{"id":22123121,"date":"2023-02-06T10:00:05","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T17:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usustatesman.com\/?p=22123121"},"modified":"2023-02-06T13:29:27","modified_gmt":"2023-02-06T20:29:27","slug":"balancing-married-life-school-and-basketball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usustatesman.com\/balancing-married-life-school-and-basketball\/","title":{"rendered":"Balancing married life, school and basketball"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"bp-page-1\" class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid2\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">LOGAN \u2014 On Christmas Eve 2020, Steven Ashworth pulled up to his house in a horse-drawn carriage where his then<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8211;<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">girlfriend, Peyton <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Burr, was waiting<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">. Ashworth had hatched a plot to surprise her, and he had a <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">burning question to ask.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid3\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid4\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid4\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cI told her I couldn\u2019t make it to Christmas Eve because we had practice and that I would see her <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">on Christmas Day,\u201d Ashworth said. \u201cI played it off like I couldn\u2019t go.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid5\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid6\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid6\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">He knocked on the door and asked Peyton if she would marry him. She said yes, and the<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">newly <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">engaged couple celebrated with a carriage ride.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22123123\" style=\"width: 431px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22123123\" class=\"wp-image-22123123 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/usustatesman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/stevenpeyton.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"421\" height=\"581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/usustatesman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/stevenpeyton.jpg 421w, https:\/\/usustatesman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/stevenpeyton-217x300.jpg 217w, https:\/\/usustatesman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/stevenpeyton-335x462.jpg 335w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22123123\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Submitted photo.<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid7\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid8\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid8\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The two met in high school, attending Lone Peak in Highland. Steven, a sophomore at the time <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">while Peyton was a junior, was scouting for love among his peers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid10\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cI had just moved from Vegas, and he wa<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">s asking the cheerleaders if there were any new girls he <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">could go out with<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u2014<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">he was the ripe age of 15,\u201d Peyton said, laughing. \u201cThey introduced me to <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">him, and he would text me all the time.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid11\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid12\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid12\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Steven, who turns 23 this May, is in the middle of his junior s<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">eason at Utah State and has <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">statistically been one of the best players for the Aggies this season. He averages 15.3 points a <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">game, 4.7 assists and 0.8 steals, all the highest averages on the team, while shooting nearly 48% <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">from three and 47% from the field<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid13\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid14\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid14\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">What makes this sharpshooter a talented player? Well, Steven credits his wife.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid15\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid16\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid16\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cShe is the most important person in the world. She makes my world go round. She is helpful at <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">the house and on the court, and she will even come and rebound for me,\u201d Steve<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">n said. \u201cShe will <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">even do as much research as she can to help me on the basketball floor.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid17\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid18\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid18\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Peyton said even though she loves watching her husband play, it causes her stress.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid19\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid20\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid20\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cMostly very happy and proud when I watch him, but during the games, I am so str<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">essed<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u2014<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">way more stressed than he is, but it is so fun to watch him,\u201d Peyton said. \u201cI love going to the <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">games, and it is one of my favorite hobbies.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid21\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid22\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid22\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Steven has been playing so well for the Aggies, the student section even gave him a new <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">nickname, \u201cSp<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">lashworth.\u201d Peyton said she will be the only person who does<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">not<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">call him that.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid23\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid24\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"1\" aria-label=\"Page 1\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page3R_mcid24\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cShe hasn\u2019t adopted that yet, but might do it as a joke,\u201d Steven said.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div data-resin-component=\"regionList\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ba-RegionAnnotations-list is-listening\" data-resin-component=\"regionList\">Playing basketball at a collegiate level means Steven has to balance being not only an athlete and <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">a hu<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">sband, but also a student.<\/span><\/div>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid3\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cI am very impressed. He is the perfect person to juggle all of this stuff. He\u2019s motivated, <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">confident, schedules out his time<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u2014<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">he is just a great student, athlete and husband,\u201d Peyton said.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid4\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid5\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid5\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">But even a balanced life brings<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">time away. When Steven goes on the road with the team, Peyton <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">has to stay back.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid6\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid7\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid7\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cIt\u2019s usually about a week when I am gone with the team. A lot of FaceTime calls and texts. All <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">of our family is down south, so there are a lot of check<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8211;<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ins, and we do a good<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">job of navigating <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">that,\u201d Steven said. \u201cCommunicating is a huge part of that and keeping that love that we have had <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">since high school.