Latter-day Saint Life

What BYU Coach Reno Mahe Taught Me About Dealing with Tragedy, Triumph, and Commitment

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Last November, BYU running back coach Reno Mahe's young daughter passed away after a tragic home accident. At the past RootsTech Family Discovery Day, Mahe opened up about the loss of his daughter and how to deal with tragedy, triumph, and commitment. 

Tragedy and triumph are two very different things, but both evoke strong feelings. I have experienced both, but definitely not to the degree of BYU Football running back coach, Reno Mahe.

First, let me say I have always admired the guy. I watched him play football at BYU—he was amazing. I then followed him as he played professionally for the Philadelphia Eagles and then was thrilled when I heard he would be coaching the Cougars under new head BYU football coach Kalani Sitake.

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So when I heard he would be speaking at RootsTech Family Discovery Day I was pretty dang excited. Getting to know your sports heroes in a more personal way is always a treat. But as soon as I heard he would be speaking my heart was also heavy knowing what he must be going through and that he would likely address it—the death of his sweet 4-year-old girl Elsie in a tragic accident at home earlier this fall.

Football fans from all over mourned as we heard the news of the accident and college football teams across the state of Utah showed support by wearing sweet pink bracelets in her honor. Mahe was wearing one that day. The family showed a brave face to the community—so positive—I was in awe. But what would he say now?

All Images from Evalogue.Life
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