BREAKING NEWS: BYU Cougars Donate $80 Million to Texas Flash Flood Relief — Head Coach Kalani Sitake Personally Assists in Search and Rescue Efforts
July 22, 2025 — Austin, Texas
In one of the most extraordinary displays of compassion and solidarity in recent college sports history, Brigham Young University (BYU) has pledged a staggering $80 million to aid the victims of the catastrophic flash floods that have devastated parts of Central and East Texas.
The donation, announced this morning in a press conference at the Texas Emergency Management Center in Austin, will go toward search and rescue operations, housing for displaced families, rebuilding efforts, and trauma counseling for flood survivors. The announcement came just 48 hours after torrential rains led to sudden flooding that has already claimed 27 lives and left more than 150 people missing.
But the most stunning part of the news? BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake is already on the ground, sleeves rolled up, assisting in search efforts and comforting families affected by the disaster.
Coach in the Mud, Not Just on the Sideline
Wearing work boots and a BYU windbreaker soaked from rainfall, Coach Sitake was spotted by local residents near Bastrop, TX — one of the hardest-hit towns — carrying emergency supplies, helping move debris, and even joining volunteer search teams in looking for survivors trapped in damaged homes.
> “He didn’t show up for a photo op,” said Texas National Guard Staff Sgt. Lisa Alvarado. “He showed up to work. Coach Sitake was literally helping dig out people’s belongings with his own hands. That’s not something you see every day from a head coach.”
Sitake, known for his humble leadership style and deep sense of community, told reporters:
> “Football is a game. This—this is real life. We tell our players to be men of service, and that doesn’t stop when the stadium lights go out. These people are hurting, and it’s our job to stand with them.”
$80 Million: Where the Money’s Going
The $80 million donation will be split across several critical relief channels:
$25 million to the American Red Cross and FEMA for immediate emergency housing and food
$20 million to fund the rebuilding of schools and community centers
$15 million toward advanced search-and-rescue operations, including drones and rescue boats
$10 million for long-term trauma therapy and mental health services
$10 million to support local infrastructure repair (bridges, roads, utilities)
BYU’s athletic department confirmed that the funding comes from a combination of donor contributions, university endowment allocations, and broadcast revenue reserves.
Sports World Reacts
News of BYU’s donation and Sitake’s personal involvement went viral within minutes.
NFL stars, fellow NCAA coaches, and even NBA players took to social media to praise the unprecedented act of giving and service.
🏈 J.J. Watt, a Texas native:
> “BYU just set the gold standard for what college programs should stand for. Respect.”
🏀 LeBron James:
> “Salute to Coach Sitake. Leading with heart, not just a whistle.”
Final Thought
In a time when college athletics is often overshadowed by debates over money, endorsements, and politics, BYU and Kalani Sitake have reminded the nation of what real leadership looks like.
This wasn’t just about writing a check. It was about showing up, getting dirty, and proving that the strongest teams are those that lift others when the scoreboard doesn’t matter.
BYU may not be in Texas’ backyard — but today, they’re family.
