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

It takes a village to raise a champion—and Kaylee Smiler Mo’o carries hers with her. Now back in Provo pursuing a doctoral degree and coaching women’s basketball, Kaylee reflects on the Māori community that helped fund her journey to America, the cultural identity she’s reclaiming through language and research, and her deep belief that giving back isn’t an obligation—it’s a privilege.