Kaylee Smiler Mo’o: Finding Strength in Connection, Community, and Culture

Added: 2026-05-28

[00:00:00]Her sport, her life.

[00:00:06]This is her.

[00:00:08]>> Here's your host, Lauren Mlan.

[00:00:13]>> Welcome to Her Why, where we celebrate the women who make BYU sports great.

[00:00:17]Today, I'm here with former BYU women's basketball guard and current BYU graduate assistant, Kaylee Smiler Mo.

[00:00:24]Known for her three-point shooting efficiency, backcourt leadership, and viral Tik Toks. Kaylee led BYU to a conference tournament title in 2019, a regular seed and conference championship in 2022 and three trips to the NCAA tournament. After graduating from BYU with both her bachelor's and master's degree, Kaylee played professional basketball in Australia and New Zealand before returning to BYU as a doctoral student earlier this year. Kaylee, thank you so much for being here. That's a lot going on. That's a lot going on right there. pretty crazy. You mentioned that basketball's going really great, but school's a little difficult. Explain how life is right now.

[00:01:06]>> Well, I always knew I was coming back.

[00:01:08]Like once I completed my masters, my supervisor, Richard Gil, he's amazing, by the way, was like, "Is this something you'd want to be interested in?" And I said, "Absolutely. But can you just let me run away for a few years so I can play pro?"

[00:01:22]>> So, I did that. Um, and now that I'm back, I just have to get back into the swing of studying and class semesterers.

[00:01:30]And I showed up in January, so it was also mid semester that Lee picked me up.

[00:01:35]>> So, just a lot, but I love it.

[00:01:36]>> What are you getting your doctorate in?

[00:01:38]>> I'm getting in biology. Um, I will say it's more like traditional ecological knowledge. I love my culture, my multiculture, and that's what I want to study all about Polynesia and just how I can help them better better my community.

[00:01:52]>> Incredible. And we'll go into that a little bit later, but I want to talk about that I recently saw on ESPN again.

[00:02:00]The posts about your family surprising you on senior night at BYU a couple of years ago. So, is that crazy that your story and those videos are still getting traction this many years later?

[00:02:10]>> It cracks me up. I'm like, this this is happening again. And then I just like check my Instagram. I'm like, oh, oh, why do I have a few thousand more? Like, what's going on right now? My notifications are just popping off. And I'm like, "Oh, it's the hucker my senior my actual senior night."

[00:02:25]>> So that's not something like ESPN has to reach out to you and ask for permission.

[00:02:29]They just >> No, I just wake up in the morning and I'm like, "What is like I get nervous.

[00:02:33]I'm like, "What did I do?"

[00:02:35]>> And then I look, I'm like, "Oh, it's just the video."

[00:02:37]>> Like I'm famous all over again. It is such a beautiful, beautiful thing. I love it. But and I love it still getting traction because it makes you feel so good. I feel like everyone kind of relates to that and and the beautiful culture that you have. So you've recently returned to Provo. you joined the women's basketball staff as a graduate assistant. What was it like stepping back on the BYU campus after two years?

[00:03:00]>> Um there's just a lot of memories. And going in, I will say seeing Lee as a head coach instead of an assistant coach. I was like, "Wow, he's he's so serious."

[00:03:12]>> Which is a good thing. I think he's very grown into his role. He's awesome. the environment at practices and all the coaching staff and support staff. I'm like, "Wow, this is where I want to be."

[00:03:23]Like on the first practice I walked in, I'm like, "Oh, yeah. I'm going to stick around for as long as they'll let me."

[00:03:29]>> So, how did you get the job? So, did you reach out knowing when you were coming back to BYU like, "Hey, is there going to be a spot for me to coach on the team?" How did it come about? I was at home and I saw BYU women's basketball post like Lee Kamad head coach and I sent him a text immediately more as a joke and I said I'm I will be done in a year. This is like halfway through my pro professional career. I said I will be done in one year. You saved me a spot. I was like I'll meet you in one year and I'll be a GA. More joking but also like no I'm kind of >> I would love that. And then I remember he called me. I was at a threeon-ree tournament in Japan and he called me and I was like, "Oh, I need to answer this."

[00:04:14]And he's like, "No, do you want this position?" I said, "Yes, yes, please.

[00:04:18]I'll be back winter semester." He asked me the date and I said, "I'll be back this date." And I thought maybe I would come on and, you know, just kind of be in the background in the scene. No, I started and then we immediately started flying out and he gave me some work and I was like, "Oh, I'm like right in the middle of season." though. That's what I wanted to ask you. So, you you get here, what are some of the roles he has you doing on the team?

[00:04:40]>> Um, honestly, I ask him because the differences from when I used to play to when the girls now and the team now, they have so many practice boys and they have a ton of managers. And I feel like the the graduate assistant Oh, and a lot of assistant coaches. They used to used to only have four, now you have six. So, I feel like responsibilities are now spread out. and I hit up our old graduate assistants like oh Don Hu because he's still on the team or Haley Higs she was my graduate assistant Mike Mosa Michael Sharie he's an assistant coach at UVU I started reaching out to people like what do I do yeah what did you do and they all said something different and I was like okay I'm just going to help where I can >> he gives me small projects I help um do the like a lot of excel spreadsheets just for information on recruiting and I'm doing the portal right now. Um just finding information for division one basketball teams that we can reach out to so hopefully they can organize some games or just when we're traveling um while we're in season. The practice boys are awesome at doing it, but they all graduated this semester. So they were trying to teach me how to use the iPad for the live games >> or or the play calls. You try memorize the other team's play call sheets. And so it was fun. It was like I got to do a little bit of everything. That's a lot of stuff.

[00:06:03]>> Well, no, >> it sounds like a lot.

