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 Columbia in Washington, UT 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 Washington, UT 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.
“Best ever. Always very great service. Whitney is awesome.”
“Working for Always Best Care has been a wonderful experience. They genuinely care about”
“I've been a caregiver for ABC clients for just over 6 months. I absolutely love”
“Lea, Brent and the staff are great. Because I live in a different city, the”
“My experience with Always Best Care was hands down amazing! Their staff is super attentive”
“I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional care Siale provided for”
“Best ever. Always very great service. Whitney is awesome.”
“Working for Always Best Care has been a wonderful experience. They genuinely care about their clients and go above and beyond to make sure that the employees and the clients are valued and important. They are so great to focus on compassion, quality care, and teamwork.”
“I've been a caregiver for ABC clients for just over 6 months. I absolutely love what I do, I love all of the clients, I love the feedback I get from my team! I love my manager shelly!! she is so amazing with communication and so focused on how to help me succeed and grow with this company, and so attentive to our clients! I am so happy to be able to help our clients each day and have such an amazing team!”
“Lea, Brent and the staff are great. Because I live in a different city, the staff takes care of my father’s needs where he lives. Maria is wonderful with my dad. I’ve not personally met the staff, except Maria, but I’m very grateful for all they do for my dad and me. Appreciate them.”
“My experience with Always Best Care was hands down amazing! Their staff is super attentive and kind. I always felt like I was their first priority and that they really cared about me. 10/10 would recommend!!”
“I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional care Siale provided for my dad. He was committed to delivering the highest quality of care and truly valued my dad as a patient. Siale, he goes over and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients.”
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 Birch Bay State Park in Washington, UT 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 Canlis or visit Stevens-Van Trump Historical Monument, 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 Washington, UT, 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 Washington, UT 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 Washington, UT 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.
ELLENSBURG, WASH. – UT Tyler women's basketball put together a strong second-half comeback against No. 21 Western Washington, but the Patriots came up just short in a 60-56 decision Saturday afternoon in the second game of the DII Tip-Off Classic hosted by Central Washington.The Patriots outscored the Vikings 35-31 over the final two quarters and had an opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds. Tylah Hooper led UT Tyler with 23 points, while Hayley Cumming added 16 points and six...
ELLENSBURG, WASH. – UT Tyler women's basketball put together a strong second-half comeback against No. 21 Western Washington, but the Patriots came up just short in a 60-56 decision Saturday afternoon in the second game of the DII Tip-Off Classic hosted by Central Washington.
The Patriots outscored the Vikings 35-31 over the final two quarters and had an opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds. Tylah Hooper led UT Tyler with 23 points, while Hayley Cumming added 16 points and six rebounds. The duo accounted for 39 of the Patriots' 56 points.
Cumming opened the scoring for UT Tyler with a three-pointer from the top of the key, and Hooper later connected from beyond the arc to give the Patriots an 8-7 lead. Western Washington closed the first quarter on a 7-0 run to take a 14-8 advantage into the second.
Hooper helped UT Tyler find its rhythm in the second quarter, scoring on a pair of free throws before knocking down another three-pointer. Cumming added a free throw, and Jadyn Middleton followed with a floater to cap a 6-0 run that brought the Patriots within one.
Cumming then converted an and-one opportunity to give UT Tyler a 21-20 lead, completing a 9-1 stretch. The Vikings answered with a strong finish to the half, putting together a 9-0 run to take a 29-21 advantage into the break. Hooper led the Patriots with 10 points at halftime.
UT Tyler responded after the break, with Georgia Tomkins scoring on consecutive possessions to help keep the Patriots within reach. The Patriots then made their biggest push of the afternoon as Hooper scored in transition before finding Cumming for another fast-break opportunity. Cumming converted the free throw to complete a 9-0 run in less than two minutes, cutting the deficit to 35-31.
Western Washington answered with a three-pointer and continued to build its lead, but UT Tyler stayed within striking distance. Middleton knocked down two free throws late in the period, and the Patriots won the third quarter 16-15 to enter the final 10 minutes trailing 44-37.
The Patriots continued to chip away in the fourth. Hooper knocked down a corner three before Erinn Gardere connected from beyond the arc to make it a six-point game. Gardere later drew a foul on another three-point attempt and converted two free throws, pulling UT Tyler within four at 50-46.
