It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Fort King National Historic Landmark in King, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in King, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time”
“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped”
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“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home”
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“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home”
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“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go above and beyond for staff/clients. Highly recommend for employment and senior in-home care support.”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”
“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”
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“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”
“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”
“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”
“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”
“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”
“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”
“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Everyone's Playground in King, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local HAWTHORNE WOOD or visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in King, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in King, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in King, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
N.C. Highway 12 remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe on Monday morning, as elevated tides and continued coastal flooding complicate repairs near the Pea Island Visitor Center, where more than 1,100 feet of pavement has been damaged.The highway has been closed since last week, with no estimated reopening date, although the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported Sunday that crews had begun removing damaged pavement near the visitor center while continuing preparations to rebu...
N.C. Highway 12 remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge at Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe on Monday morning, as elevated tides and continued coastal flooding complicate repairs near the Pea Island Visitor Center, where more than 1,100 feet of pavement has been damaged.
The highway has been closed since last week, with no estimated reopening date, although the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported Sunday that crews had begun removing damaged pavement near the visitor center while continuing preparations to rebuild protective dunes.
Meanwhile, a new emergency ferry park-and-ride service is scheduled to begin Monday, offering Hatteras Island residents and other eligible travelers an alternative to potentially long vehicle boarding lines at the Rodanthe and Stumpy Point ferry terminals.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office is also warning that coastal flooding and beach erosion could continue through Thursday, with king tides expected to peak Tuesday and Wednesday.
In its latest update Sunday, NCDOT reported that approximately 1,100 feet of N.C. 12 pavement had been damaged near the Pea Island Visitor Center, where repeated ocean overwash and extensive dune erosion have left the highway impassable.
Crews began removing damaged pavement Sunday morning, marking an initial step toward repairing the highway.
NCDOT is also working to restore protective dunes in the Canal Zone and stockpiling sand near the Pea Island Visitor Center, where additional dune fortification will begin as soon as tidal conditions allow.
However, continuous flooding and standing water remain significant obstacles to the work, and additional overwash could cause further damage before repairs are completed.
The department has not announced when the highway might reopen.
N.C. 12 remains open and passable south of Rodanthe through Hatteras Village and on Ocracoke Island.
A new park-and-ride service is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 26, providing travelers with the option to park their vehicles near the Rodanthe or Stumpy Point ferry terminals and board the emergency ferries as passengers rather than waiting in the vehicle boarding lines.
Dare County shuttle vans will transport passengers between designated parking areas and the ferry terminals Monday through Friday, from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The designated parking locations are the Rodanthe Beach Access at 3731 N.C. Highway 12 in Rodanthe and Pointers Field at 98 Bayview Drive in Stumpy Point.
Vehicles may remain in these parking areas for extended periods, allowing travelers to leave a vehicle on each side of the ferry route and avoid transporting their vehicles across the sound for every trip.
The new service comes as travelers continue to experience extended waits at both emergency ferry terminals, where limited vehicle capacity has complicated travel between Hatteras Island and the mainland.
According to NCDOT’s Sunday morning update, the emergency ferry service had transported nearly 1,800 people and 1,100 vehicles since operations began Thursday morning, Oct. 22.
The ferries are also transporting groceries, mail, fuel, and other essential supplies.
Although the park-and-ride option is intended to reduce the need for vehicle boarding, ferry capacity remains limited, and travelers are encouraged to postpone nonessential trips.
Additional information about the service is available at DareNC.gov/Storm.
The National Weather Service has extended Coastal Flood Advisories through Thursday as persistent northeast winds and unusually high astronomical tides continue to threaten portions of the Outer Banks and eastern North Carolina.
The advisories cover the Outer Banks, Crystal Coast, and areas along the Neuse, Bay, Pamlico, and Pungo rivers. The advisory area was also expanded to include Beaufort County based on forecast water levels and reports of flooding.
According to the latest NWS briefing, issued Sunday afternoon, minor oceanside and soundside flooding is occurring or expected across portions of the Outer Banks, with the greatest impacts anticipated on Hatteras Island.
Forecasters expect approximately 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level in vulnerable oceanside and soundside locations along the Outer Banks, including portions of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
Across portions of the Crystal Coast and inland rivers, water levels could reach 1 to 3 feet above ground level.
Although northeast winds are expected to diminish by Monday evening, the highest astronomical tides are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, meaning coastal flooding could continue even after winds and seas begin to decrease.
The NWS forecasts moderate oceanside coastal impacts for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands through at least Wednesday.
Soundside flooding concerns are expected to increase Monday afternoon, with potentially high impacts across portions of the broader Outer Banks, Crystal Coast, and inland river areas Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
The NWS also warned that continued wave action could cause additional beach erosion, with greater impacts possible along Hatteras Island because of already weakened protective dunes.