[00:06:05]>> A lot, but it's more just like, oh, a little bit here, a little bit there, so that starting next semester or next season, I can hopefully they can tell me like this is your one job, >> right? I feel like the portal alone >> would be like a job for multiple people, like navigating which women are in the portal and if they fit at BYU. Has that been anything that you've been a part of?

[00:06:28]>> Yes. Well, I've just just recently like yesterday just finished the spreadsheet because the portal closes today and so I was trying to figure out which people in our conference have left and which people from other conferences have joined and who we're playing this next semester.

[00:06:43]>> I feel like I'm not doing the hard yards. The coaches are doing the hard yards, but I'm just happy to be in the circle.

[00:06:49]>> Crazy crazy time to be a part of the basketball world. I feel like because of that. So, while you're playing professional ball, BYU hires a guy that you're pretty familiar with. Like you mentioned, the second you heard that Lee Kamard was going to be head coach, you reached out to him. What were your emotions when you heard that he was going to be the next guy to take over the program?

[00:07:12]>> It just felt right. I was like, there was no doubt in my mind that if there was going to be a head coach, the next one was going to be Lee Kamad. And so I'm glad when I saw it, oh, I was just, it was joy. I was so happy. Like, oh, he deserves this. This is where he's supposed to be. And then immediately like, oh, he's also such a goofball.

[00:07:32]Like, that's how I pictured him. How's this going to work?

[00:07:36]>> Like, yeah. So, that's why I'm glad I walked in. I'm like, oh no, he's he's top dog now. He's really fit into his role.

[00:07:42]>> How are things different with Lee now that you're not a player anymore, but like a fellow coach? Has your relationship shifted a little bit? I really wouldn't say it shifted much at all.

[00:07:53]>> Love that.

[00:07:54]>> He's always had a really good um talent or skill for being serious in the serious situations and then just cracking jokes as soon as like practice is over.

[00:08:03]>> And that's what you need, right? I feel like especially as women, it's like, all right, someone lighten the mood. We got to get out of our own heads, right?

[00:08:11]>> You played with Paisley Johnson Harding, who's also on the coaching staff. What's it been like to work with her again?

[00:08:17]>> Oh, she's one of my best friends. She's amazing. I'm glad when I when I came in on the first day, remember it was mid midseason. Yeah.

[00:08:26]>> I was nervous. I was like, I'm not really going to know anybody. I'm like, I'm going have to reintroduce myself.

[00:08:31]And then I walked through the doors and I really see Paisley and I'm like, "Oh, no. I'm going to be fine."

[00:08:37]>> That same day I walked in, Kaye Wilston also was there on her first days. So, that was so good.

[00:08:44]>> And then Ariel Mackie Williams and Heather Hamson, they were my babies when I was a senior.

[00:08:49]seeing them their senior year too.

[00:08:50]Everyone I thought I was going to be new and then I was like, "Oh, no, no.

[00:08:54]Everyone's still here, still running the game."

[00:08:56]>> How's it How's it been interacting with some of the players that now now you're kind of in a coach's role and they're still players, right? So, how is how has that dynamic been since you've been back at BYU?

[00:09:08]>> I just have to remind myself I'm not an athlete anymore. Like, there is a component to it where I have to be a bit more mature and professional.

[00:09:17]Um, but at the same time I'm like, "Oh, if they join a Tik Tok, like I'm jumping in like, can I join, please?"

[00:09:23]>> Which is great. You can still have so much fun like you are, like you did with Paisley. You guys did a Tik Tok together. Are are we going to see more of those to come?

[00:09:33]>> I'm so glad. I hope so. BU's first year in the Big 12 was during your senior year.

[00:09:38]>> How have you seen the program grow and improve and change now that you're back at BYU a few years later?

[00:09:46]Um, I feel like a lot has changed. Lee gives the girls a ton of freedom to like, yes, he has the structure on what he wants to do, but I love that during practices there's a ton of reads and it's like, no, if you see this happening, like go for it.

[00:10:02]>> And I think that's what at least I would have enjoyed having a little less structure because in my head I'm always like, no, I can't mess up. Like, this is the way it's supposed to be done every single time. And then you just see it's any girls day on any game. It's like anyone could go off and that's because oh if you see someone who's hot then they're like oh let's just do that.

[00:10:21]>> Yeah.

[00:10:22]>> Let's just do that instead. A >> little more freedom. Go with the flow.

[00:10:25]Yeah. What was it like for you to be able to witness that that awesome postseason run by this year's team?

[00:10:31]>> I'm almost jealous.

[00:10:34]I'm like they they I just I remember those moments. I was just a freshman and I red shirt, you know, the first year I was in college. And so seeing and being part of those big moments when Paisley was a star and I'm trying to remember all the rest like Brena Chase. Oh, I just so many idols who would like go up and do some great things and would be deep in the tournament >> and then there was a bit of a lag and I'm like, "Oh, I have to carry some responsibility now." And it was a grind for a while.

[00:11:04]>> But now them coming back, that's what I loved about it. Like, wow, they're No, they had a really good shot at making the tournament this season. And unfortunately, you know, things work didn't work out how we wanted it to be.

[00:11:16]But then just seeing their mindset change like, "No, we're in the WNIT." It was insane. Like their mindset of the players and the girls and the coaches, you should see them that next day at practice, they were going at it. And that's when I was like, "Oh, they're going to go deep in the tournament." And of course, yeah, they showed up to the championship game. Yeah.

[00:11:34]>> Did their best.

[00:11:35]>> And so that's that's what I'm saying.

[00:11:36]Like, wow. I I was like, I wish I'm sure every girl in college wants to be part of programs who go deep in a tournament.

[00:11:43]But so cool that you still got to be a part of it in some way. What in this world that you're in, what are you hoping to bring and add to this team and to the staff?

