Beyond the Field: BYU Coach’s Quiet Crusade to Lift a Community
While game plans and victories define most coaches, BYU Football Head Coach Kalani Sitake is carving a different kind of legacy — one rooted in compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to service. Off the field, Sitake has become a quiet force for good, using his influence to change lives far from the spotlight.
In the past year alone, Sitake has led a series of initiatives aimed at supporting local families, youth education, and underfunded community programs across Utah. From organizing food drives to funding school supplies, and even creating job-shadowing opportunities for underserved teens, his work has been nothing short of transformative.
But for Sitake, it’s not about headlines — it’s about heart.
“As coaches, we’re given this platform,” he said at a recent community fundraiser. “But it means nothing if we don’t use it to lift others.”
One of his most impactful efforts has been the “Cougars for Change” program — a mentorship initiative connecting BYU players with young people in the community, particularly those navigating difficult home environments. It’s a place where football becomes secondary to personal growth, and where players learn just as much as they teach.
Sitake is also known for his open-door policy, welcoming families and local leaders to the BYU facility, fostering an environment of inclusion and unity. “Coach Sitake doesn’t just preach faith and family — he lives it,” said one longtime volunteer.
While game day brings excitement to Provo, it’s Sitake’s work off the gridiron that’s building a lasting legacy. Under his leadership, the BYU program has become more than a football team — it’s a beacon of hope, service, and strength.
In a world hungry for leaders who lead with both power and purpose, Kalani Sitake is quietly showing the way — one act of kindness at a time.