Western Washington responded with a pair of free throws and a basket, but Hooper kept the Patriots in the game. After adding a free throw, she connected on her fourth three-pointer of the afternoon to cut the deficit to 54-50. Cumming followed with a floater, and Hooper added two free throws to bring UT Tyler within one.
The Vikings answered with a midrange jumper, but the Patriots continued to battle in the final seconds. With eight seconds remaining, Western Washington made one free throw to extend its lead to 58-54 but missed the second. Middleton grabbed the rebound and raced down the floor, drawing a foul and converting both free throws with three seconds remaining to make it a two-point game. Western Washington then knocked down two free throws to secure the 60-56 victory.
Hooper finished 6-for-7 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range, adding seven made free throws. Cumming contributed six rebounds and two steals, while Tomkins finished with five points and five rebounds. Middleton added six points, and Gardere chipped in five.
The Patriots will close out the DII Tip-Off Classic Sunday afternoon against tournament host Central Washington. The Wildcats, who are receiving votes in the national poll, are scheduled to tip off against UT Tyler at 3 p.m. Central.
BACK IN ACTION USU returns to the friendly confines of the Wayne Estes Center to host Washington State on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. (MT), before the team's second bye of conference play.MILLENNIUM MILESTONE Junior outside hitter Sami Blackett eclipsed 1,000 career kills. The product of Orem, Utah, reached the plateau in USU's match against Oregon State and now has 1,006 kills in her career after totaling 771 in two seasons at Utah Valley and posting 235 so far this season at Utah State.CAN I DIG IT? (...
BACK IN ACTION USU returns to the friendly confines of the Wayne Estes Center to host Washington State on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. (MT), before the team's second bye of conference play.
MILLENNIUM MILESTONE Junior outside hitter Sami Blackett eclipsed 1,000 career kills. The product of Orem, Utah, reached the plateau in USU's match against Oregon State and now has 1,006 kills in her career after totaling 771 in two seasons at Utah Valley and posting 235 so far this season at Utah State.
CAN I DIG IT? (YES YOU CAN) The Aggies lead the Pac-12 during conference play with 14.50 digs per set. Both sophomore setter Silina Damuni and sophomore libero/defensive specialist Lily LaFlesch rank in the top 10 during league play in digs per set as Damuni ranks second with 3.41 and LaFlesch sits in fifth with 3.33 digs per set. Damuni posted a career-high 21 digs against Oregon State last week and is the top-ranked non-L/DS player for digs per set during Pac-12 play and one of only two such players in the top 10.
LaFlesch set a career-high with 29 digs against CSU, tying for the sixth-most digs by an Aggie during the 25-point, rally-scoring era (since 2008). Her 29 digs are the second-most in a match by any Pac-12 player this season. Alongside 20-dig performances agaisnt Fresno State, Utah Valley and Weber State, LaFlesch has four 20-dig matches so far this season.
As a team, USU finished with 94 digs against the Rams, tied for the most by any Pac-12 team this season and the second-most by the Aggies during the 25-point, rally-scoring era (since 2008), trailing only USU's mark of 98 digs against Idaho in 2012.
TWO-HEADED MONSTER Junior outside hitters Olivia Ruy and Sami Blackett both rank in the top 10 in the Pac-12 in kills per set this season as Utah State is one of only two teams in the league with multiple top-10 killers alongside San Diego State. Blackett averages 3.31 kills per set while Ruy adds 3.07 per frame.
Against Colorado State, Ruy posted a career-high 25 kills, the most in a single match by an Aggie this season and tied for the third-most by any Pac-12 player. Ruy followed up the performance with a 20-kill outing against Boise State, becoming the first Aggie with 20-plus kills in back-to-back matches since Tatum Stall in 2022.
PAC'S A PUNCH The Pac-12 ranks as the best volleyball conference in the nation among non-P4 conferences according to Massey Ratings. The league boasts six teams in the top 100 of the power ratings with Utah State ranking 93rd in the nation along with Colorado State (34th), San Diego State (63rd), Boise State (77th), Oregon State (83rd) and Washington State (85th) all making the cut.
AGGIES VS. EVERYONE The Aggies and Cougars meet for the eighth time in history on Thursday, but the first time ever in Logan. Washington State has won the past meetings although the two sides have met only three times this century. USU claimed victories in 1977 and 1980 before WSU posted wins in 1085, 1992, 2000, 2007 and in the most recent matchup in 2019.