[00:11:54]>> I feel like I'm in a position where I'm I'm like too old to be an athlete. So I'm like, okay. But I just I feel like everyone above me, all those coaches have a ton of experience that I can learn and build from. So, I think navigating and balancing being a mentor, making sure I can share what I know to the girls and give them the help that they need while also trying to be a sponge and listen to everything that the coaches are saying. So, that's what I'm trying to navigate at the moment.

[00:12:23]>> I'm excited to see what you're going to do. I think it's such a an amazing thing that you're back. You did so many great things for six years here at BYU. You are just you're BYU through and through.

[00:12:33]So, this is where you need to be. But what brought you here? Let's talk about a little bit is is your doctorate degree which you mentioned. What inspired you to pursue a doctorate degree in the first place >> because I had extra years to eligibility. They were like if you want to do a masters let's do a masters and I said perfect. My undergrad was in business so I wanted to do an MBA or an MPA but unfortunately we traveled too much for basketball for me to get in those programs at the time. And from that point, I was like, "Oh no, what am I going to study if it's not business?"

[00:13:06]And I thought that was my world. And that's when I go back to my supervisor, um, Richard Gil. He's the dean of undergraduate education. He he served his mission in New Zealand. And so he just is biased about anyone who's from New Zealand. He comes up to me and was like, "I have this program for you.

[00:13:23]Would you be interested in doing it?"

[00:13:25]>> And I was like, "A master's in biology?"

[00:13:28]>> I was like, "I have no prerequisites.

[00:13:30]this is going to be interesting. But I did want to do a masters. I'm like, I'm here for two years. Let's let's give it a go. And then I realized that part of biology is traditional ecological knowledge. It's learning. It's like almost social sciences, learning about people, their indigenous experiences.

[00:13:46]And I also got to do a bit of business.

[00:13:48]I started interviewing indigenous leaders in businesses. So that's how we kind of combined the two where I was happy with it. And by the end of it, I was like, "This is where I'm supposed to be. Like, I love what I'm doing." So, never did I think I was going to do a masters. Yeah. And then when I finished my masters and I loved it, he's like, "Well, do you want to do a doctorate?"

[00:14:08]And I that's when I was like, "Wait, I do. This is so weird." I did not see myself as someone who would be studious >> or that's what people say. I tell them to do a doctorate and I'm like I'm like, "No, I feel like the pieces just fell together." And God was like, "This is what you're supposed to be doing." And so I was like, "Okay, let's do it. Let's give it a go." and it's something you love and you're passionate about which makes a difference. Your your master's thesis was lighting a path to increase leadership among indigenous people in New Zealand. So, how is your master's thesis influenced the work you're doing now?

[00:14:42]>> Um I had the opportunity yes to talk to a ton of rangat that's what they're called moldi leaders in New Zealand in different um sections. So I had like health, education in the ewis and their tribes um in government and overall what I started hearing about was how important the treaty of wangi is and how land is so important you know trying to make sure that people remember where they're from and who they are and so leading into my doctorate I that's what I want to write and talk about is like why why is land because that seems so funny from a western point of view to be like land is just you know something you build on right >> and like grow from there and it can be an asset whereas from an indigenous perspective it's like no it's a part of who you are and that's why it's so sacred and special and so that's what I wanted to research about and write about is to figure out why indigenous people hold fenoa or land in a special place in their heart >> wow that's fascinating you feel yourself connecting more to your culture as you were studying and talking to these people >> yes Yes. So, while I was back home and playing, still playing professionally, I decided to do an eight-month course and it's called to pai and it's at the University of Watau and it teaches you all. I wanted to speak fluently cuz although I'm Maldi, I didn't grow up speaking fluent and my parents did, but it was just never passed down. And so, I always felt like there was a hole or gap in that area. And it's not my fault that I wasn't brought up, but now that I'm an adult, I'm like, I feel like it's my responsibility now to go and learn about it myself.

[00:16:24]>> Yeah.

[00:16:25]>> And so I did this course and it was amazing. I learned so much. And I think that like combined with my masters and then doing that course and then starting my doctorate, I've never felt closer to home, especially when I leave a ton like and come back to Utah.

[00:16:39]>> Are you fluent now in Maui?

[00:16:40]>> Um, close.

[00:16:42]>> I would say >> hold the conver. Can you hold a conversation?

[00:16:45]>> Yes. Okay.

[00:16:46]>> I was like, what's slightly below fluent?

[00:16:49]>> Kind of fluent. That's still that's that's incredible to learn that much in in that short amount of time. Let's talk about your professional career a little bit. You mentioned that playing professional basketball was always always more of a bucket list thing and not really a long-term career thing that you wanted to do. Do you feel fulfilled now that after playing a couple of years professionally or is there more you want to do in that regard? That is such a good question because I had promised BYU with this doctorate program that I'd come back in two years and I remember before I left they were saying come back in one and I was pushing for three cuz I was like I just I don't know what I want to do >> and I love the experience especially having my husband come with me. We traveled everywhere together. We went to Western Australia. We were there for four months and then we went to a a beach city in New Zealand called Toadonga and we were there for four months and then we came back to my hometown. I got to play pro and I got to play three on three and five on five.

[00:17:49]That's what I was super happy about.

[00:17:51]>> Yeah.

[00:17:51]>> And of course for my national team like I have always, you know, every little girl wants to grow up for their country.

[00:17:56]I mean and play for their country. And so having the opportunity opportunity to do it for three on three and five on five. And I only did one course, you I did one tour, five on five to Australia.

[00:18:07]It was the Trans Tasman series and then I did one tour to Singapore for three on three. But I at least, yes, I feel very fulfilled. It does make me chuckle now that I've started school that I still have some offers coming and I'm like, "Oh, >> I could be on a beach town."

[00:18:24]>> Yeah.

