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 Notre Dame- Mary Atop the Golden Dome in Notre Dame, IN 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 Notre Dame, IN 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.
“Very positive experience with Always Best Care. Had a great group of ladies taking care”
“Frankly, I never wanted to be in a position wherein I was asked to review”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“Very positive experience with Always Best Care. Had a great group of ladies taking care of my Mother- in law. Always being respectful of her needs. Communication between the office and client was top notch! Special thanks to Stephanie!”
“Frankly, I never wanted to be in a position wherein I was asked to review care for my parents. That said, Always Best is aptly named. Stephanie Stevens and Kelly Robinson are kind and human and not without humor, and having endured everything that we did, I can honestly say that part of me loves them deeply. I hope I never forget the gift they gave my family.”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a day. After speaking to the independent living center where she resided, our family decided to hire Always Best Care for the meds (and then later for 24-hour aids). We cannot say enough about Darlene and Candy, as well as the numerous aids. Even at the end when our mom no longer needed the meds, they would often stop by to see her anyway. We generally do not give reviews of companies, but their caring approach was exceptional and we decided it was appropriate for others who need these services to know about our experience.”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
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 Governor Joseph Kernan Park in Notre Dame, IN 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 Traditions or visit The Word of Life Mural, 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 Notre Dame, IN, 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 Notre Dame, IN 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 Notre Dame, IN 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.
CJ Carr and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are rolling to start the season, undefeated at 5-0 and ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll after defeating Bill Belichick and the UNC Tar Heels 37-26 last Saturday. North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. faced constant pressure, throwing for 209 passing yards and two interceptions.Notre Dame quarterback Carr was strong in the matchup, completing 21 of 29 passes for 234 yards and four touchdown passes with zero interceptions. Wide receiver Jordan Faison hauled in a game-high eight receptions for ...
CJ Carr and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are rolling to start the season, undefeated at 5-0 and ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll after defeating Bill Belichick and the UNC Tar Heels 37-26 last Saturday. North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. faced constant pressure, throwing for 209 passing yards and two interceptions.
Notre Dame quarterback Carr was strong in the matchup, completing 21 of 29 passes for 234 yards and four touchdown passes with zero interceptions. Wide receiver Jordan Faison hauled in a game-high eight receptions for 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns. So far in the 2026 college football season, Carr has thrown for 1,197 passing yards on a 71.0% completion percentage for 13 touchdowns and one interception and is fourth in the nation with a 90.4 QBR.
On Thursday, Notre Dame went to social media to announce that Carr was revealed as one of the 15 quarterbacks listed as candidates for the 2026 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
The award is given annually to the nation's top upperclassman quarterback in college football. Prior winners of the award include stars like Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning and his brother Eli Manning of the Ole Miss Rebels, as well as LSU Tigers' Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels. Last year's winner was Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Prior winners for the Fighting Irish include Tony Rice in 1989 and Brady Quinn in 2006.
"CJ Carr has been named to the Top 15," the Notre Dame Fighting Irish wrote in the Instagram caption. "For the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award! #GoIrish??"
Notre Dame will host the Stanford Cardinal on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBC. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his Fighting Irish have held onto the Legends Trophy since 2023.
This story was originally published by on Oct 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the section. Add Athlon Sports as a
We don’t have to kid ourselves about Notre Dame’s upcoming game against the Stanford Cardinal. The trees are a really bad football team, and this one should get out of hand early and stay that way until the alma mater is played.Still… there are plenty of interesting things we can see on Saturday when the Irish take the field (and that doesn’t include those magnificent green uniforms). Here are three things I want to see…RINSE AND REPEATNotre Dame really got the running game going last we...
We don’t have to kid ourselves about Notre Dame’s upcoming game against the Stanford Cardinal. The trees are a really bad football team, and this one should get out of hand early and stay that way until the alma mater is played.
Still… there are plenty of interesting things we can see on Saturday when the Irish take the field (and that doesn’t include those magnificent green uniforms). Here are three things I want to see…
Notre Dame really got the running game going last week against North Carolina. While it was Jonaz Walton who finally got the bulk of the carries and popped off for 120 yards on 23 carries, it was the way the offensive line finally looked like it was playing as a total unit and was just moving bodies at will. Nolan James averaged 7 yards per carry and Williams averaged over 5 yards per carry… and I want more — so much more.
