(FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament – Published 8/28/25) On Saturday, August 23rd, FTSV hosted our quarterly off-season tournaments at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Three different events were held that day for kids and teens of different ages and skill levels – (1) Girls Golf, (2) Kids & Alumni, and (3) Teens & Alumni.
FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament
The Teens & Alumni Tournament capped off the afternoon with 25 players teamed up with 7 FTSV Alumni for a fun scramble format. Each group of 3 participants was joined by 1 alum to lead their team and provide an example of what success looks like for life after FTSV junior golf.
Some of our Alumni are current coaches and volunteers, some are college golfers, and some are professionals, but all of them are successful individuals who carry the life skills and core values they learned from FTSV through their daily lives. It was great to see them all reminisce about their experiences in FTSV and catch up after years apart.
These tournaments are a great way for participants to put our life skill curriculum into practice. Golf tournaments are a unique setting for practicing life skills. The pressure of having just one chance to hit your shot, while your team is depending on you, and as you’re competing against others – all of it adds up to an environment where sportsmanship, integrity, and perseverance are crucial to success.
After the round, Alumni, participants, and their families all enjoyed a pizza lunch and awards ceremony. Shoutout to Pizza Presidente for lunch!
All of our participants should be proud of their performance. And a huge THANK YOU to our Alumni who showed their commitment to our organization by taking the time to play.
FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament Results
Closest-to-the-Pin (11-13 year old) – Chloe Hong, 19’11”
Closest-to-the-Pin (14-17 year old) – Nico Hernadez-Lopez, 12’8”
Longest Drive (11-13 year old) – Victor Kotlyar
Longest Drive (14-17 year old) – Leo Villegas-Luiz
3rd Place – Joshua Jang (Alum), Leo Villegas, Shreyash Avasarala, Adhya Malhotra
2nd Place – Calvin Kong (Alum), Erik Chavez, Chloe Hong, Amanda Chen
1st Place – Joey Jang (Almost Alum!), Bryanna Perez, Benjamin Hughes, Victor Kotlyar
(ARUSD School Outreach Program Training – Published 08/21/25) On Friday, August 15th, 2025, FTSV welcomed over 30 after-school program leaders from all 15 schools in the Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) to Boys & Girls Club Smythe Clubhouse for a district-wide training event. Trainings such as this help prepare schools to deliver our School Program curriculum at their facilities.
Each year, schools across the region partner with FTSV for the upcoming academic year to deliver a version of our program and curriculum to their students. Many of the participating schools reside in East San Jose. These partnerships are vital to achieving our mission of serving our community, especially those in low-income areas and Title I schools. Our School Partners are equipped with the equipment, curriculum, and training needed to coach our core life and golf skills to their students, using adaptive lesson plans that make golf fun and accessible to kids no matter their age or skill level.
FTSV is proud to share that for the first time, all 15 schools in the Alum Rock Union School District have partnered with us for the upcoming 2025/26 school year!
“We are thrilled that ARUSD is all-in with FTSV’s School Partner program for all 15 of their schools,” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “We want to thank Lupe Ruvalcaba, the Coordinator, Expanded Learning at ARUSD and her team, for their collaboration and belief in this partnership. Our team is excited to work together with ARUSD to enrich the lives of all ARUSD students.”
This show of force by ARUSD is a testament to the commitment they have to their students and families. “Our goal will always be to create a safe, supportive space where students can thrive. Working with FTSV allows us to offer our students meaningful experiences that teach life skills through the game of golf, while building confidence and fostering a strong sense of belonging,” said Lupe Ruvalcaba, Coordinator, Expanded Learning at ARUSD. The School Program lessons provide their students with a safe space to learn and grow as people, using the game of golf and all of its teachable moments as the driver of that growth.
Throughout the school year, after-school program leaders from the Boys & Girls Club, Think Together, and YMCA will deliver up to 8 of our lesson plans to ARUSD students, teaching them about core values like Respect, Sportsmanship, Confidence, Integrity, Goal-Setting, and Perseverance, as well as golf skills that will help them develop a proper grip, stance, and swing.
And during their school year, these schools will also have the opportunity to plan a field trip to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course, where students will be able to try golf using real clubs and balls on the driving range and practice green, with teaching and guidance from FTSV staff and coaches. Given its proximity, Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is the hub of our programming in the Alum Rock and East San Jose area. We hope the field trips help show these students that this golf course is a great community space for them and their families to hang out and enjoy the game together.
