Family loyal to Cougarettes AND Crimson Line

The Diederich family has a compassionate fan philosophy.

"We always cheer for BYU — unless they're playing Utah," said Karalyn Diederich, who graduated from the University of Utah, married a Utah graduate and descends from Utah graduates. "We don't hate BYU."

It's a good thing this branch of the family tree, which is, like all of the others, crimson, can manage some affection for the Cougars because it's made Eliza Diederich's life a lot easier.

The oldest daughter of Howard and Karalyn Diederich thought her dance career would end at Olympus High until an invitation to try out for the Cougarettes changed her plans — and ultimately her life.

"I found out they were seven-time national champions, and that interested me," said the 21-year-old, who is president of the nationally renowned dance team.

Eliza was excited about the opportunity but a little haunted by those not-so-flattering stories she'd heard growing up.

"I heard it was a bubble," she said, acknowledging there were all kinds of misconceptions in her mind about BYU. "It definitely is a bubble, but it's a good bubble. It's more of a college town. There is always something going on on the campus."

In fact, when she mentioned the invitation to her parents, she cried.

"Growing up around Utah fans, you don't always hear the best things about BYU," said Eliza. "I had reservations. My family had always been Utah fans. You trust your parents, but sometimes they're not always right. I am still hoping they'll see the light."

Then she grins at her mom, who despite her love for her daughter, remains steadfast in her support of the U.

"Some of them are coming to my side," said Eliza, who acknowledges her mother will wear blue when she comes to games to support her. "My first game, my dad was crying and yelling, 'That's my daughter!' "

Karalyn said Eliza's experience at BYU has been amazing.

"If your daughter is going to rebel, going to BYU isn't that bad," Karalyn said. "If that's the worst thing she does, then I'm thrilled."

While Eliza's decision may have complicated the family's loyalties, the decision of daughter No. 2 — Isabelle — has made life even more interesting this fall. Instead of following her sister to BYU, she chose to try out for Utah's Crimson Line.