Kyle Smith gets emotional describing resources Stanford can provide his son with autism

Kyle Smith taking the job at Stanford is about what’s best for his family, in particular his 13-year-old son Bo, who has autism. At his introductory press conference Wednesday, Smith spoke on the resources that a university like Stanford, one of the most prestigious in the country, can offer to Bo.

The coach tried to fight back tears as he explained how much it meant to him. It was a touching reminder of the human side of sports, knowing that both coaches and players have lives extending far beyond the court.

“He put us in touch with Antonio Hardan, who’s at Stanford Autism Center,” Smith said. “It’s hard not to cry. But to have that opportunity for our family and my son to maybe have more resources, I’m just honored and thankful. You’ll all get to know Bo soon enough. Another part of our family that I didn’t mention is he has a very special caregiver. She’s gonna be down here. No chance not crying. You guys know it’s a joyous cry. I promise you.”

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Former WSU coach Kyle Smith gets emotional talking about the resources Stanford can provide for his autistic son, 13-year-old Bo, particularly the university’s autism center pic.twitter.com/yqn3lw1L6c

— Greg Woods (@GregWWoods) March 27, 2024

Smith spent the past five seasons coaching at Washington State, where he compiled a 94-71 record. He directed the Cougars to an NCAA Tournament appearance this past season, where they lost in the second round to No. 2 seed Iowa State.

Prior to that, Smith found success leading Columbia and San Francisco. His overall coaching record is 258-193, though he never led either of those programs to an NCAA Tournament.

Bo was diagnosed with autism in 2017. It has provided a number of challenges for the Smith family. Kyle Smith has two other sons, Rocco and Luke. It’s difficult to balance the need for caring for Bo, but also showing the other two they are still equally loved.

An article from The Athletic in 2020 detailed just how much of a toll it takes on Smith.

“I really enjoy helping people fulfill their dreams,” he said. “But I can’t do that for my own son.”

Now with the resources that a place like Stanford provides, he can finally hope to give his son the care to help him live as normal a life as possible. Meanwhile, he will aim to bring the Cardinal back to success on the court and set an example in the process.