Beyond the Buzzer: Barbara Troisi's Impact on Aggie Athletics Utah State University sites use cookies. By continuing to use this site you accept our privacy and cookie policy Skip to content Athletics Full Size Barbara Troisi stands with Mason Falslev (left) and Aubin Gateretse (right) at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Gateretse, a senior in 2024-25 and Falslev, a current junior, represent the student-athletes she proudly supports. Close The rhythm of a bouncing ball, the squeak of sneakers on hardwood, the energy of a packed arena — for Barbara Troisi, basketball has always been more than a game. It’s a lifelong passion that has grown into something even more meaningful: a way to connect, to uplift and to invest in the lives of students she has come to know and love. That connection has deep roots. Growing up in a small town, Barbara often found herself playing basketball with the boys and loving every minute of it. In high school, when girls were restricted to half-court, she was assigned to defense, though she always wanted the chance to shoot. That passion for the game stayed with her as she supported her late husband, Guy, throughout his playing career, and it continues today as she cheers on Aggie basketball. “I’ve just always loved it,” Barbara said. “When I hear the squeak of the shoes on the court, I know it’s basketball season, and I can hardly wait.” Barbara is a familiar and beloved presence at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. She doesn’t just attend games, she builds relationships. She learns players’ stories, celebrates their milestones, and finds small but meaningful ways to make them feel at home, like bringing them homemade cookies. “One of the reasons I do cookies is so the players have a taste of home,” she said. “I make them for their away games when they travel. It’s something small, but I’ve always remembered how much it can mean.” It’s a simple gesture, but for Barbara, it speaks to something deeper: helping students feel grounded, cared for and connected. “Most of these students are away from home, in a new environment,” Barbara said. “They need encouragement. I just want to be there for them, for whatever they need.” That same spirit guides her philanthropy. Barbara has made significant investments in Utah State Athletics , supporting both men’s and women’s basketball recruitment and retention and establishing a scholarship endowment . She has also contributed to programs across the university, including the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her giving is rooted in a deep belief that students, whether athletes or not, deserve every opportunity to succeed. “My husband had to work for everything when he was in school,” Barbara said. “He earned his scholarship through a job on campus and still had to work very hard. I’ve always felt like I wanted to make things better for students — to give them a little more support so they can focus on what they’re here to do.” That belief extends beyond athletics. Through her involvement with veterinary students and other programs, Barbara has built lasting relationships across campus, often staying in touch with students long after they graduate. “I’m really proud that I taught for 40 years,” Barbara said. “I taught first grade my entire career, and that’s where I found my desire to make a difference for students. You care about them. You want to see them succeed. And when you stay connected and watch what they go on to do, that’s the joy.” Her journey to Utah State was, in many ways, serendipitous. Years ago, while visiting Logan for a game, Barbara stepped outside into a snowfall after watching McFarland, USA , a story about a cross-country team in California not far from where she once lived. The film’s themes of hard work, family and opportunity resonated deeply, and in that quiet moment in the snow, she felt an unexpected sense of belonging. As a cross-country skier, she could also picture herself in Logan, with easy access to the mountains and the sport she loved. “I walked back to the hotel in the snow and thought, ‘This is where I want to be,’” Barbara said. “It just felt right.” Today, that feeling has only deepened. From traveling to tournaments to volunteering alongside student-athletes in the community, Barbara has embraced every opportunity to be part of the Aggie experience. “They dedicate so much time and effort to what they do,” Barbara said. “I love their desire to be their best, not just for themselves but for their team.” For Barbara, giving is simply another way of showing up. “I wish I could provide a scholarship for every one of them,” Barbara said. “I just want to promote their chances of success.” Her impact is felt in countless ways: in the encouragement she offers, the traditions she carries forward, and the investments she makes in students’ futures. But perhaps most importantly, it’s felt in the relationships she builds. “It’s a joy,” Barbara said. “To see them succeed, to be part of their lives — that’s what it’s all about.” Create Your Aggie Impact Student access and success are at the heart of Utah State University’s mission. Through scholarships, programs, and experiences that support students both in and out of the classroom, donors like Barbara Troisi help open doors and create lasting opportunity. You can Create Your Aggie Impact by supporting the student-focused area that inspires you most and making a difference for Aggies today and tomorrow. Full Size Barbara Troisi (center, in Aggie hat) connects with Jamisyn Heaton, Marina Asensio and Macie Brown at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum — a reflection of the relationships she builds with Aggie student-athletes. Close Full Size An upside-down Karson Templin is helped up by teammate Mason Falslev during Utah State's Dec. 17, 2024, game against UC San Diego at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Barbara Troisi later featured the photo on cookie bags for the team, joking that Templin would "stand on his head" for peanut butter cookies. (Photo credit: Jeff Hunter) Close WRITER Maren Aller Senior Writer Advancement (435) 797-1355 maren.aller@usu.edu CONTACT Maren Aller Senior Writer Advancement (435) 797-1355 maren.aller@usu.edu TOPICS Athletics 242 stories Giving 152 stories Basketball 95 stories SHARE Comments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page. Next Story in Athletics Utah State tapped one of the most successful head coaches of the past two decades, Ben Jacobson, as its 23rd men's basketball head coach in program history on Monday. Read the Story See Also From the generosity of two lifelong Aggies, Kent and Donna Alder, Utah State University announced a transformative $2.5 million investment in Aggie athletics on Wednesday. Trending on Utah State Today Read the Story SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Read the Story UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS Read the Story HEALTH & WELLNESS Read the Story ATHLETICS