PROVO — Lexi Eaton Rydalch is one of the best basketball players to ever play at BYU, ranking second in women's basketball history in total points and tops all-time in the West Coast Conference.

But she married into a family that bleeds Utah red and has for decades. Her new father-in-law is Mark Rydalch, a former 3-point marksman who helped lead the Runnin' Utes to the Sweet 16. Her husband Trevor attends BYU with Lexi, but the family has proven that family always comes first — and they will do anything to support the newest member of the clan.

Even if Mark Rydalch still bleeds red, just as he has all his life.

"It's still a little strange, cheering for the blue a little bit," Mark said after joining Lexi and Trevor at the WCC tournament in Las Vegas. "But I draw the line at the women's basketball team. That's as far as I'll go."

Mark is clear that his allegiance hasn't changed — even as long as he supports his daughter-in-law.

"I won't wear the logo, won't stand for the school song, but I'll stand up and cheer for Lexi," he said, before playfully adding, "I don't even know the words to the fight song. I get sick to my stomach a little bit when it starts playing.

"I can do anything for a year, and fortunately it's only been a year."

BYU women's basketball coach Jeff Judkins coached Mark and his brother Craig at Utah, and he played a role in bringing Trevor Rydalch to BYU, as well. Trevor visited the campus and talked to Judkins, but wasn't sure if he wanted to go to school there.

"I sat down in Legends Grill, and said 'there are way too many Y logos in here, I just don't feel comfortable,'" Trevor Rydalch said. "I was very red. In fact, I wouldn't wear an article of blue clothing as long as it had BYU blue."

But Trevor enrolled at BYU despite his family ties — and that's where he met Lexi. It was the best decision of his life, even if it was difficult, he said.

"I was a practice player my freshman year. I tried out for the men's team, and when I didn't make it, Juddie approached me about being a practice player for the girls," Trevor recalled, before laughing, "I don't think he thought anything of it at the time — he said I could date any one of them. He wouldn't get in my way."

Eight months after Trevor returned from a two-year mission for the LDS Church, he married the former Lexi Eaton in the Salt Lake Temple.

"I could not have married into a better family," the former Springville High star said. "They've traveled to road trips, flown to Hawaii, travel to Las Vegas. They've been there since day one."

Related Story

Rydalch ties Gathers' scoring record as BYU women advance to final

Lexi Eaton Rydalch dreamed of taking the BYU women's basketball program to new levels when she first enrolled five years ago. <br> The former Springville High standout didn't realize the heights she would reach individually in the process, though. <br> Rydalch scored a game-high 25 points in an 87-67 win over Santa Clara in Monday's semifinals of the West Coast Conference Tournament at Orleans Arena.

The whole Rydalch family has been along for Lexi's senior season — one that has turned out to be extra special. Lexi became the WCC's all-time leading scorer in the tournament final loss to San Francisco, passing former LMU legend Hank Gathers in the process.

"Family is much more important than any rivalry. Lexi is our granddaughter, and we love her very much," said Bob Rydalch, Mark's father. "She's a special young lady."

Trevor, too, has made the transition.

"I'm pretty blue now," he said. "I don't expect the rest of my family to, and it's fun. It creates a little bit of discussion in the household. We've got some blue and some red. But I think it's all in good fun.

"They're accepting of me. They haven't kicked me out, and they still love me."

Lexi is grateful for the support of her new family, and especially for Trevor.

"To go the Big Dance and have him there when it happens, it will be really special," Lexi said. "It's one of the most special times in my life, and to share it with my eternal companion — there's nothing else like it."

Related topics