Our School Partner program is vital to our success as an organization, so thank you to ARUSD and all the program leaders who attended our training at Boys & Girls Club Smythe. We’re excited for another great school year and we can’t wait to see you and your students at the golf course!
If you are interested in starting a School Program in your school, please click here and email [email protected]
(FTSV 25th Anniversary OPEN HOUSE – Published 08/20/25) This past weekend, First Tee – Silicon Valley celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a vibrant community-wide Open House at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in East San Jose. The event and festivities marked 25 years of positive impact through golf, mentorship, and character development. Families, alumni, and community members came together to acknowledge three 25-year milestones: First Tee – Silicon Valley serving 100,000 kids and teens, Founding Board Chair Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr.’s years of dedicated service, and Rancho del Pueblo opening as East San Jose’s community golf course.
Guests enjoyed free access to the golf course, driving range, and putting green, along with a tasty catered lunch, refreshing Kona Hawaiian shaved ice, festive music from Mariachi Estelar, and a lively performance by the Golden Turtle Lion Dancers. The Dryvebox simulator was onsite for FREE SWINGS. The day was filled with community spirit, family fun, and joyful celebration—perfectly reflecting FTSV’s mission to bring people together through golf and building the strength of character in our kids and teens that empowers them through a lifetime of challenges.
Special guests, who paid tribute to First Tee – Silicon Valley and Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course included:
Scott Siegfeid – CourseCo. Senior Operations Manager
Avi Yotam– Deputy Director SJ Parks Division
Peter Ortiz – SJ District 5 Councilmember
Ash Kalra – CA Assemblymember
Dave Cortese – CA State Senator
Robert Rivas – Speaker of the CA State Assembly
And Current San Jose Mayor – Matt Mahan and former San Jose Mayor – Ron Gonzales stopped by to Meet & Greet FTSV and the community.
First Tee – Silicon Valley Chairman of the Board and founder Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. had this to say about FTSV 25th Anniversary OPEN HOUSE…
“The support and joy extended by so many individuals at FTSV’s 25th Anniversary Celebration at Rancho del Pueblo was overwhelming. I feel nothing but sincere gratitude to the local and state elected officials that joined us and presented commendations in validation of the impact FTSV has had over 25 years.”
Victor Continues, “I loved seeing the original Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo instructors and feel forever grateful for all their contributions to our youth at the genesis of the FTSV program. Serving more than 100,000 kids and teens over these past 25 years is an achievement that would not be possible without the support of everyone in the FTSV family and Alum Rock and Eastside community.”
“FTSV’s 25th Anniversary event at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course was a wonderful celebration of our 25 years of youth development of over 100,000 kids and teens.” Said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “We are ever so grateful for the commendations and encouragements we received from so many elected leaders at the city, county and state levels. Over 1,000 caring adults have been mentors and staff for FTSV over the years. It was especially nice to honor all of their contributions including those who were part of Eagles at Rancho and First Tee – San Jose in the early years.”
George continues, “I strongly believe that caring about and for kids is the #1 reason why FTSV has grown bigger and stronger over 25 years. We want all kids to have access to our course and school program – to grow stronger in character as they grow bigger and to have brighter futures because of it. Like the kids, FTSV has also grown bigger and stronger over 25 years. Our future is bright too!”
The 25th Anniversary Open House was more than a day of golf and entertainment—it was a testament to the lasting impact First Tee – Silicon Valley has made over the past quarter century on the community. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this milestone event a true reflection of FTSV’s mission: building game changers through the game of golf.
(Juan Hernandez receives 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship – Published 08/8/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley participant, Juan Hernandez, was recently awarded the 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship. Each year golfers in the Dennis Kettmann Memorial Tournament raise funds to remember Dennis. Their generosity underwrites this special $5,000 college scholarship for a standout FTSV participant.
Dennis’s son and co-organizer of the Memorial Tournament, Matt Kettmann, learned the game from his father, Dennis, and knows that he must be smiling knowing that his memory is now helping FTSV’s young people pursue their college dreams.
David Henningsen, who is also a co-organizer shared, “It was so wonderful to have the recipient of the “Big D” scholarship play in our tournament and speak to the supporters about how FTSV has impacted him.”
More About Juan Hernandez
Juan Hernandez first came to First Tee – Silicon Valley as a 6th grader. He was exposed to our program by our long-time youth partner, Redwood City Pal Center. Each season the Pal Center transports up to 13 participants in their van and takes them to our Friday classes at Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto. As Juan aged into high school, he and his brother made the long trip to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course every Saturday to continue his classes. He is a unifying and positive force in our class and we are grateful to have him with us each and every season. This fall he will be attending Sacramento State University where he plans to study Civil Engineering.