Leonard Moore was listed as questionable on Monday due to concussion protocol. As of Wednesday night, there’s no indication one way or another about his eventual status for Saturday. As far as I’m concerned, Moore should sit this one out on Saturday. Notre Dame has considerable depth and there are bigger games left on the schedule. I doubt the current depth chart is very accurate in terms of replacing Moore (Mark Zachery is listed in that spot) and we should probably expect Jayden Sanders or even Christian Gray to take over one side with DJ McKinney on another side. This likely ends up meaning Dallas Golden getting more snaps at the nickel, which is what he needs.
Again, let’s not fool ourselves about this game. Notre Dame is going win and win big. Here’s the thing though… make it hurt. I want Notre Dame to go in for the kill, kill it, and keep killing it long after Stanford is dead. Leave no doubt? How about leave no carcass. Certainly we don’t want to put players at risk for injury, but the Irish need to keep playing its full offensive and defensive scheme until the game ends. The backups will do just fine — let them loose and let’s put up a 60 burger on this ACC team hanging out next to the Pacific Ocean.
Chris Seward / The Associated PressSOUTH BEND, Ind. — Ja’Juan Seider meant it as a compliment, as much as calling anyone a “nerd” can be taken as a positive. But considering it’s hard to find anyone who disagrees with how Notre Dame’s running backs coach described freshman Jonaz Walton, maybe Seider was on to something.“I always tell him, when he loves football as much as he loves school, watch out,” Seider said. “Like, I think he still loves school more than he loves footba...
Chris Seward / The Associated Press
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Ja’Juan Seider meant it as a compliment, as much as calling anyone a “nerd” can be taken as a positive. But considering it’s hard to find anyone who disagrees with how Notre Dame’s running backs coach described freshman Jonaz Walton, maybe Seider was on to something.
“I always tell him, when he loves football as much as he loves school, watch out,” Seider said. “Like, I think he still loves school more than he loves football, and I’m serious.”
Or maybe the future computer engineering major who’s obsessed with Legos and the squat rack is just a renaissance running back. Last weekend against North Carolina, Walton posted career highs in carries (23) and rushing yards (120) after scraping together barely that much work in this season’s first four games combined. He was the first Irish true freshman back to hit 100 yards in a game in 11 years. And it’s hard to believe Walton won’t do it again.
Notre Dame’s staff felt an afternoon like that had been coming since training camp. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock compared Walton to first-round picks Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Larry Fitzgerald and Jermichael Finley, NFL dads of current Irish players, told Walton’s father, Will, that his middle son looked like a good bet to play this season. Privately, Seider even mentioned Walton playing beyond Notre Dame.
None of this is a surprise to Walton. Not after the work he’s put in. He started lifting weights in first or second grade. He graduated from Central High School in Carrollton, Ga., with a 4.24 GPA. He watched his older brother play college football and split playing time at Central with his younger brother Jacez, who is now a four-star prospect.
“I was just always ready, whenever it happened. Coach Seider, he’s confident in me, just telling me just to stay ready,” Walton said. “And then when I ever actually got the opportunity to play a lot, I was ready for it.”
Walton’s moment didn’t exactly come on Notre Dame’s terms. He played sparingly in September blowouts of Purdue and Rice, barely saw the field against Michigan State and sat against Wisconsin, all while angst built over the Irish run game that had been initially entrusted to Nolan James Jr. and Aneyas Williams. Then with Notre Dame leading 21-20 early in the third quarter in Chapel Hill, Seider turned to Walton and didn’t look back. On a 17-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a CJ Carr touchdown scramble, Walton got 12 carries, including two fourth-down conversions.
The personnel decision left no doubt about Notre Dame’s most gifted back.
“All those backs have a great vision and quickness, but Jonaz does have a different type of gear,” head coach Marcus Freeman said. “When he goes zero to 100, it is like that. That’s something that J-Love had and then (Price), both had the ability to get to their fastest really quickly.”