[00:18:24]>> On the east side of Australia, >> but like again, I just want to think about what I want long term. And I think my PhD inductor is for sure what I want long term. So, yes, I feel very fulfilled.

[00:18:36]>> You feel this is where you need to be right now.

[00:18:38]>> What was the biggest adjustment going from college basketball to professional?

[00:18:44]>> Um, I would say a lot you do by yourself cuz when you're in college, you know, your team is your coaches are over you. They're like checking your grades. They're making sure you're at this workout at this time and you stay for this long during practices before and after. they, you know, um Jeff Hurst always hassling you to get into rehab and do recovery even though I hate the ice tubs. Um and then you go and play professionally and it's all on your own. They're like this is when practices you show up at this time and then it's up to you whether you want to do that extra work. And so I really enjoyed, not enjoyed, it's something I had to learn to be like, no, you know, I wake myself up now at 6 am and I go and work out and I go do my lift >> so that I can do everything possible to help the team.

[00:19:33]>> That makes sense. More autonomy. That's got to be that. Yeah, that would be kind of hard going from somebody telling you what to do and what to eat every second, right, to be like, "Okay, now you but it's professional, so you have to almost be at a higher level." Was that difficult to find that balance of pushing yourself but also maybe even pushing even more than you did in college?

[00:19:55]>> Yes, I loved it. Like I I see myself now in my life. I'm always in uncomfortable situations. I'm like, "Oh, no. I'm the GA in a room full of coaches or I'm the young tw. I'm the young 26-y old girl in a qualitative analysis class who is full of BYU professors who are getting their doctorate.

[00:20:18]>> And that's the same situation. I am a rookie >> just fresh out of college and I'm playing with these pros who have been doing it for a very long time. And what I've just learned to accept is like yes, I may be like not the smartest or not not the most experienced, but I'm in the room.

[00:20:36]>> Yeah.

[00:20:36]>> I'm like just be glad you're there and you're learning. And so that's what I had to learn when I played professionally is like, "Wow, these girls are amazing." And then be like, "But I'm here and I can make it and I'm going to compete and do what I can to um play with them and help help all win the game."

[00:20:52]>> I didn't even think about your classes, how you'll you would be like by far the youngest person in there, right? Is that kind of weird? Is that weird or >> It is a little weird to see in your classroom and there's other like >> professors who would be teaching my second class in my same class.

[00:21:10]>> Interesting, but fun.

[00:21:12]>> Hopefully there's some group projects and have some really smart people around you.

[00:21:17]>> One of my one of my favorite stories about you is you've mentioned that your community in Temple View, New Zealand, helped you get to BYU. One of your uncles paid for your plane ticket to the US. other families from your community paid for your luggage as well as a new pair of basketball shoes. What did it mean to you to be able to go back and play in New Zealand maybe for these people and around these people and and make them proud in your own country?

[00:21:42]>> It was very very special and I don't want to get too emotional about it but they all came to the wedding so that's what happened. We I graduated and we immediately flew back to New Zealand and I wanted a small wedding. I told my dad like it's okay we don't need to make a huge deal like I just want to get sealed. Make sure the most important part is getting sealed in the temple.

[00:22:04]And then he's like no no no these people have supported you for so long. You host this wedding and you invite everyone.

[00:22:11]>> And so that's exactly what happened. and I had the the biggest wedding even though maybe it's not exactly what I wanted but he's like they want to celebrate you and this is how you make sure they are seen and thanked.

[00:22:25]>> Sorry, I got to give myself a second.

[00:22:27]>> No, you're good.

[00:22:28]>> And then another really awesome part was when I finally made the national team and I had this trans Tasman series. Um we played in Hamilton, my hometown. It was the very last game >> and so that was amazing to just be able to come home and everyone to attend the game.

[00:22:46]>> And another special part is of course hearing your national anthem. Just just imagine like finally making the national team and you're in your hometown and then you hear your national anthem playing. I'm like, "Oh, this this is just surreal." Like I couldn't picture a better dream or spot to be right now.

[00:23:03]>> I think that's so special and beautiful.

[00:23:05]I love that your dad teaches that to you. And I think it's pretty incredible how humble you are to kind of put aside what you wanted for your wedding and say, "Okay, yeah, let's let everybody come." And >> and his words, it was, "It's not about you." And I was like, "What?"

[00:23:21]>> And I was like, "It's the bride. Excuse me."

[00:23:24]>> And he's like, "You make sure to thank your family." I'm like, "Okay, okay, Dad."

[00:23:28]>> That is one of the um most beautiful things about Polynesian cultures to I feel like it's all about everyone and about family and I think the world needs a little bit more of that. So, let's talk about your wedding a little bit.

[00:23:40]You got married in May 2024 to Kiwi Mo and I've heard you met because of the CO 19 pandemic.

[00:23:48]>> Is that right?

[00:23:49]>> You're like, you know, >> we know everything's on the internet.

[00:23:53]>> Come on, kid. So, how did how did you guys meet and come together? Um it was co and the borders had closed to New Zealand. Like I couldn't go home. But I'd already been in Utah for like the whole season. I was like, I just I just got to get out, you know, re refresh, regground.

[00:24:11]>> And I have family who live in Hawaii.

[00:24:13]And I messaged them. I was like, you think I can stay at your house for the summer? I was like, "Oh, please. I'll work." And so that's what I did. I worked two jobs in the morning. I was um because I my undergrad was business. So I worked in the HR offices at PCC, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and then in the afternoons, I would be a dancer in the New Zealand Alteror Village, and he was also a dancer.

[00:24:37]>> Oh, I love it.

[00:24:37]>> So just imagine showing up and you're like, "Wow." Like, >> who's that guy? So you guys just met um while dancing. What was it that connected you two most, would you say?