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid8\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid9\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid9\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Peyton said even though they are both busy, the couple\u2019s communication is \u201cconstant.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid10\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid11\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid11\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cWe are always texting, and he<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">makes sure to FaceTime me, which probably bugs Rylan Jones, <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">who is his roommate on the trip,\u201d Peyton said, laughing. \u201cHe leaves me notes when he leaves for <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">the road, which is super thoughtful.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid12\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid13\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid13\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cRylan is a great roommate, but nowhere near close to the roo<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">mmate Peyton is,\u201d Steven said, <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">laughing.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid14\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid15\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid15\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Utah State head coach Ryan Odom also praised Steven for balancing his life so well.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid16\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid17\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid17\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cHe is the best at all three<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u2014<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">being a husband, student and athlete. I came in the day of a game <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">early in the morning, and I he<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ard the balls bouncing and I looked down the tunnel, and there was <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Steven, just getting ready for the game,\u201d Odom said. \u201cHe is committed to being the best that he <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">can be. He is committed to being the best husband, taking care of his family and being a grea<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">t <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">son and brother. Really committed to his family.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid18\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid19\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid19\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Steven and Peyton\u2019s story hasn\u2019t always been perfect. The two had to spend a school year long<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8211;<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">distance, then two more years during their missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8211;<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">day <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Saints.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid20\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page16R_mcid21\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"textLayer\"><span id=\"page16R_mcid21\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cS<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">he went to college my senior year, but we still dated. I didn\u2019t know if she would find bigger <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">fish down at BYU, but after a year of that, we both went on missions and went at the same time,\u201d <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Steven said. \u201cI served in Indiana, and she served in Paraguay. We<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">both got back and knew it was <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">still right. After about eight months of being home from our missions, we got married.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"bp-page-3\" class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"3\" aria-label=\"Page 3\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page18R_mcid0\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid1\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Now, the pair continue to grow their relationship. The two will celebrate their second <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">anniversary together this coming May.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid2\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid3\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"3\" aria-label=\"Page 3\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page18R_mcid3\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">On the ro<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ad, Steven is reminded how grateful he is for his wife.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid4\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid5\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"3\" aria-label=\"Page 3\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page18R_mcid5\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cHave fun when we\u2019re supposed to have fun, and be serious when we\u2019re supposed to be serious,\u201d <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Steven said. \u201cEvery single road trip, I remember more and more why I love her so much and <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">want to be wit<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">h her and wish she could be on every road trip.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid6\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid7\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"3\" aria-label=\"Page 3\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page18R_mcid7\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Peyton is equally complimentary of her husband.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid8\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid9\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"3\" aria-label=\"Page 3\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page18R_mcid9\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201cHe is definitely confident, social. He is a go<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8211;<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">getter and has such big goals. He is so motivating <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">for me,\u201d Peyton said.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid10\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid11\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"3\" aria-label=\"Page 3\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page18R_mcid11\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Odom said Steven is the type of<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">player and person \u201cwe want at Utah State.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid12\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid13\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"3\" aria-label=\"Page 3\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page18R_mcid13\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8220;It helps that he is that good of a player and made himself into that. He may not have the <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">physical size, but he plays big on the court. He has that confidence in himself,\u201d Odom said.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid14\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page18R_mcid15\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"page\" role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"3\" aria-label=\"Page 3\" data-loaded=\"true\"><span id=\"page18R_mcid15\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Catch Steven on the court o<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">n Wednesday when the Aggies host San Diego State at 8 p.m.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p role=\"region\" data-page-number=\"3\" aria-label=\"Page 3\" data-loaded=\"true\"><em>Featured image by Elise Gottling.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LOGAN \u2014 On Christmas Eve 2020, Steven Ashworth pulled up to his house in a horse-drawn carriage where his then&#8211;girlfriend,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":883485,"featured_media":22123124,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,9,3],"tags":[666,14195,14655,11686,10002,674,715,853,1515],"class_list":["post-22123121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-m-bball","category-sports","tag-aggie-basketball","tag-aggie-mens-basketball","tag-married-student-athlete","tag-ryan-odom","tag-steven-ashworth","tag-usu-basketball","tag-usu-mens-basketball","tag-utah-state-basketball","tag-utah-state-mens-basketball"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.6 - 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