BYU’s Head Football Coach Kalani Sitake Emphasized The Importance Of Faith In God’s Guidance By Sharing Strengthening Experiences From His Own Life’s Journey

BYU’s head football coach Kalani Sitake emphasized the importance of faith in God’s guidance by sharing strengthening experiences from his own life’s journey.

Sitaki, a former Cougar running back, was named the head football coach at BYU in December of 2015. He was born in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, and grew up loving BYU sports — especially football.

He played for the Cougars in 1994 and from 1997 to 2000.

Sitake said that his journey to becoming a BYU football player and then the head coach of the team was filled with powerful lessons and moments of faith that showed him the power of God’s divine design.

Sitake quoted Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve in his Oct. 2017 General Conference talk.

“The Lord’s hand is guiding you. By divine design, He is in the small details of your life as well as the major milestones,” Rasband said. “Looking back, we can see His hand in our lives.”

Sitake spoke of life experiences that he has had in which he said that the Lord had moved him “literally from one place to another.”

“God has a plan for you,” Sitake said. “It’s important to realize that there is a divine design for us.”

Sitake shared a moment from his childhood that left a lasting impact on him, shaping his faith and ultimately leading him to become a BYU football player. Sitake faced challenges after his parents’ separation, moving between homes and struggling to make friends.

“At this time, the BYU football team was the only thing that brought joy in my young life,” Sitake said.

In fourth grade, during BYU’s 1984 championship season, the team visited his school. Sitake lacked confidence, and although he loved the players, stood and watched them interact with other kids from a distance.

That was until Sitake’s favorite player, Vai Sikahema, approached him, hugged him and told him that God loved him.

“It was during that hug that I knew I’m going to play football for BYU,” Sitake said.

Though it was a small moment in Sikahema’s life, it was a hugely memorable and impactful moment in his, Sitake explained.

Sitake also shared his wife, Timberly Sitake’s, favorite quote from President Ezra Taft Benson.

“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can,” President Benson said.

This became the theme for his and his wife’s shared life together. He also experienced this firsthand after graduating from BYU and preparing to play for the Cincinnati Bengals, Sitake said.

Sitake’s dreams were coming true, and he recalled thanking God for guiding him to these heights of achievement, telling Heavenly Father that he trusted Him to let whatever is best for him happen.

The next morning, Sitake woke up for his first practice with severe back pain. This ended up being the result of a preexisting injury that put him at risk for permanent damage. His football career was over.

“My dream ended before it even started,” Sitake said.

Sitake was angry and frustrated and pleaded with God, he said. Soon after, however, Sitake felt a familiar warmth — the same comfort he had felt from Sikahema’s hug as a struggling nine-year-old.

This time, Sitake said, it felt like a hug from the Savior, reassuring him that everything would be okay.

“My anger quickly went away and my goal now was to find God’s plan for me,” Sitake said. “Because if this isn’t it, there must be something better.”

For the next 15 years, Sitake trusted in God’s plan.

“I learned so many lessons that gave me the tools and mindset needed for the next design,” Sitake said. “He was right. For me, this is definitely something better.”

On Dec. 19, 2015, Sitake landed the dream job he never knew he always wanted: head football coach at his alma mater, Brigham Young University.

“But God knew. He knew,” Sitake said.

Sitake reflected on Benson’s quote, and explained how — through this experience — he was able to see how God shaped his path in ways he never could have on his own.

“You’re going to experience adversity and difficult times,” Sitake said. “You’re seeking the divine design set for you.”

Sitake recalled a BYU athletics fireside where he spoke about Christ’s experience in Gethsemane and the lessons it teaches.

“It was through Christ’s pain and suffering that we all benefit,” Sitake said. “In this moment of anguish, even He sought to the will of the Father.”

Sitake taught that in life’s hardest moments, there is someone — Jesus Christ — who understands exactly how it feels.

“God will provide,” Sitake said.

Sitake encouraged trust in God’s plan, reminding that those who follow Him will overcome adversity.

“No matter what any of you are going through right now in your lives, His heavenly angels and earthly angels will be there,” Sitake said, “reminding us all that everything is gonna be fine. I love you, and God loves you.”