[00:24:48]What was funny is I like I met him in Hawaii, but I didn't like give a second look. It wasn't until I went back to cuz in my head I'm like I don't I don't do long distance. Like whatever is happening in Hawaii is not going to stay, >> right?

[00:25:04]>> So I came home and then I found out he was from Utah.

[00:25:09]Like he was just in Hawaii for school and I didn't realize that and so he came back to Utah. He's also Maldi Tahesian.

[00:25:17]So I'm also moldy and that's what I find so funny is like we're a very very low percentage of people in the state of Utah are moldy like from New Zealand and so that makes me chuckle that I found the only one >> yes amazing >> from Utah and I was like oh no you're awesome >> and he's the one who asked me on a date and so I said yes and >> and the rest was the rest was history.

[00:25:38]What did that mean to him to be able to go to New Zealand for your wedding and then to live there with you for a couple years and in Australia? What was that like for him getting out of Utah and experiencing that part of his culture?

[00:25:51]>> Yes. He's always said that he's wanted to do that before and it's must it's a little harder, you know, if he was born in America, he's an American citizen, although he's indigenous to New Zealand.

[00:26:02]And so he's like, you know, I never had like the right visas or the people. And so he's like, "Oh, it's yeah, special for him to to be able to go home back to his home country even though he was born in America and experience life and eat all the good food." And it's funny to me. I'm chuckling because he looks like he's from home >> cuz he he's Polynesian and he's brown and he looks moldy. And so you see this fellow rocking up in New Zealand and then he starts talking and he's got that American accent that you guys all have and you just see people's faces like what I they just get so confused.

[00:26:37]>> Well, that's so funny. How How would you say your husband's helped and supported you these last couple of years as you've navigated the professional world?

[00:26:45]>> Oh, he's been over extremely supportive of what I want to do. I remember us talking before we got married and I was like, "Listen, I have these dreams and I have these goals and if this isn't what you want to do, that's completely fine.

[00:27:00]We can like we can stop things right here." But I was like, "For me, I want to go home. I want to play professionally." And he was all for it.

[00:27:08]And I was like, "Oh, this like I think it's special to find a partner who's like, "I'll lay aside my dreams so that you can do yours."

[00:27:16]>> We love that.

[00:27:17]>> No, I'm going to cry over my husband.

[00:27:20]as you should.

[00:27:21]>> And what's funny is he loves Utah too.

[00:27:23]He's a Utah boy through and through. And so I did promise him like you let me do this thing for just a little bit and I promise we'll come back.

[00:27:31]>> Yeah.

[00:27:31]>> And so that's how I felt like I got to be home around my family and friends and while he's gone and hasn't seen his in two years. And so just his sacrifice has been very supportive and >> or you know now that I play professionally we don't have these practice boys who rebound for you. Yeah, he's there every day just at the same time as me, 6 a.m. making sure I have a spotter during weights and a rebounder while I shoot.

[00:27:56]>> He does all the little things. He cooks and cleans. He's great.

[00:27:59]>> That's a good man. That's a good man right there. Was it difficult for you a little bit to leave New Zealand to come back to Utah and say goodbye to your family again?

[00:28:08]>> Yes, it it did feel like 18-year-old Kaye all over again, going on a big adventure. Um, I think this time it was a little easier because I've done it before.

[00:28:19]>> Yeah.

[00:28:20]>> And because I have Kiwa, he's awesome.

[00:28:22]And to know that now that I'm adult, I know it's it's not forever. Like I'm always going to be around. New Zealand will always be home. And same with Utah.

[00:28:31]And like I've lived in Utah for six years now.

[00:28:34]>> So I think another part of why it made it easier is because I'm I feel like I'm coming home, too.

[00:28:39]>> Yeah.

[00:28:40]>> I'm like, "Oh, this place I love this place. It's full of all these people that I love and the relationships.

[00:28:46]And so that I think that made it easier to come back this second time to be like, "No, I have people that I love in Utah, too." And I can call Utah home as well.

[00:28:55]>> Say your husband's name again.

[00:28:56]>> Kiwa.

[00:28:57]>> Kiwa. I said Kiwi. Sorry, Kiwa. If you're listening to this, I'm going to say it right from here on out. We're going to take a quick break, but when we come back, we'll hear more from Kaylee about the importance of her Mauy culture, her time at BYU, and the viral moment when her family surprised her on senior day. This is her why. Want to know what drives BYU's greatest athletes? Deep Blue takes you beyond the stats and into the stories. Host Jason Shepard sits down with Cougar legends and rising stars to uncover what makes them tick. New episodes every Tuesday.

[00:29:27]Subscribe to Deep Blue wherever you get your podcast. Welcome back to Her Y. I'm Lauren Mlan joined by former BYU women's basketball player and current graduate assistant Kaylee Smiler Mo. So you've spoken publicly about the importance of your Mauy heritage and cultural background before and you've mentioned it here. What part of that culture do you feel like has influenced the most influenced you the most and your identity of who you are?

[00:29:51]>> I'm not sure if it's impacted me the most, but something that has connected me a lot to my culture has always been dancing. Like you, everyone knows I love dancing. It normally comes through my Tik Toks, >> but I grew up doing kapahaka, which is like indigenous cultural dancing. And I think that's helped a lot with my coordination. Like I think it relays into sports. But again, I didn't grow up speaking fluent. And so at least one way that I felt connected to my culture is to be able to sing and dance. And again, you know, everything is just connected.

[00:30:24]Like you sing in church and I sing in school and then I sing in >> kapahaka. And so it felt like, oh yeah, I'm good at this because of this. And um lots of songs, I should say, are like connected. They make me feel connected to my ancestors cuz they hold a lot of history. All the songs, you know, they're about this specific story or this specific time or this specific person. And so I love like my family has songs um that we regularly sing. And so like they sung them at my wedding or at big important moments in my life. And that's one way that I that I love about my culture is whether or not you want to sing or perform.

