There’s more than one way to tackle a task, whether it’s cleaning the garage or coaching a football team. You could go full speed, get it done in record time, and move on. Or you could turn it into a team effort, make it fun, and enjoy the process—maybe even learn something along the way. For BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake, it’s always about that second option. His coaching style reflects not just strategy but also heart, a perspective deeply rooted in the lessons he learned from his father.

“He has been a great advisor and mentor to me, along with just being my father. There are a lot of things that just he understands.” Kalani stated. Wow, their bond is really something, huh? You know, according to Kalani, if there was a Utah County Father of the Year Award, the man would win it every year. But in addition to his father, his mother is also quite important. The moment has come to discover more about the parents of the head coach at BYU.

Who are Kalani Sitake’s parents?

Kalani Sitake is the son of Tom Sitake and Eseta Vaetolufatu. But growing up, things weren’t exactly conventional. After his parents split when he was just six, Kalani, who was born in Tonga, was mostly raised by his dad, Tomasi. His mom didn’t reach out to him until he was 24. But despite the distance, Kalani never felt unloved or unsupported. If you check out his Instagram, you’ll see tons of posts with his dad, where Kalani opens up about seeking advice and staying close. Even when Kalani started his second season at BYU, his dad was there for every game, practice, and training session—just virtually. Now, that’s a connection you can’t beat!

It is impossible to discuss Kalani’s father without mentioning the Father’s Day celebration on June 20. For Kalani’s father, “a college degree is a Father’s Day gift to me every day,” he said. As Kalani put it, “For me, his gift is that we are always staying in touch and hanging out.“ Furthermore, Kalani went on, “That is what he expects from us. Trust me, he has plenty of ties. … He’s the best-dressed person I know. He has a full closet.”

It seems like as early as the son’s toddler years, the father and son have had an unshakable bond. They have the closest relationship a parent and son can have. In Kalani’s 9 seasons as the Cougars’ coach, hardly a day passes that Tom doesn’t stop by Kalani’s office in Provo or go to a football practice. And the coolest thing is how Tom and Kalani, the BYU coach, have a special connection that he also shares with his kids.

Who are Kalani Sitake’s kids?

The four children that Kalani Sitake and his spouse have together are Skye, who is eighteen; Sadie, who is fifteen; Kelaokalani, ‘KK’, who is twelve; and Sylvia Jo Lata Sitake, who is two years old. A hectic summer filled with preparation work and other professional obligations, such as managing football camps visited by prospective recruits, coincided with the birth of his youngest baby daughter in 2022. Kalani, like his father, deserves a prize for being the best father. “He definitely inspires me to be a better father. And that usually means spending time with your kids, and I try to do that as much as possible. He has pushed me to really love my kids. The way he is with my kids is how I hope to be with my grandchildren some day.” In reference to his father, Kalani remarked.

And making family the first priority, Kalani stated, “I still care, but I care about my family more. It’s a game, and it’s important, and I’ll give it everything I’ve got, but when I’m with my kids, that’s my game there. … We don’t have a lot of time, and we’ve got to make it count.” This was believed not only by Kalani but also by Fesi Sitake, Kalani’s cousin and the coordinator of BYU’s passing game. And he continued, “All his time and energy goes to who he cares about the most: the players and his family.” And his wife has made an enormous effort to make his family a happy environment.

Who is Kalani’s wife?

Kalani Sitake has always had a solid teammate in his wife, Timberly Friddle. Originally from Florida, Timberly is a proud mom of four and has been by Kalani’s side through thick and thin. Whether it’s attending BYU football games or mingling with other coaches’ families, you’ll often spot her around campus. Her support for Kalani and her hands-on approach to raising their kids is nothing short of impressive.

Honestly, being a head coach’s wife is no small feat, but Timberly makes it look easy—like running a championship team at home. And after twenty years of marriage, it’s clear they’ve got something special. Here’s hoping the Sitake family continues to keep the love and good vibes rolling!