Provo, Utah – More than 250 BYU student-athletes gathered on November 12, 2025, for the annual Friendsgiving event hosted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). Despite the chilly, mid-November weather, a prevailing spirit of camaraderie and connection was felt by all. Athletes from every sport arrived to share a warm meal and an even warmer atmosphere. Offering a welcome break from practices and competition, the evening gave athletes across campus a moment to relax, connect, and reflect on the spirit of Thanksgiving. The room buzzed with energy, music, and the rare excitement of a community that doesn’t often get to be in the same place at the same time.
SAAC, a student-run leadership and service organization within BYU Athletics, hosts Friendsgiving each year to strengthen relationships between athletes beyond individual teams. This year’s turnout—estimated between 250 and 300 athletes—marked one of the event’s largest gatherings yet. Long tables filled with food, warm lighting, and easy conversation set the tone for a relaxed and celebratory evening, while an exciting pie-eating contest helped break the ice and brought athletes from different sports together in friendly competition. As students filtered in straight from classes, practices, and lift sessions, the room quickly filled with laughter and movement.
Elijah Baker, a men’s diver, described the event as “tasteful.” He said “I like the music, I like the atmosphere. I like the company. I’m surrounded by a lot of good people, I like our program, and the food’s really good too.”
As expected of a Friendsgiving celebration, gratitude emerged as the central theme of the night. Women’s volleyball player Suli Davis, shared her appreciation for the people who have shaped her experience this season. “I’m just grateful for the growth that this team and I have had all together because we’ve been through adversity all together.”
Track and field athlete, Jaylie Jenkins, mirrored that sentiment. “I’m so grateful for my teammates…I wouldn’t be here without them. I love them,” she said.
Baseball player Matt Hansen expressed his gratitude for his “family and [his] girlfriend.” He also stated that the 2025 Friendsgiving event felt “engaging” as athletes conversed, laughed, and shared a meal together.
By the end of the night, it was clear that Friendsgiving wasn’t just a meal—it was a reminder of the mission that defines BYU Athletics. In the words of BYU’s Director of Athletics, Brian Santiago, “We stand united at BYU with all of our teams…that’s part of the magic of being at BYU.” As SAAC looks ahead, the council hopes the gratitude, connection, and unity felt in that room will carry athletes through the rest of the season and beyond.