Why BYU’s Kalani Sitake went home — for the first time since birth

BYU football player Kalani Sitake returned to his native Tonga for the first time since birth. Sitake, who was born in Tonga and later moved to Hawaii with his family shortly after his birth, expressed his excitement about visiting his homeland. The 50-year-old Sitake told USA TODAY Sports that he hadn't returned to Tonga since infancy. During his playing days at BYU, Sitake even served a mission in Oakland for the Latter Day Saints.

Sitake's return to Tonga served a dual purpose. He and a group of 50 BYU representatives, including assistant coaches Fesi Sitake and Sione Po’uha, visited the island to participate in the grand opening of the We Are One Tonga Center. The center was established to help Tongan residents prepare for remote-technological jobs, such as data entry. The islands have a population of approximately 100,000 people.

Sitake's visit combined service work with reconnecting with his roots. The group of 50 individuals, including BYU football players, conducted youth sports camps and helped launch the employment center. Sitake emphasized the positive impact of the trip, stating, "It was all positive things. It was… it was a really cool moment." He expressed his intention to return to Tonga annually to continue his service and reconnect with his heritage.