Kalani Sitake Reflects on Speaking at a BYU Devotional
When Kalani Sitake was first invited to give a BYU devotional, he wasn’t initially sure about it. However, one of his idols quickly convinced him to accept the invitation.
“I was hesitant at first, but then they told me, ‘Well, LaVell (Edwards) did it,’” Sitake shared with reporters on Tuesday. “I thought, ‘Okay, if LaVell did it, I’ll do it.’ That’s why I participate in these events—LaVell set the example, and it was important. I want to follow his footsteps, and he did things the right way.”
Sitake spoke to nearly 8,000 attendees at the Marriott Center on Tuesday morning during BYU’s weekly devotional, where he shared his thoughts on God’s love and His plan for all His children.
“I actually really enjoyed it,” Sitake expressed. “It was a cool opportunity for me to reflect and figure out what I wanted to share with the students. I was so nervous beforehand, but I’m just relieved it’s over. It was exciting though, and I’m grateful for the students, the team, and the staff being there.”
Sitake now joins LaVell Edwards as one of the few Cougar football coaches to speak at the event. Edwards spoke twice—once as an active coach in 1976, and later in 2001 after retiring.
Edwards also delivered a memorable address during the 1984 national championship season at General Conference.
Other significant BYU athletic figures who’ve spoken at campus devotionals include athletic director Tom Holmoe in 2006, associate AD Chad Lewis in 2014, and women’s golf head coach Carrie Roberts in 2019, among others.
“I think it was great to show a bit of vulnerability and let people know that I struggle too,” Sitake commented. “I hope the audience could connect with what I shared and apply it to their lives. It was truly an honor to speak, and after it was done, I felt even better. It felt wonderful to talk about God, football, the Atonement, and how I can be myself—just a coach who makes mistakes but is also a disciple of Christ.”
Sitake asked BYU safety Tanner Wall and wide receiver Chase Roberts to offer the opening and closing prayers at the devotional.
“Chase and I were really grateful to be part of this experience with Kalani as the devotional speaker,” Wall said. “The place was packed.”
Vice President Keith Vorkink mentioned it was likely the largest crowd for a devotional this year, and Wall was thrilled to see so many fans come to hear Sitake’s message.
As Roberts began to pray, a technical issue caused the microphone to cut out, delaying the benediction for a few moments. Sitake had some fun with the situation, joking with his receiver.
“The mic went out on Chase, and I told him, ‘It’s adversity. You’ve got to figure it out,’” he laughed. “I was ready for him to shout the prayer, but honestly, seeing all the coaches and players, and my family there—it was just a really cool moment. I’m so grateful to coach these guys and be with them. It was a great experience. I hope everyone gets a chance to give a devotional. Maybe you all can volunteer so I don’t have to do it again.”
