pat Connaughton’s Parents?

Pat Connaughton’s parents are Leonard Connaughton and Susan Connaughton, also known as Len and Sue Connaughton.

Their identities are confirmed in his official University of Notre Dame basketball biography.

Both parents grew up in Massachusetts and later raised Pat in Arlington, a suburb of Boston.

His father played college football before establishing a career in construction and real estate development, while his mother was actively involved in introducing Pat to sports during early childhood.

They encouraged him to pursue both basketball and baseball while emphasizing the importance of education, discipline, and hard work.

Pat Connaughton’s Father: Leonard Connaughton

Leonard Connaughton, commonly known as Len Connaughton, is Pat Connaughton’s father and a former college football player.

He attended Framingham State College in Massachusetts, where he played football before pursuing a career in construction and real estate development.

According to Notre Dame’s official athletics biography, Leonard’s college football background contributed to the sporting environment in which Pat grew up.

From an early age, Len encouraged his son to participate in competitive sports.

In a March 2012 interview with The Boston Globe, Pat recalled that his father regularly threw a football to him inside their family home when he was approximately three or four years old.

Those informal games helped him develop coordination, confidence, and a competitive personality.

Leonard also supported his son’s participation in basketball and baseball.

When Pat became involved with the Fidelity House youth basketball program in Arlington, Len appreciated the organization’s emphasis on teamwork, passing, and defensive fundamentals.

His encouragement helped Pat develop a well-rounded approach to competitive sports.

Leonard Connaughton’s Construction and Real Estate Career

Outside athletics, Leonard Connaughton built a career in construction and real estate development.

According to a February 2020 article published by The New York Times and republished by Boston.com, Leonard worked for approximately 30 years as a general contractor and property developer in the Boston metropolitan area.

His construction business completed residential and commercial projects, giving Pat early exposure to the real estate industry.

During school vacations and summer breaks, Pat sometimes worked alongside his father at construction sites.

His responsibilities included moving building materials, carrying drywall, and helping with general construction activities.

Although the work was physically demanding, it helped him understand the importance of preparation, discipline, and financial responsibility.

In a June 2026 interview discussing his real estate business, Connaughton explained that his father’s company, Connaughton Brothers Construction, provided an important example of entrepreneurship.

Pat later applied those early lessons while studying business at Notre Dame.

After entering the NBA, he began investing in real estate and eventually established a development company.

Leonard became involved in the business, serving as vice president of Pat’s earlier company, Beach House.

Their professional collaboration allowed father and son to maintain a close relationship beyond basketball.

Pat subsequently became co-founder and chief executive officer of Three Leaf Partners, a real estate development company with projects in several American cities.

His father’s professional experience remains an important influence on his activities outside the NBA.

Pat Connaughton’s Mother: Susan Connaughton

Susan Connaughton, also known as Sue Connaughton, is Pat Connaughton’s mother and another important figure in his upbringing.

She raised Pat in Arlington, Massachusetts, alongside his father, Leonard.

Although Susan’s professional background has not been extensively documented in major sports publications, her involvement in her son’s early sporting development is well established.

In a March 2012 interview with The Boston Globe, Pat recalled that his mother began introducing him to sports when he was approximately two years old.

She would gently pitch plastic golf balls toward him, allowing him to practice hitting and develop his hand-eye coordination.

Those activities became part of his early introduction to athletics.

As Pat grew older, Susan continued encouraging his involvement in basketball and baseball.

She also supported his academic development, particularly when he began considering college opportunities.

Connaughton eventually chose the University of Notre Dame, where he could pursue both sports while receiving a college education.

His mother and father supported that decision, understanding the importance of balancing athletics with academic preparation.

In a 2015 interview with Little League Baseball, Pat publicly acknowledged the role both parents had played in helping him achieve his sporting ambitions.

Susan has continued supporting her son throughout his professional basketball career.

In a 2023 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel profile, she and Leonard were photographed spending time with Pat before a Milwaukee Bucks home game.

The moment reflected the family’s continued involvement in his life after many years of professional basketball.

Pat Connaughton’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?

Pat Connaughton is an only child and does not have any biological brothers or sisters.

He personally confirmed this information in multiple interviews, including a March 2015 feature published by Notre Dame Athletics and an interview with Little League Baseball.

Although he grew up without siblings, Connaughton comes from a particularly large extended family.

His mother is one of ten children, while his father is one of eight.

Consequently, Pat grew up surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Those relationships helped compensate for the absence of siblings in his immediate household.

How Growing Up as an Only Child Influenced Pat Connaughton

In a 2015 interview with Little League Baseball, Connaughton explained that being an only child did not prevent him from experiencing a competitive family environment.

Because his parents came from large families, he frequently spent time playing sports with older cousins.

Those games included basketball, baseball, badminton, and other activities.

His older relatives were often physically stronger and more experienced, meaning Pat regularly faced challenging competition.