BLOCK PARTY Utah State ranks third in the Pac-12 during league play with 2.51 blocks per set. The Aggies have recorded double-digit blocks in five of its past eight contests, including a 17-block outing against San Diego State, tied for the most by USU since posting 18 blocks against Colorado State in 2021.
ADVANTAGE AVA Junior middle blocker Ava Napierski has been on fire to begin Pac-12 play and ranks sixth in the league with a .365 hitting percentage. In the opening week of conference play, Napierski recorded 17 kills on 28 total attempts without registering an attacking error against Texas State and Gonzaga, including career-highs of 11 kills on a .611 hitting percentage against the Bulldogs. This last week, Napierski set a new career-high with 13 kills at Oregon State.
SET YOUR GOALS Sophomore setter Silina Damuni is still re-adjusting to Division I volleyball. Damuni spent her freshman year at BYU in 2023 before departing on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Fiji, only returning in March of this year. Since becoming the full-time setter, Damuni is averaging nearly 10 assists per set, with a mark of 9.82 assists per set during conference play.
With Damuni out due to injury for several weeks during Pac-12 play, senior setter Olivia Tukuafu stepped up with a career-best stretch. Tukuafu set numerous career-highs, including 53 assists and nine kills against Colorado State and 16 digs and three blocks against Boise State. Tukuafu posted double-doubles in three straight matches, the longest streak of her career, and posted a 10.50 assists-per-set average against Pac-12 foes.
EARLY TESTS Utah State's nonconference schedule was one of the toughest in the nation as the Aggies faced the 23rd-toughest schedule according to Massey Ratings, tops in the Pac-12 and sixth among all non-P4 programs. In all, seven of USU's 10 nonconference opponents made the NCAA Tournament in 2025.
THIS MUST BE THE PLACE This year's Aggie roster features 10 players from the Beehive State, tied for the most for the team since having 11 Utahns on the roster in 2007. USU also had 10 players from Utah in 2008 and 2009. Last year's squad featured only five Utahns.
CONNECTIONS ACROSS SPORTS Sophomore outside hitter Addy Cook is cousins with Utah State starting quarterback Grady Brosterhous.
A WHOLE NEW CREW The Aggies welcome in 12 new players for the 2026 campaign, including nine transfers and three freshmen. Lauren Bodily (West Virginia), Silina Damuni (BYU), Olivia Ruy (Maryland) and Sophie Scott (Cal) join Utah State from P4 programs while USU also adds a plethora of experience with Solia Angilau (New Mexico), Sami Blackett (Utah Valley), Addy Cook (Wyoming) and Lily LaFlesch (Wyoming) joining the Aggies. Justýna Nováková joins as a junior following several years playing in her native Czechia while AC Gibbs, Taytum Nelson and Madi Rich arrive to USU as freshmen in 2026.
PAST MEETS PRESENT A number of Aggies have previous connections prior to arriving in Logan. Both Addy Cook and Lily LaFleschplayed at Wyoming last season with each ranking third on the team in kills and digs per set, respectively. Juniors Sami Blackett and Ava Napierski also played together in high school with both playing their senior seasons at Orem HS as the duo finished top-two on the team in kills en route to a state title in 2023. Before Orem HS, Napierski played at Timpview HS alongside sophomore Silina Damuni where the pair won state titles in both 2020 and 2022. Senior Lauren Bodily and junior Olivia Ruy also shared the court while at Woods Cross HS, capping off their time together with a state semifinal run in 2021.
AGGIE CONNECTION Taytum Nelson is continuing a family tradition of playing at Utah State. Her grandfather, Alan Parish, played three seasons for USU men's basketball in the 1960s, including the 1964-65 season with All-American and home court namesake Wayne Estes.
SUPER NOVAKOVA Despite playing as an outside hitter, junior Justyna Novakova has ample experience as a libero, having played libero for the Czechia U20 through U22 national teams and also playing the position at the club level for VK Dukla Liberec.
NEW IN TOWN Keith Smith was hired as the 12th head coach in Utah State volleyball history in January. Smith brings extensive experience working within the USA Volleyball pipeline and most recently served as an assistant coach at TCU in 2025, helping the Horned Frogs in a 21-11 record and an opening round win in the NCAA Tournament. He also has previous coaching stops at Auburn and Grand Canyon. Smith also played for the Lopes, ending his career as the school record holder with 4,484 assists.
