BYU football coach Kalani Sitake was among the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affected by the death of President Russell M. Nelson.
Sitake said he got the news of the Latter-day Saint leaders’ death moments after BYU beat Colorado on Saturday night.
“I can speak for millions of others who can really appreciate his service,” Sitake said on Monday. “The things he’s been able to accomplish as our prophet, it’s been amazing. To hear him speak, the fact that conference is going to be this week, it is going to be different not hearing him speak this time.”
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) President Russell M. Nelson attends the final session of General Conference on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
In the years since Nelson became the church’s president in 2018, he announced 200 new temples. Sitake saw that as one of Nelson’s defining accomplishments.
“The amount of temples, I think it is 200 temples, that have been built and dedicated,” Sitake said. “That combined with all the other roles he’s had as a father and grandfather, husband, has been really cool to see as a leader.”
Sitake met Nelson, and most of the other church leaders, in his role as one of BYU’s most recognizable figures.
“I’m in a really cool spot where I get to meet all the brethren and the general authorities,’ he said. ”I’ll cherish all the moments I have with the leaders and I’m excited for this weekend and being able to hear everyone speak.”