Walton had been working toward last Saturday long before he knew he’d play college football. Around second grade, Jonaz’s father led him to the weight room, bringing his brothers along for the ride. They were old enough to start lifting the bar but young enough that they didn’t push back on dad’s approach, which was good enough that Central hired Will Walton to be the strength coach for its high school and middle school teams.
Walton’s career didn’t travel in a straight line from that moment. He was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease in seventh grade, literally growing pains that slowed him on the field and in the weight room. He broke a growth plate during a junior high scrimmage that basically robbed him of a football season. But that was about all that stood in the way of Walton becoming a four-star prospect with offers from Alabama and Georgia.
Walton finished his high school career with 5,965 rushing yards, 1,440 receiving yards and 85 touchdowns. He also maxed in the squat rack at 600 pounds going into his junior year.
“I love the weight room. I’m huge into it,” Walton said. “It’s a way to get to your full potential.”
Understanding how all the parts fit together was always part of Walton’s profile, not just with dumbbells. His older brother Juliuz — now a senior defensive end at Charleston Southern — had a habit of taking things apart around the house. Jonaz figured out how to put them back together. That’s what spurred his interest in computer engineering. It also got him interested in Legos, a hobby that got more expensive as the sets got bigger.
Back home, Walton’s first Lego masterpiece was Notre Dame — the one in Paris, not Indiana. He also has the Avengers Tower. Both sets push 5,000 pieces.
“It takes forever to put them together, but he’s got shelves full of them,” Will Walton said. “I didn’t even know they made sets like that, but he’s got the resources to buy them.”
Will and Jacez watched last weekend’s 120-yard performance up close, sitting in North Carolina’s recruiting section on an unofficial visit. Jacez is being recruited by the Tar Heels and dressed for the part in Carolina blue. When the game ended, they made their way down the field to talk with North Carolina running backs coach Natrone Means, the former San Diego Charger.
Means didn’t hold up the Walton family for long, then offered them a straight path across the field to the Notre Dame tunnel, where they met up with Jonaz.
“He did have on North Carolina stuff, but he’s still Notre Dame at heart,” Jonaz laughed.
“It was honestly amazing,” Jacez said. “I’m not being recruited by the North Carolina defense, so it didn’t bother anyone too much.”
This weekend, Will and Jacez, plus mother, Sandy, will be back in South Bend for the Stanford game. They’ve already got plans to return for Miami on Nov. 7. Jonez figures to play a part in both weekends and whatever comes after for Notre Dame. Walton is now part of the show.
Sandy had a custom T-shirt made for Will to celebrate what’s happening. It features a blue leprechaun outlined in yellow with a shamrock. The lettering spells “The secret is out,” although Will doesn’t quite feel comfortable wearing it to games just yet.
No matter, the sentiment remains.
The identity of Notre Dame’s next potentially great running back has been revealed, a lifetime of work now flashing on national television.
“Being who he is, paying attention to the detail, I knew he could do this,” Will said. “But he has to be consistent. He has to wring the towel out every day. Even last week, you finish the game, then get on to your chemistry homework and get ready for your lab.”
Notre Dame Academy has announced the appointment of Emily Cahill Lusk as director of advancement, bringing an accomplished fundraising professional and NDA alumna home to lead the school’s advancement efforts.Lusk brings experience in fundraising, major gifts, capital campaigns, donor engagement, special events and community partnerships. She will provide strategic leadership for Notre Dame Academy’s Advancement Office, including fundraising, annual giving, major gifts, donor stewardship, special events and alumnae relatio...
Notre Dame Academy has announced the appointment of Emily Cahill Lusk as director of advancement, bringing an accomplished fundraising professional and NDA alumna home to lead the school’s advancement efforts.
Lusk brings experience in fundraising, major gifts, capital campaigns, donor engagement, special events and community partnerships. She will provide strategic leadership for Notre Dame Academy’s Advancement Office, including fundraising, annual giving, major gifts, donor stewardship, special events and alumnae relations.
“Emily brings exactly the combination of experience, relationship-building and genuine commitment to mission that we were looking for in our next Director of Advancement,” said Jane Kleier, chief communications officer of Notre Dame Academy. “What makes this appointment particularly meaningful is that Emily understands firsthand the transformative impact of a Notre Dame Academy education.”