The next high tides are expected around 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday, and 10 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Thursday.
These times are based on the Duck tide station, and actual high tide times may vary elsewhere along the Outer Banks. Soundside high tides may occur several hours later.
The NWS is expected to continue issuing updated coastal flooding briefings daily through at least the current event.
Dare County’s state of emergency and mandatory evacuation for Hatteras Island visitors remain in effect, and no date has been announced for resuming visitor entry.
Entry to Hatteras Island remains limited to individuals who qualify under Dare County’s Priority One, Priority Two, or Priority Three reentry categories and present the required documentation.
Hyde County residents may also use the emergency ferry to travel through Hatteras Island to Ocracoke with documentation verifying their eligibility.
Visitors are not permitted to enter Hatteras Island while restrictions remain in place.
Priority ferry boarding requests are being considered individually for urgent or time-sensitive needs, including medical appointments, procedures, treatments, and other extenuating circumstances.
Approval is not guaranteed, and a separate request is required for each direction of travel.
No evacuation has been ordered for Hatteras Island residents or areas north of Oregon Inlet.
For current highway conditions, visit DriveNC.gov. Emergency ferry schedules are available through the NCDOT Ferry Division, and additional information about emergency ferry travel, park-and-ride service, and entry restrictions is available at DareNC.gov/Storm and DareNC.gov/Reentry.
‘Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts.’Richard Jay “Jaybird” Donathan, age 78, of Tobaccoville NC passed away peacefully on August 16th, 2026. He was born on September 3rd, 1947, in Elkin NC to C. J. and Bea Donathan. Jay graduated from South Stokes High School and Forsyth Technical Institute. He worked for Westinghouse for 32 years. He then served his country in the U.S. Army with a year spent in Vietnam during the war. He was so proud to be a veteran.Jay...
‘Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts.’
Richard Jay “Jaybird” Donathan, age 78, of Tobaccoville NC passed away peacefully on August 16th, 2026. He was born on September 3rd, 1947, in Elkin NC to C. J. and Bea Donathan. Jay graduated from South Stokes High School and Forsyth Technical Institute. He worked for Westinghouse for 32 years. He then served his country in the U.S. Army with a year spent in Vietnam during the war. He was so proud to be a veteran.
Jay will be remembered for his strong faith, kind heart, and deep love for his family and friends. He had a servant’s heart. He loved his time volunteering at King Outreach Ministry, he was a member of the Chestnut Grove Ruritan Club, and he was very proud of the many gallons of blood he donated to the Red Cross. He made family visits feel special and welcomed and loved time spent with them. He cherished his nieces and nephews and was always willing to give them advice to help them through their lives. He would tell them to have a good work ethic and plan for retirement that made them comfortable and live life to the fullest. He certainly set an example for them. Jay was very social and befriended all he met. He enjoyed being with friends and attending sports events. He loved going to Wake Forest events with his friend Tim. He was an avid Wake Forest fan to his core. He loved all the sports games, with tailgating included. He loved the game of golf. Every year, for many years, he loved playing in the Cancer Society Fundraiser Tournament at Boone Golf Club. He always wanted to help others and give back.
He leaves behind his wife, Sue and loving dog Jack, one brother, Tim Donathan, several beloved cousins and many nieces and nephews. His legacy of kindness and devotion will continue in the lives of all who loved him.
A special thank you to his primary Dr., Dana Winn who went above and beyond for him and Dr. Sherwood and Hannah Palmer at Novant Cancer Center who made his cancer journey so much easier by being so caring.
A memorial service will be held at King Moravian Church on Sunday, August 23rd at 2:00. Visitation and reception will immediately follow in the fellowship hall. All are invited to share that time to reflect on Jay’s life. A graveside service with military honors will be held Monday, August 24th at 11:00 at King Moravian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to King Moravian Church, General Fund or King Outreach Ministry.
NC State safety King Mack discusses his time in Raleigh, the start of fall camp, and much more with the media.NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!On having played for three different schools…Experience. Being able to experience different programs, different coaches. So, you have the mentality to learn all over again. So, I knew once I came back, I had to learn all over again. And also taking freshmen and showing them the way....
NC State safety King Mack discusses his time in Raleigh, the start of fall camp, and much more with the media.
NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!
On having played for three different schools…
Experience. Being able to experience different programs, different coaches. So, you have the mentality to learn all over again. So, I knew once I came back, I had to learn all over again. And also taking freshmen and showing them the way.
What's it been like to be reunited with your high school teammates or high school opponents?
It's crazy because Chance (Robinson) and I went to high school together. I was a pound above him, JoJo Trader, CJ Bailey, and Davion Gause. Seeing all of them, it's crazy. Every day, every time I see them, it’s like Ravenspark all over again. It's wonderful. It's great to have; it's a family-oriented team.