[00:31:06]>> It's like a way that we say thank you >> and >> whether or not you want to.

[00:31:10]>> That's the growing up part is like the growing pains of like, "Oh, you're about to make me get up right now." This is so funny. my recruiting visit. Just picture a 18-year-old girl who has never been on a plane before, never left the country of New Zealand, and she goes on this recruiting trip with Jeff Judkins. I think Lee I think Lee was there, too, actually. He was there. And we're at a restaurant. We're at Kurabas, like down Stage Street.

[00:31:34]>> And my parents go find a guitar and we sing to them in the restaurant to say thank you cuz it was like the end of the trip.

[00:31:40]>> Oh my goodness.

[00:31:41]>> And let you know, you know, it's like a moldy song. And the more I think about it, I'm like, "Oh my goodness.

[00:31:46]Why were we singing in the middle of the restaurant in Provo? That is so cool.

[00:31:51]And I Oh my gosh. What was Jedy's response to that? Because he's just like a farm boy laughing along. I don't know.

[00:32:00]>> I love that you did that. I think that's so beautiful. There needs to be more of that kind of thing. I think it's great.

[00:32:06]What do you wish more people knew about your Mauy culture and heritage?

[00:32:11]I feel like I talk a ton about Moldi culture, but I think Polynesia just, you know, sour and tonggins, Hawaiian, uh yeah, people from Hawaii, I think we all just have like a very holistic or spiritual aspect about ourselves. And I could say confidently that we're all about community. Like that's something that you mentioned before >> is like there's a saying we have these proverbs back home at least and one of my favorites is which sounds like a tongue twister but awesome >> in English it means my strength is not from me alone or my success is not from me alone it's due to the strength and success of many >> and that you know it's like saying it takes a village >> and that's what I like and the most important part I think maybe about at least my most favorite important part about multiculture is just to understand that you don't get anywhere without your village or without your people >> and your family has done such a good job of living that principle. I feel like you were a staple on the BYU women's basketball team for six years. Appeared in more than 130 games, rank among the top players in BYU women's basketball history and career three-point percentage, but you saw limited action during the first couple of seasons. And one of the reasons is because you suffered an injury from a boating accident, right, in 2018. I know you've talked about this before, but it's such a cool story because I know there was kind of some miracles involved. So, briefly kind of tell us what happens on that day. On that day, we went out, me and some friends, we went out on a boating trip. It was just at Deer Creek, so in the canyon, not too far. I was wakeboarding. I got smashed. You know, the kind where you your feet come out of the boots and you're like, I'm done.

[00:34:01]>> It's terrible.

[00:34:03]>> So, I just start using the board as support and I go swim up to the boat and they didn't realize I had swam up to the boat yet. So, the propeller was still going. I'm still quite oblivious because we had just spent the week at Lake Pal and all those brand new flashboats, you know, the propellers and to like in the center of the boat so it wouldn't bother you.

[00:34:25]>> But this one was a rear propeller and so even though it was bubbling, I just wasn't thinking. I should have been thinking a bit more >> and I just threw it up, got turned a little bit and yeah, it just hit me right on the left side of my thigh. I shot out. I was in shock. I actually didn't realize what happened. And it happened so fast. I thought I hit the ladder. Um, and then yeah, and then I like kind of take my leg out of the water and see my feur bone and it cut all the way down. It was crazy. We had to They called 911. We went back to the shore with all these park rangers. They couldn't start an IV in me because I had lost quite a bit of blood and I was cold, which like shrinks your veins.

[00:35:08]They were trying for quite a while >> and they eventually gave up, shot me with some morphine and we were off to the hospital and it wasn't until um oh we had you know I had surgery this is all the following day now. It wasn't until the following day the doctor comes in and starts explaining everything about what happened and he's like, "Yep, your scar is about 12 ines on the left side and your femoral artery, the one where if you cut it, you you bleed out basically and you can pass away just within a few minutes." And he's like, "Yeah, you missed your femoral artery by a few inches at the top and you missed it a few inches to the right. And if it had been just a little lower to your knee, like then you'd have to start considering like amputation because that would have just busted everything up.

[00:35:55]And so the more and more he started talking, I'm like, "Wait a second." He's like, "Yeah, actually where you got cut is where they take like skin grass or that this is where they take things when your body needs things."

[00:36:06]>> Oh my goodness.

[00:36:07]>> So he's like, "Yeah, you got hit in like the most unproatic spot you possibly could have been in."

[00:36:14]>> My goodness. And I'm just like, >> and that's why they categorize it as a miracle because of all the places that you could have been hit.

[00:36:21]>> Exactly.

[00:36:21]>> That was the one.

[00:36:22]>> Or I think about just rehab in general.

[00:36:26]Like I missed pre-season, but I was out 13 weeks and then I got thrown straight into season. Like to be able to not only just like recover and be healthy, but go back to playing um college sports in the same season, I thought was insane. Like, wow. Yeah. This is this is a miracle for sure.

[00:36:46]>> Now looking back on it, now that you're a handful of years removed from that, how did you get through that time? Like what what was it that helped you maybe mentally and physically? Cuz that's scary to just continue forward.

[00:37:03]>> Um something I continue to tell myself when I feel like I'm complaining, you know, that oh why me? Life is too hard.

[00:37:12]I still, you know, just could be in any life situation. I remind myself that I can't complain and be grateful at the same time. Like the two can't exist in the same space. So I'm like, if I'm complaining, then what I should be doing is thinking about what I'm grateful for.