A 2005 graduate of Notre Dame, Lusk was a member of the Panda volleyball program before continuing her athletic career at Belmont University in Nashville, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a minor in Journalism.
Most recently, Lusk served as advancement manager for St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky, where she provided strategic leadership for the organization’s $12 million-plus Hands of Hope Capital Campaign. Her responsibilities included campaign planning, major gift strategy, donor cultivation and stewardship, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving and board Engagement.
Prior to joining St. Vincent de Paul, Lusk spent nearly nine years with St. Elizabeth Healthcare, including her work with the St. Elizabeth Foundation. There, she helped lead fundraising events generating more than $700,000 annually and secured philanthropic support through major gifts, sponsorships, planned gifts and annual fund initiatives.Throughout her career, Lusk has focused on building relationships and connecting donors and community partners with organizations and causes that make a meaningful difference.
“For me, advancement has always been about relationships. It starts with listening, getting to know people and understanding why they care about an organization and its mission,” Lusk said.
“As an alumna, I already know how special Notre Dame Academy is, and I am excited to reconnect with our alumnae, families, donors and friends and build new relationships along the way. I want people to feel connected to NDA and to understand the important role they can play in helping our mission continue for the next generation of young women.”
Lusk joins Notre Dame Academy during a significant year in the school’s history as NDA celebrates 120 years. Her appointment supports the school’s continued focus on strengthening its relationships and philanthropic partnerships.
“Advancement is ultimately about relationships,” Kleier said.“It is about connecting people who believe in our mission with opportunities to make that mission possible. Emily understands that deeply, and we are excited about what her leadership will mean for NDA.”
Notre Dame Academy
The Notre Dame Alumni Association announced its 2026 Domer Dozen cohort, honoring 12 graduates ages 32 and younger for excellence in their contributions in learning, service, faith, and work—the core pillars of the association’s mission.The Domer Dozen program is the signature initiative of YoungND, the Alumni Association’s young alumni group. The 2026 honorees have excelled in medicine, public and military service, scholarship, the arts, advocacy, and religious life, among other areas.“Each of the 2026 ...
The Notre Dame Alumni Association announced its 2026 Domer Dozen cohort, honoring 12 graduates ages 32 and younger for excellence in their contributions in learning, service, faith, and work—the core pillars of the association’s mission.
The Domer Dozen program is the signature initiative of YoungND, the Alumni Association’s young alumni group. The 2026 honorees have excelled in medicine, public and military service, scholarship, the arts, advocacy, and religious life, among other areas.
“Each of the 2026 Domer Dozen honorees has taken a different path since graduating from Notre Dame, but all have found ways to weave the mission of Our Lady’s University into their everyday lives,” said Dolly Duffy ’84, executive director of the Alumni Association. “Through their work, the communities they serve, and the way they show up for the people around them, these incredible young people are living examples of what it looks like to build lives of purpose and meaning.”
The 2026 Domer Dozen honorees are:
Dr. Erik Carlson ’16 — Accompanying seriously ill patients through the most difficult moments of their lives
Richard Clark, Ph.D., ’16 — Driving scholarship on globalization, international finance, and climate change in global institutions
Jennifer Flanagan ’18 — Creating encounters between people who would otherwise never meet
Shannon Gaylord ’17 — Bringing lived experience to a disorder few providers are trained to treat
Andrew Halt ’17 — Bringing technical rigor and creative strategies to civic problem-solving
Adam Henderson ’16 — Litigating for veterans in an area of the law he has long been passionate about
Liz Hynes ’17 — Writing comedy in New York and standing with the writers who make it
Madelyn G. Kennedy ’17 — Offering a soft landing for families in need
Dr. Beverly Kyalwazi ’17 — Expanding equitable access to liver transplantation and care
Brandon Ruggles ’17 — A people-first leader building strong teams and developing future leaders
Rev. Brian Vetter, C.S.C., ’17, ’23 M.Div., ’25 M.Ed. — Building relationships with young people in the classroom and helping them know the love of Christ
Lt. Thomas Yaeger Jr. ’18 — Committing to service that extends well beyond a career in uniform
To learn more about the 2026 Domer Dozen, visit domerdozen.nd.edu.
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