Smith's time with Team USA has seen him working with the women's U21 national team at the 2025 NORCECA Pan American Cup, helping Team USA capture a gold medal in Costa Rica. This offseason, Smithalso served as the U18/U19 group leader at the National Team Development Program (NTDP).
UP NEXT Out of their second bye of the conference season, Utah State hosts a pair of Pac-12 tilts against Texas State on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and Oregon State on Friday, Nov. 6. Both matches will be held at 7 p.m. (MT) at the Wayne Estes Center.
Fans can follow the Aggie volleyball program on Twitter, @USUVolleyball, on Facebook at /USUVolleyball or on Instagram, @usuvolleyball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.
- USU -
Drew Baldridge has taken his new album straight to the source. The country singer has spent recent weeks hosting free shows on three farms across the United States, bringing the themes of his latest record, Farm Faith Family, to the people and places that inspired it.The idea started on social media. Baldridge asked fans to nominate their own farms for a special visit to celebrate the album, and the call drew thousands of responses.Gigs, releases, a press page and your own Artist Portal to keep it all current. ...
Drew Baldridge has taken his new album straight to the source. The country singer has spent recent weeks hosting free shows on three farms across the United States, bringing the themes of his latest record, Farm Faith Family, to the people and places that inspired it.
The idea started on social media. Baldridge asked fans to nominate their own farms for a special visit to celebrate the album, and the call drew thousands of responses.
Gigs, releases, a press page and your own Artist Portal to keep it all current. Built mobile-first and live within two weeks. From £600. Spread the cost.
From those nominations he picked three. He played By Faith Farm in Joelton, Tennessee, Wild Rose Ranch in Redfield, Iowa, and Staheli Farm in Washington, Utah.
It is the kind of grassroots move that has become something of a trademark for Baldridge. His fanbase, now more than 4 million followers across social media, has been built from the ground up, going back to his 2021 Baldridge and Bonfire Tour.
Speaking about the farm shows, Baldridge said: “Farm Faith Family is about the things that matter most to me, and so much of that comes back to the people and places that shaped who I am.”
“When I asked fans to nominate their farms, I never expected the response we got. Getting to show up in these communities, play some songs and spend time with the people who support my music is what it’s all about. These are the places and people that inspired this album, so getting to bring it to life right there with them means a lot to me.”
The farm visits are only part of the plan. Baldridge has pledged to play nine free shows for fans in total, and six more are still to come.
Over the coming months he will perform at churches and weddings, keeping the focus on the sense of community that runs through the new album.
Farm Faith Family is out now. The 16-track project leans into the three themes in its title, which have long been at the heart of Baldridge’s songwriting.
There is plenty happening further afield too. On November 15, Baldridge will sing the national anthem at the NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany.
He will then return to this side of the Atlantic in the new year for a run of 2027 UK and European dates.
The tour opens on February 23 at Whelan’s in Dublin, before heading to Belfast, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London. Baldridge then moves on to mainland Europe, with shows in Cologne, Rotterdam and Berlin, including two appearances at C2C Festival.
23 February – Whelan’s – Dublin, IE24 February – Limelight – Belfast, UK26 February – Saint Luke’s – Glasgow, UK27 February – O2 Institute 2 – Birmingham, UK28 February – Manchester Academy 2 – Manchester, UK2 March – The Garage – London, UK4 March – Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld – Cologne, DE6 March – Rotterdam Ahoy – Rotterdam, NL*7 March – Uber Eats Music Hall – Berlin, DE**C2C Festival appearances
The new album follows the biggest moment of Baldridge’s career so far. His single “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” was certified Platinum by the RIAA and reached No. 1 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart and No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
That success made him the only self-funded artist to debut at No. 1 on Mediabase, and the highest-charting independent artist in the history of Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
The song has racked up more than 2 billion streams and impressions, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International named it one of its “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written”.
Baldridge has spent much of 2026 on the road, headlining his Farm Faith Family Tour and joining Cody Johnson and Luke Bryan on select dates.
He has also toured Australia, the UK and Europe, both as a headliner and as the opening act for Jelly Roll, and has picked up industry recognition along the way. He was named a CRS New Faces of Country Music honoree and MusicRow’s 2025 Independent Artist of the Year.
With the farm shows done, more free performances lined up and a return to UK stages in February, Baldridge is keeping his promise to take his music directly to the fans.
Farm Faith Family is out now and available here. For more information, visit drewbaldridgemusic.com.