[00:37:27]And so I think just a change in mindset helped a ton. I also remember at the time my friend had torn her ACL. And so I think doing recovery with somebody and just being in the same boat and situation like know we both are struggling and having somebody to talk to about it helped a lot and Jeff you know our trainer there every day and Stephen getting you in the gym making sure you're doing rehab that helps a lot just to hear lots of positive quotes and people and talking being around I think yeah being around good people helped helped a lot. Your rehab had to have been unique though because I feel like these trainers are used to ACL, you know, knee injuries and ankle injuries and then you come in with a severed leg.

[00:38:11]So, how did your rehab vary kind of from the norm?

[00:38:16]>> I was in crutches for a while because I don't I'm not an anatomy. I'm like I'm not a doctor. So, if I say something don't >> someone's going to write and be like she was inaccurate. No, but my quad got cut completely in half. And so now it was two function like two muscles instead of just one that quad muscle specifically.

[00:38:39]And so I just had to learn how to walk again to start off with, which is weird.

[00:38:43]Like you don't expect to to do that all over again.

[00:38:46]>> And so that took quite a while to get off crutches just to make sure like my muscles knew how to work again.

[00:38:52]>> And then building it. So then I had to build all the muscles around it. So that's why I'm grateful for the strength coaches and Jeff getting me in. Um, but once I had gotten past that part, that's what was funny is like, okay, what brace do we put on her?

[00:39:05]>> Yeah.

[00:39:05]>> And so I had to wear the ACL braces.

[00:39:08]That's how they treated me. And so Oh, I always felt such a faker cuz people would see with my ACL brace like, "Oh yeah, like she tore ACL." And I'm like, "No, sorry." I'm like, "But this really cool scarf." You want to see?

[00:39:20]>> Yeah. You're like, "It's a much crazier story than that. I promise." Oh my gosh.

[00:39:23]I just I can't even imagine. Well, you made it back. You did amazing. Do you ever have any soreness or anything because of it?

[00:39:32]>> I don't have Nope. I have no issues. But the funny part is now that it's two muscles, it like pops out when I walk.

[00:39:39]>> Wow.

[00:39:40]>> It's not until like >> It doesn't hurt. It just feels weird.

[00:39:42]>> It's like an extra bodybuilder muscle.

[00:39:44]That's what I love about it. It makes me look more toned.

[00:39:47]>> My gosh. Pretty cool. We've all got unique stories, right, that make us who we are. Like we mentioned a couple times, you're known for your three-point shooting. Have you always been good at the long range? Like even when you were in New Zealand growing up, was that kind of always your thing?

[00:40:00]>> Yes, the the FEA or the Fever line in New Zealand is a little bit further. At least when I started playing um women's college basketball here in Utah, >> the line used to be the same line as the men's college line. And so I felt like at least when I came to BYU, I was like, "Oh, I get a whole half step closer."

[00:40:19]And this is awesome. And then while I was in college, they took the line back to the to the So now that it was the same. Does that make sense?

[00:40:27]>> Yes. Uhu.

[00:40:28]>> So I feel like shooting felt easier once I came to BYU because it was a little closer.

[00:40:33]>> Wow. You were just a little bit stronger than everybody else because you've been practicing that. After Amber Whiting was hired as head coach, you started 57 of 59 games. How do you feel like Amber Whiting's confidence in your abilities as a player influenced the way you approached basketball and and off the court as well? Just her having that confidence in you.

[00:40:53]>> Yeah, I recently Oh, it was her birth. I can't remember when her birthday. It was a few months ago, but I did text her and that was one of the things that I mentioned in the text was just like, "Thank you for having the confidence in me to >> like I feel like every athlete at some point struggles with the am I good enough? why aren't I getting the minutes that I want or think I deserve?

[00:41:13]>> And Amber was so good with that. I was like, she made sure that I had no doubts in my head and was like, "No, what you have to offer is good and you go out and you play." And so, I think playing my senior year and thinking in my head, there's no stress about that. And knowing that your coaches believe in you, that was something important to me.

[00:41:34]And I I wanted to remind her of that just recently. Oh, I bet she loved that.

[00:41:39]I bet she loved that. You're often tasked with defending the opponent's top guards each game, too. They'd put you in to be the best defender. What did you like most about that challenge and being like one of the one of the um players that the coaches trusted to go and do an amazing job on defense?

[00:41:58]>> Um I I should say like if you look at my college stats, they're like not amazing. like it's like I wasn't a star player and I think a lot of players need to understand that is there's going to be two or three star players maybe even one on your team and that means 80% of you are role players and you need to understand how can I help my team succeed and that's what I understood very early on was like what can I offer that is going to help this team win and I learned that it was my defense and so that's what I did I just focused on it every day and it was like if this is going to help us win games then I'm going to make sure I can give my best and do my best in this area. And I feel like that's with everything in the small things as well. It's like, oh, I may not get the rebounds cuz Lauren Gustin is amazing.

[00:42:46]>> She steals them from everybody.

[00:42:48]>> Yeah. But what I can do is like face guard and make sure my person doesn't get a rebound. And I think it like all the tiny things and diving for balls and um talking to your teammates, like things that aren't recorded on a stat sheet, I think are very important and all help and contribute to a game.

[00:43:04]>> Okay. Okay. Well, we then just right along those lines, we got to talk about the game in 2023 against Idaho State where you received eight staples in your head, right?

[00:43:14]>> Yeah.

[00:43:15]>> After you got >> you got cut on your head like an someone elbowed you in the head, I think. And then you went back into the game. Is that right?

[00:43:27]>> Yeah, I did go back in the game.

[00:43:29]>> Like that just perfectly describes what you were just talking about. Like never give up. do whatever you can. What do you remember most about about that game?

[00:43:37]>> So, that's the game. No, I don't think anyone knows this. This is the game that I considered my senior night because my family were in town.