He credited those experiences with helping develop his competitive personality.

Playing against older cousins also encouraged him to improve his athletic abilities and participate in leagues featuring older children.

In a 2020 podcast interview with motivational speaker Greg Bell, Connaughton discussed his upbringing and explained that his understanding of family extended beyond biological relationships.

He considered close childhood friends to be like brothers and sisters because of the strong relationships they maintained.

Those friendships became especially important when he attended St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, approximately 20 miles from his hometown.

Although Connaughton has no biological siblings, his extended family and childhood friendships have remained important parts of his personal life.

Pat Connaughton’s Extended Family and Cousins

Pat Connaughton’s extended family includes numerous relatives because both parents grew up in large households.

In his 2015 Little League interview, he explained that his father was one of eight siblings and his mother was one of ten.

This meant that family gatherings often involved many relatives and opportunities for friendly competition.

Several members of his extended family also participated in organized athletics.

His uncle Richard played college baseball at Springfield College in Massachusetts, according to Pat’s official Notre Dame biography.

Other relatives attended St. John’s Preparatory School before Pat enrolled there.

The school’s connection to his extended family helped influence his educational path during adolescence.

Although most of his cousins have maintained private lives, their presence during his childhood helped develop the competitiveness and determination that later characterized his professional basketball career.

Pat Connaughton’s Grandfather and Family Work Ethic

Pat Connaughton’s paternal grandfather, Bernard Connaughton, also influenced the family’s approach to work and responsibility.

In an October 2023 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel profile, Leonard Connaughton recalled growing up in a large household where his father emphasized the importance of hard work.

Bernard supported a family of eight children and maintained a demanding work schedule.

After completing his regular employment duties, he sometimes performed additional landscaping work, requiring help from whichever children were available.

Leonard explained that those experiences taught him the importance of working hard and contributing to the family’s needs.

He later applied the same principles while raising Pat.

Instead of allowing his son to avoid difficult responsibilities, Leonard encouraged him to work on construction sites during school vacations.

Pat has subsequently credited those experiences with helping him develop discipline, attention to detail, and an appreciation for financial responsibility.

The influence of his grandfather and father continued into his professional career, particularly through his interest in business and real estate development.

Pat Connaughton’s Early Life and Family Background in Massachusetts

Patrick Bergin Connaughton was born on January 6, 1993, in the Boston metropolitan area and grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts.

His childhood was characterized by participation in several sports, particularly basketball, baseball, and football.

Both parents encouraged him to remain active and develop his natural athletic abilities.

He participated in programs at Fidelity House, a youth recreation center in Arlington that became an important part of his basketball development.

During his school years, Connaughton attended St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts.

He established himself as an outstanding two-sport athlete, becoming one of the school’s leading basketball and baseball players.

During his senior basketball season, he averaged approximately 23 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists per game.

His performances helped St. John’s Prep win the Massachusetts state basketball championship in 2011.

He also received the 2011 Massachusetts Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year award.

In baseball, Connaughton developed into an accomplished pitcher capable of throwing fastballs exceeding 90 miles per hour.

During his senior season, he recorded an 11–2 pitching record with a 1.75 earned run average and 160 strikeouts.

His baseball performances attracted attention from Major League Baseball scouts.

However, Connaughton remained determined to pursue both basketball and baseball during college.

His parents supported that decision, emphasizing the value of receiving a strong education while continuing his athletic development.

How Pat Connaughton’s Family Supported His College and NBA Careers

After graduating from St. John’s Preparatory School, Pat Connaughton attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

He chose Notre Dame partly because the university allowed him to pursue both basketball and baseball at the collegiate level.

Between 2011 and 2015, Connaughton became an important contributor to the Notre Dame men’s basketball program.

He also competed for the university’s baseball team as a pitcher.

His success in both sports attracted attention from professional organizations.

In June 2014, the Baltimore Orioles selected him in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball Draft.

He subsequently signed a professional baseball contract but continued his college basketball career at Notre Dame.

During the 2014–15 basketball season, Connaughton helped the Fighting Irish win the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship and reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

His performances earned him Third-Team All-ACC recognition.

He completed his bachelor’s degree in management consulting at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business in 2015.

Following graduation, Connaughton entered the NBA Draft.

The Brooklyn Nets selected him with the 41st overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft before his rights were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

He played for Portland from 2015 to 2018 before signing with the Milwaukee Bucks.

His career reached a major milestone in 2021 when he helped Milwaukee win the NBA championship.

Connaughton played an important role as a reserve guard and forward throughout the Bucks’ playoff campaign.

His achievements represented the fulfillment of a basketball ambition that many observers had questioned because of his exceptional baseball potential.

Throughout the journey, his parents remained supportive of his decision to pursue basketball rather than concentrate exclusively on baseball.

Pat Connaughton’s Family Life and Charlotte Hornets Career

After seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Pat Connaughton joined the Charlotte Hornets in July 2025.

