‘Family Over Everything’: How BYU Basketball Coach Kevin Young’s Wife Describes the Father of Three
Melissa Young, wife of BYU basketball coach Kevin Young, recently shared insights into how her husband balances his demanding career with his role as a devoted father and husband, emphasizing his mantra, “family over everything.” In a series of articles published by the Deseret News ahead of Father’s Day 2025, Melissa described Kevin’s unwavering commitment to their three children—Jude, Van, and Zoey—and their 14-year marriage, despite the pressures of coaching at the Division I level.
Melissa recounted a poignant moment when Kevin, then an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns, left his professional obligations without hesitation to support her during a challenging time at a hospital with their children. “I remember calling Kevin and telling him I needed him home,” she said. “He immediately jumped on the first plane back to help me without a second thought.” This anecdote underscores Kevin’s ability to prioritize family, a trait Melissa says has remained consistent as he enters his second season as BYU’s head coach in 2025, following his transition from the Suns in April 2024.
Now 43, Kevin recently signed a long-term contract extension with BYU, solidifying his role leading the Cougars. Melissa, who met Kevin when she was a BYU student and he was an assistant coach at Utah Valley State College, highlighted his ability to juggle a time-intensive career with fatherhood. “Kevin has always been able to balance fatherhood and his career because he values being with his family over everything,” she noted. Whether it’s attending his children’s events or maintaining his faith, Kevin integrates family into his daily life, shaping his identity both on and off the court.
Melissa’s reflections, shared via email for the Deseret News series, also touched on their shared journey from Nebraska farm roots to the high-stakes world of college basketball. A memorable moment came during Kevin’s introduction as BYU coach in April 2024, when Melissa facilitated a FaceTime call with Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid at the Marriott Center, showcasing their strong network and shared values.
Posts on X from BYU News and Deseret News Sports echoed these sentiments, with headlines like “‘It really shapes who I am’: Fatherhood and family are the passions that drive #BYU coach Kevin Young,” reflecting the public’s appreciation for his family-first approach.
Kevin Young’s story, as told through Melissa’s perspective, illustrates a man whose professional success is matched by his dedication to family, faith, and fatherhood, making “family over everything” more than a motto—it’s a way of life.