Utah State volleyball finally found a way to finish.After six consecutive losses, several missed opportunities in five-set matches and a difficult four-match road trip, the Aggies were running out of time to turn their season around. On Thursday night, they delivered a much-needed response.Utah State rallied to defeat Washington State 3-2 (21-25, 25-12, 25-22, 18-25, 15-13) at the Wayne Estes Center, snapping its six-match losing streak and earning its first victory since Oct. 1. The Aggies improved to 4-16 overall and 3-7 in P...
Utah State volleyball finally found a way to finish.
After six consecutive losses, several missed opportunities in five-set matches and a difficult four-match road trip, the Aggies were running out of time to turn their season around. On Thursday night, they delivered a much-needed response.
Utah State rallied to defeat Washington State 3-2 (21-25, 25-12, 25-22, 18-25, 15-13) at the Wayne Estes Center, snapping its six-match losing streak and earning its first victory since Oct. 1. The Aggies improved to 4-16 overall and 3-7 in Pac-12 play, moving into sixth place in the conference standings.
The win does not erase Utah State’s difficult start or solve the challenges ahead, but it gives the Aggies something they desperately needed: proof that they can close a tight match when the season is on the line.
“There’s no hoping to win, there’s no wanting to win,” Utah State coach Keith Smith said. “It’s we’re winning, and there’s no other option. We don’t have time.”
The Aggies played with that urgency in the fifth set, overcoming another difficult stretch to finish the match against a Washington State team that entered the night fifth in the Pac-12 at 4-5.
Utah State also did it against one of the country’s strongest blocking teams. The Cougars entered the match ranked seventh in the NCAA with 2.95 blocks per set, but the Aggies hit .216 as a team and received 25 kills from their middle blockers, Sophie Scott and Ava Napierski.
“It’s more fun when everyone’s involved,” Smith said. “When you can run the middles, it just slows everything down.”
Utah State’s offense was balanced throughout the match, with Sami Blackett leading the way with 23 kills on 60 attempts. Napierski added 13 kills and Scott had 12, while Lauren Bodily contributed eight kills. Setter Silina Damuni finished with 57 assists and nine digs, and Justyna Nováková recorded 14 digs.
The night did not begin particularly smoothly for Utah State. Washington State opened the match with a strong offensive performance, hitting .447 in the first set behind Eliana Ti’a and its middle blockers. The Aggies remained competitive, trailing by just one point at 20-21, but Washington State scored four of the final five points to take the opener 25-21.
Utah State responded emphatically in the second set.
The Aggies built an early advantage behind aggressive serving and an increasingly effective middle attack. Napierski recorded an ace to extend the lead to 11-6, then added another ace as Washington State struggled to pass. Scott also found success on the slide play, and the Aggies repeatedly used the Cougars’ block against them.
Washington State committed nine attack errors in the set and hit -.091, while Utah State hit .250. The Aggies pulled away for a 25-12 win, tying the match at one set apiece.
The third set brought another close battle, but Utah State continued to find success through the middle. Scott recorded several kills, while Napierski repeatedly scored on the slide play. A pair of Napierski kills helped Utah State establish a late advantage, and Scott finished the set with a tap over the block for a 25-22 victory.
The Aggies led the match 2-1, but they could not sustain that momentum in the fourth.
Washington State jumped ahead 5-0 to open the set, and Utah State struggled to regain its rhythm. Ti’a continued to produce from the pins, while the Cougars’ blocking and defense forced the Aggies into tougher swings. Utah State hit just .081 in the set, committing nine errors, and Washington State pulled away for a 25-18 win to force a fifth set.
It was familiar territory for the Aggies — and, until Thursday, an uncomfortable one.
Utah State had already lost five-set matches to Weber State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Oregon State. Against San Diego State, the Aggies had led 2-0 before losing the final three sets. Against Oregon State, they won the first and third sets but fell after the Beavers built a 9-2 lead in the fifth.
Blackett said the team’s mindset changed after the fourth set against Washington State.
“We were in the huddle, and we were just like, ‘there’s no other option,’” Blackett said. “And we knew that we were going to win that set.”
Utah State needed to prove it. Washington State took an early lead in the fifth, and the teams traded points through the opening stretch. Blackett continued to deliver in critical moments, while Napierski and Scott helped the Aggies stay within reach.