A lot of people knew each other for a while. So, I feel like that's so important because once we go on the field on Saturday, you're playing for somebody. You can't tell them they're not going to give it your all.
Especially when you know their background, you know where they came from. You know their why. Once you know their why, it definitely gives you a reason to go hard.
Do you have a favorite memory of playing together in high school or playing against each other?
Winning. Winning is my favorite memory. Winning. Holding that trophy. Watching them hold the trophy when they won it. It was one year, actually. My pal won the Super Bowl, and their pal won the Super Bowl. They played right after us. No, right before us.
We played after them. We've been winners since we were young.
What's your best story of watching CJ growing up? Seeing him as a quarterback.
See, what a lot of people don't know, CJ is very, very physical. So, I literally coach. Like now, in college, there's no hidden quarterback. Always there's a quarterback. CJ, CJ was one of those quarterbacks, where he's not trying to juke you.
Yeah, he's the tallest, so he's not going to try to steal from you. He's going to run you over. That's why I tell everyone out there, don't get CJ in the state. He got in the tank. I've seen it.
Did you get run over?
No, sir.
If we asked him that, would he say the same thing?
If I got run over? Knowing CJ, he's going to say he would. Ain't nobody beat his confidence. That's why he's the best quarterback. CJ's the most confident person I’ve ever known. Bet on himself every time.
Did your eyes light up when you saw your speed rating for a video game?
It didn’t, honestly. I know what I ran in the 40s, so I wasn't shocked. I know the numbers I put on the catapult. It's not shocking.
What was your best 100-meter dash?
My best 100 in high school was a 10- no, 10-5. I was really a 400 right there in high school. I was a 400 state champ.
How much did having CJ and the other guys here help you decide to transfer here, or did that not really play into evaluating what NC State had to offer?
Honestly, once I had that conversation with Coach Doeren, because I talked to CJ after the fact. Once I had that conversation with Coach Doeren, he told me, "I'm tired of coming in second." I want to win, so I'm going to get whoever I need to get to win.
There's no arguing or going against that. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal. That's to win. I sat down and talked to him, and he told me that CJ's going to be leading us. Why not? That's no second question.
It's basically home now. I came here, and it was open arms. It wasn't- I'd say this was probably the most- No, it was the most easiest transition I've ever had. The easiest transition.
Is part of that because things are so stable here, where maybe things were not as stable the last couple of years at other schools?
Stability, definitely. Also, it's the chip on their shoulder. Coach Doeren, he makes us have a chip on our shoulder. That chip that- oh, sorry. That chip on our shoulder that he instills into us, that's what's going to make us so great.
Coach Eliot was talking about you walking into a stadium, no big deal. You played in front of 100,000 people. What is that like when you try to convey to the younger players what a game day experience is like?
I always tell them this is the same game you've been playing since you were young. The only difference is that it's a crowd. It's more audience. I always tell them, don't panic. That same player we were in high school, that same star we were in high school, it's the same sport.
Nothing changed about the sport. It's more- first, it's someone who's just as good as you. Second, it's more IQ. You gotta have a higher IQ. You can't just go out there and rely on talent. Skill, technique, understanding the game, and understanding concepts.
I tell all the freshmen all the time, listen, bro, don't come into college and don't let it overwhelm you. Attack it. Attack it. Why not? You're not.
You're obviously the oldest guy in there, but a lot of the guys who played last year- how cool has it been for you to see those guys kind of develop and just keep getting better? Whether it's Ronnie, Brody, or guys like that.
We have a very, very talented safety room. From the freshmen up, Chino Aguirre, Pluto Surratt, we got a lot of talent in that room. It's a great experience.
Just even watching the film from last year and seeing how young they were, and they were able to just go out there and make it happen. It shows you, right back to what I said before, it's the same game. It's a different crowd.
They were able to go out there last year, and they played well. They did, honestly. I'm confident in my room. I'm confident in Coach Warren's coaching. I have no doubts.
Did you have any past relationships with Coach Warren?
Yes. Coach Warren actually recruited me out of high school when he was at UNC. I would say I got two people.
On players in the secondary who stand out...
Jackson Vick and Ronnie Royal. The reason I say that is Jackson is him and me; he's a vet. He's a vet, so he understands the game.
He's got that experience. You can't tell Ronnie he can't do anything. Ronnie would look at a brick wall, and you're like, there's no way he's going to run through this brick wall.
He's going to run through the brick wall and show you how to run through the brick wall. Then he's going to go up to you out there and say I told you. Ronnie and Vick, those two right there, those two, they saw me when I got here.
Did you see that on the film when you watched how Ronnie was playing last year?
Oh yeah, Ronnie a hitter. Ronnie is a hitter; he is a playmaker.
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