The trade represented an important professional transition for the veteran NBA player.

At the time, Connaughton had already established a family with Ryan Gareis and their young son, Crew.

His career change coincided with new family responsibilities and continued business commitments.

Although he joined Charlotte as an experienced role player, Connaughton earned praise for his professionalism, leadership, and willingness to support younger teammates.

In April 2026, the Hornets published a feature celebrating his nomination as a finalist for the NBA’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award.

The article highlighted his work ethic and commitment to maintaining a positive team environment.

Charlotte exercised his contract option for the 2026–27 season in June 2026.

During the same period, Connaughton celebrated his wedding to Ryan Gareis, making the summer of 2026 especially memorable for his family.

He has also continued his involvement in community initiatives and real estate projects, particularly in Wisconsin and Massachusetts.

The Pat Connaughton Foundation and His Family Values

Pat Connaughton established the Pat Connaughton Foundation in 2016 to provide young people with greater access to sports and personal development opportunities.

The organization supports basketball programs, youth facilities, and community initiatives designed to help children develop confidence and leadership skills.

Its activities reflect Connaughton’s own childhood experiences, particularly his participation in the Fidelity House recreation center in Arlington.

Connaughton has frequently credited youth sports organizations with helping him develop the discipline and competitive mentality required for professional basketball.

Through his foundation, he hopes to provide similar opportunities for younger generations.

In June 2024, the organization announced a $400,000 contribution toward renovating the Fidelity House gym in Arlington.

The project was particularly meaningful because Connaughton had spent considerable time playing basketball at the facility during childhood.

The foundation has also supported basketball court renovations in Wisconsin and other community development initiatives.

His charitable activities are closely connected to the values emphasized by his parents, particularly hard work, humility, and supporting others.

In interviews, Connaughton has explained that his definition of family includes not only relatives but also friends, mentors, and people who have supported him throughout life.

That philosophy continues to influence his charitable work and professional relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pat Connaughton’s Family

Who is Pat Connaughton’s wife?

Pat Connaughton’s wife is Ryan Gareis, an American professional soccer player for Chicago Stars FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. They married in June 2026.

Who was Pat Connaughton’s girlfriend?

Pat Connaughton’s longtime girlfriend was Ryan Gareis. The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in June 2023, became engaged in February 2024, and married in June 2026.

When did Pat Connaughton get married?

Pat Connaughton and Ryan Gareis married in June 2026. They publicly announced their marriage on June 15, 2026.

Does Pat Connaughton have children?

Yes. Pat Connaughton has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Crew Leo Connaughton.

What is Pat Connaughton’s son’s name?

His son’s name is Crew Leo Connaughton. He is the first child of Pat Connaughton and Ryan Gareis.

When was Pat Connaughton’s son born?

Crew Leo Connaughton was born on May 3, 2024, while his father was playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Who are Pat Connaughton’s parents?

Pat Connaughton’s parents are Leonard Connaughton and Susan Connaughton, also known as Len and Sue Connaughton.

Who is Pat Connaughton’s father?

His father is Leonard Connaughton, a former college football player at Framingham State College who later worked as a general contractor and real estate developer.

Who is Pat Connaughton’s mother?

His mother is Susan Connaughton, who helped introduce Pat to sports during childhood and supported his education and athletic development.

Does Pat Connaughton have siblings?

No. Pat Connaughton is an only child and does not have any biological brothers or sisters.

How many siblings do Pat Connaughton’s parents have?

His father is one of eight children, while his mother is one of ten. This gave Pat a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Who is Pat Connaughton’s grandfather?

His paternal grandfather was Bernard Connaughton, whose emphasis on hard work influenced Leonard Connaughton and later Pat’s approach to professional responsibilities.

Is Pat Connaughton’s wife a professional athlete?

Yes. Ryan Gareis is a professional soccer player who previously represented Houston Dash and joined Chicago Stars FC ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.

Where is Ryan Gareis from?

Ryan Gareis was born on November 13, 1998, in Naperville, Illinois, United States. She attended Neuqua Valley High School and the University of South Carolina.

Who are Ryan Gareis’s parents?

Her parents are Leslie Gareis and Patrick Gareis, according to her official University of South Carolina soccer biography.

Where was Pat Connaughton born?

Pat Connaughton was born on January 6, 1993, in the Boston metropolitan area of Massachusetts and grew up in Arlington.

Did Pat Connaughton’s father play sports?

Yes. Leonard Connaughton played college football at Framingham State College in Massachusetts.

Did Pat Connaughton play professional baseball?

Yes. Pat Connaughton was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB Draft and briefly played professional minor league baseball before concentrating on basketball.

Which college did Pat Connaughton attend?

He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he played basketball and baseball before graduating in 2015 with a degree in management consulting.

Which NBA team does Pat Connaughton play for?

Pat Connaughton plays for the Charlotte Hornets, who acquired him from the Milwaukee Bucks in July 2025.

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