The turning point came late. After Washington State moved ahead 12-11, Damuni and Scott combined for a block to put Utah State in front 13-12. The Cougars tied the set at 13, but an attack error from Whitney Dewicki gave the Aggies match point. Emerson Matthews then sent her attack out of bounds, handing Utah State a 15-13 victory.
For Blackett, who finished with six digs and a service ace in addition to her 23 kills, the moment reflected a team that had grown through its difficult stretch.
“We’ve had a lot of five-set matches, and a lot of them haven’t gone our way,” Blackett said. “But we always leave them knowing that we can get them.”
The Aggies still have work to do. They remain three games behind fourth-place Boise State, which sits at 6-4 in conference play, and have little margin for error if they hope to qualify for the Pac-12 Championship. But Thursday’s win moves them into sixth place and keeps their postseason hopes alive.
Utah State has spent much of the season showing flashes of its potential without consistently converting them into results. Against Washington State, the Aggies paired an effective middle attack with timely blocking and enough composure to finish the fifth set.
Blackett said the team is determined to make a late push.
“We want to be in that tournament, obviously,” she said. “We know that there’s not a lot of time left.”
For the first time in nearly a month, Utah State can build on a win rather than search for answers after another close loss.
THE DII TIP-OFF CLASSIC IN ELLENSBURGThe Patriots travel to Ellensburg, Washington, to open the 2026-27 season at the DII Tip-Off Classic. UT Tyler will face Montana State University Billings, Western Washington University, and tournament host Central Washington University at Nicholson Arena to begin the new campaign.UT Tyler, MSU Billings, Western Washington, Central Washington, CSU San Bernardino, Chico State, and Lubbock Christian will make up the women's field.PATRIOTS NOTES AND TRENDSNATIONAL...
THE DII TIP-OFF CLASSIC IN ELLENSBURG
The Patriots travel to Ellensburg, Washington, to open the 2026-27 season at the DII Tip-Off Classic. UT Tyler will face Montana State University Billings, Western Washington University, and tournament host Central Washington University at Nicholson Arena to begin the new campaign.
UT Tyler, MSU Billings, Western Washington, Central Washington, CSU San Bernardino, Chico State, and Lubbock Christian will make up the women's field.
PATRIOTS NOTES AND TRENDS
NATIONAL AND CONFERENCE ATTENTION
In the preseason WBCA Coaches Poll, UT Tyler was ranked No. 24, marking the fourth consecutive season the Patriots have opened the year ranked among the nation's top 25 teams.
In the Lone Star Conference Preseason Poll, UT Tyler was picked to finish third for the second consecutive season, behind Texas Woman's and West Texas A&M. The Patriots received nine first-place votes and 755 total points. Polina Latysheva was also named a Lone Star Conference Player to Watch for the upcoming season.
THE 2025-26 CAMPAIGN
The Patriots earned their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and fifth straight Lone Star Conference Tournament berth last season, advancing to the second round of both tournaments.
UT Tyler finished the 2025-26 campaign with a 22-11 overall record and a 16-4 mark in Lone Star Conference play, finishing third in the regular-season standings. Throughout the season, the Patriots earned multiple LSC weekly honors, including two Offensive Player of the Week selections for Leila Davis and a Defensive Player of the Week honor for Hayley Cumming.
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY BILLINGS
Montana State University Billings finished the 2025-26 season with a 20-15 overall record and a 9-9 mark in GNAC play. The Yellowjackets won the GNAC Tournament championship in 2026 and were picked fourth in the GNAC preseason poll heading into the 2026-27 season. Head Coach Kevin Woodin enters his 23rd season at the helm of MSUB, holding a 389-250 record with the Yellowjackets.
(#21) WESTERN WASHINGTON
Western Washington finished the 2025-26 season with a 25-8 overall record and a 15-3 mark in GNAC play. The Vikings claimed the GNAC regular-season title before falling to Montana State Billings in the conference tournament championship game. Western Washington was selected first in the GNAC preseason poll heading into the 2026-27 season. Head Coach Carmen Dolfo enters her 36th season leading the Vikings, holding a career record of 734-281.
(RV) CENTRAL WASHINGTON
Central Washington finished the 2025-26 season with a 25-7 overall record and a 14-4 mark in GNAC play. The Wildcats advanced to the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen before falling to Cal Poly Pomona to conclude their season. Head Coach Randi Richardson enters her 10th season leading Central Washington, holding a career record of 164-82.
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