[00:43:45]>> This is when they were flying out for Christmas. They had never watched me play. And so, in my head, I'm like, "This is the game they're going to watch and I'm going to remember." So, in my head, I was like, "This is my scene tonight."

[00:43:55]>> Yeah. And so when I got hit in the head and I'm bleeding, my first thought was actually my brothers like, "Oh man, they're going to like just I know I'm going to hear an air full of this if I don't get up to be like, man, we flew all this way and you get knocked in the head just within the >> power of brother's peer pressure to to fight through injuries." Right.

[00:44:17]>> I know. So once I got past the concussion protocol and was like, "No, I'm I'm fine. I'm just like the head's just sore.

[00:44:25]Then I was like, "Oh yeah, I can go back out. I can go back out." And it's I barely remember it because I wasn't sure if they I wasn't sure what they were doing, but they stapled me up real quick and I was like, "Okay, here we go."

[00:44:35]>> If they think I have a lot of trust in my doctors and trainers, too. If they say I'm good, then I'm good.

[00:44:40]>> Well, then you had the game ceiling free throws to win the game. So after that game, your family's there. What did they What did your family say to you after that being the the game they got to watch? Exactly what I thought they would say. My brothers come up to me and were like, "Oh man, you got hit in the head."

[00:44:58]And I was I was about to go grab some popcorn or like go up on the concourse and scroll on my phone cuz they thought I was out the rest of the game. These are so rude.

[00:45:08]>> Love my brothers.

[00:45:09]>> That's what brothers are for. Not like, "Man, you're amazing. What a crazy game." But like, >> suck it up.

[00:45:16]>> You almost ruined the game for us.

[00:45:17]>> Yeah. Let's The last thing I want to talk to you about because it's just one of the coolest things is is after you treated that game in 2023 is your senior night. How surprised were you when BYU flew your family to Provo from New Zealand for your actual senior night?

[00:45:33]That was shock. Like my sister did a good job. They're all just liars.

[00:45:39]the they were like sending they had taken photos previously at home and then so that once they flew out to Utah >> kind of like good luck like sending you pictures to make him make you think they're >> so I was thrown way off.

[00:45:52]>> Yeah.

[00:45:53]>> And once we finished I mean my husband and his family or my in-laws they came so I knew that I was going to have some support and my sister lives in Utah so I was like so I did have like family I was like no I'll be okay. And then I walk out and I see um I used to teach a group of BYU students here um all about my culture like this kapahaka dancing stuff that we would do for luau and so I walk out and I see them and I'm like oh they're going to do a haka they're like this is going to be so cool I see my cousins and my uncles and and then as they're starting I still haven't seen my parents yet then my mom comes up on my arm and I just scream oh the ugliest photos that They put up too.

[00:46:35]My mouth is like open and I'm like, "Why did BYU piggies post that?" But yeah, it shows my pure shock. I scream >> and then when I turn back, I see my dad's cuz that was my first thought. I was like, "Oh, my mom's here." And no one grabbed my left side and I was like, "They must have just flown out my mom."

[00:46:52]And so I was like, "No, this is so special." And then then I look up and he's just standing in the center of the court >> and he's leading it and that's just oh tears everywhere. Super emotional. It's always Yes. I just felt very very loved and I was like, "Wow, all these people came out to support me tonight."

[00:47:10]>> Your dad and you did interviews. You did an interview, I think, on NBC, right?

[00:47:14]Didn't NBC >> It just blew up.

[00:47:16]>> It blew up. Were you surprised how many people gravitated to your story?

[00:47:22]>> Yes. Yeah. Because I feel like everyone has amazing stories. I I did think it was special to me.

[00:47:28]>> Yeah. And then I was like, "Oh, this is cool that people can connect and relate to it and also think that it's special."

[00:47:34]Um, my dad laughs about this experience because there are many huckers that you can do and he told that whole group we're going to do this one and then he started with a different one on accident. Like he's like, >> so when we finished that's what he told me. He's like, "Oh, I messed up a little bit." I'm like, "No, you're fine. You're fine." Like it was perfect. And then for him to see it just blow up everywhere, he's like, "Oh man."

[00:48:00]>> Which no one outside of the culture would even know. Exactly. But he was worried about those that would.

[00:48:05]>> So just little inside joke now that everyone everyone, >> all right, dad, now we know >> exposed.

[00:48:11]>> You messed up. No, it was it was just seriously one of the most beautiful moments. And I It's like I mentioned before, that type of culture and community is so rare. And I think that's what people love to see, that support for you. and obviously that they came clear from New Zealand for that moment.

[00:48:26]It was just amazing. My last question for you from New Zealand to BYU, what are you most excited about for this specific chapter of your life?

[00:48:35]I'm really excited to learn from the best. I think that's what I've kind of labeled in my head. And I'm like, this is going to be the best season ever cuz I'm going to learn from like experts in school and experts in basketball and just starting life and like looking at all my friends and family. This is a year of learning for me where I'm like, I get to be around the best of the best and learn from them. I think another awesome part is just seeing yeah, Coach Kamad's journey and him being at the perfect spot in the perfect time and to see this program grow to what it's supposed to be. Like I have I will always love BYU women's basketball and I feel like I'm more of a fan now than I ever was in college. Like, yeah, I love women's basketball. Now I'm out of it. I get the hype with alumni and with donors and the crazy support and fans is like, "No, I am committed to this team." um through and through. So, I'm just excited to see their journey and where they're going to end up because I know it's going to be far.

[00:49:37]>> I'm here with former BYU women's basketball guard and current graduate assistant Kaylee Smiler Mo. Kaylee, you are just gorgeous. I'm so excited you're here back at BYU. Thank you so much for taking the time with me.

[00:49:48]>> Thank you.

[00:49:49]>> Thanks to Anna Burke Holder for producing this episode with senior producer Cleon Wall. Her why is a production of BYU radio.