During the summer recruiting dead period in college football, many coaches take the opportunity to relax and recharge. However, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake took a different approach, utilizing this time for a significant personal journey. Sitake, who hails from Tonga, returned to his homeland for the first time since his family moved to Hawaii shortly after his birth.
At the recent Big 12 Media Days, the 50-year-old Sitake shared his emotional experience, stating, "Born, not since I was born. We left a few months after my birth to Hawaii. I haven't been back there since I was a baby." This trip marked a poignant reconnection with his roots, as Sitake expressed a deep desire to understand his heritage and the culture from which he originates.
Accompanying Sitake was a group of 50 individuals from BYU, including assistant coaches Fesi Sitake and Sione Po’uha. Their journey to Tonga involved an extensive travel itinerary, spanning nearly 20 hours and four flights, starting from Provo, Utah, and culminating at Tonga’s Fua’amotu International Airport. This trip was not solely for personal reflection; it was also a mission of service.
The BYU delegation was instrumental in the grand opening of the We Are One Tonga Center, an initiative aimed at equipping local residents with skills for remote work, particularly in data entry. Given that Tonga has a population of approximately 100,000, this center represents a significant opportunity for economic development and employment in the region. Sitake emphasized the importance of this endeavor, stating, "We went out for the whole purpose of doing some service work and connecting with my roots, basically seeing where my dad's from and my mom and everybody."
In addition to the center's opening, the BYU players, including Joe Brown, Raider Damuni, and Maika Kaufusi, participated in youth sports camps, fostering connections with the Tongan community. This outreach not only provided valuable skills and education but also strengthened cultural ties between the players and the local youth.
Although most of Sitake's family has relocated to the United States, he was able to reconnect with some relatives during his visit. This personal aspect of the trip added to the emotional significance for Sitake, who reflected on the positive experiences and cultural exchanges that took place. He noted, "It was cool; a lot of different things, all positive things. It was… it was a really cool moment."
As Sitake looks ahead, he expressed a commitment to return to Tonga annually, indicating that this journey was not just a one-time event but the beginning of a deeper relationship with his homeland. He aims to continue fostering economic opportunities and educational initiatives that can benefit the Tongan people, making his return more than just a vacation but a meaningful contribution to his community.
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