“Including others and being more outgoing are some of my biggest take aways from FTSV. I sometimes see people at school that are by themselves or don’t have many friends, and I invite them to hang out with me and my friends. First Tee has helped me to be a Go-To person for others and realize who my Go-To people are. I have different Go-To people for different situations, people like my brother, my friends, and my coaches.”
“For other kids starting out, I’d say keep going. It’s good to keep an open mind, in the end, it’s worth it. The program will help you a lot. It will help you set your vision and teach you important life skills that will help you right now and for the rest of your life. Don’t knock it until you try it!”
This scholarship will go a long way towards helping Juan pursue his educational goals and more. Thank you to the Dennis Kettman Memorial Golf Tournament, and congratulations to Juan!
Listen to Juan’s Speech at the 2025 FTSV OPEN tournament to learn more about his time in FTSV
Learn More about our opportunities
Interested in joining the program like Juan? Please click here
Interested in becoming a volunteer coach? Please click here
Interested in making a donation to help participants receive financial aid? Click here
Interested in our local, regional, and national opportunities? Click here
(FTSV Life & Golf Skills Camp at Spring Valley Golf Course – Published 08/07/25) During a beautiful summer week in the hills above Milpitas, First Tee – Silicon Valley welcomed 18 junior to Spring Valley Golf Course for a 3-day golf camp. They learned and experienced six of FTSV’s core life skills and golf cues through fun games and activities on the driving range, putting green, and chipping green.
The camp was comprised 2 groups — (1) 2nd to 4th graders and (2) 5th to 6th graders. Our coaches had a ton of fun introducing our curriculum to these players, many of whom were brand-new to golf! Spring Valley proved to be the perfect setting for these young golfers with its brand-new practice facility, friendly staff, and nice views. At one point the kids enjoyed free entertainment during their snack and water break by a herd of goats roaming the hillsides right next to the course.
It’s always a privilege to help new golfers start their journey in the game we love. We hope the participants take the life lessons and practice using them at home with their family and friends.
We thank the staff at Spring Valley for welcoming us into their course and we hope all the participants return to practice on their own and join us in future sessions.
If you are interested in signing up your kids/teens for our youth development program, click here. While the Camp at Spring Valley was a limited-edition summer event, our typical program runs year-round with 8-week seasons starting each Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Weekday and weekend options are available. Our Fall 2025 season starts September 9th and registration opens here on August 13th.
(FTSV Participants Play in the NorCal Chapter Championship – Published 8/7/25) Each summer, First Tee participants from NorCal chapters play in the First Tee NorCal Championship. This is a tournament for all 10 of the Northern California First Tee chapters, bringing kids and teens together to compete, make friends and have fun. On Monday, July 28th, First Tee – Silicon Valley participants played at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco alongside and against participants from San Francisco, Monterey, Central Valley, Contra Costa, Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin, Tri-Valley and Fresno. Thank you so much for hosting First Tee San Francisco!
The tournament was a ton of fun for all participants involved.
Harding Park was in beautiful shape, and FTSF did a fantastic job hosting and organizing this event. Above everything else, the sportsmanship and respect for one another displayed by the participants made the atmosphere feel welcoming, encouraging and supportive. Congratulations to First Tee – Central Valley for the win!
This is a fun, unique opportunity for our participants to meet teens from different chapters, make friends, play golf in a competitive tournament, and enjoy an experience different from their normal FTSV classes. Special thanks to our First Tee – Silicon Valley participants Nicolas, Vikrant, Caroline, Adam, Sharleen, and Joshua for coming out to play and representing FTSV so well!
Join Us!
First Tee – Silicon Valley offers many different participant opportunities, including other tournaments, scholarships, leadership academies, and much more.
(Coach Spotlight: Meet Katelyn Chan – Published 8/7/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) owes so much of our successful impact to our many wonderful coaches who are the backbone of FTSV’s programs. This month’s Coach Spotlight highlights Katelyn Chan, a FTSV alumni turned volunteer, and now paid coach, who always brings the care and enthusiasm needed to build relationships with our participants and help them build golf and life skills.
Katelyn started playing golf at age 5 and has been at it ever since. She took FTSV classes from age 7 to 16 and then started as a volunteer coach at age 15. “Once I was eligible to volunteer, I was really excited to just give back what First Tee gave me when I was a kid. All my coaches were awesome, it was such a positive environment to be in, so it seemed like so much fun to get involved as a coach.” Katelyn reflected.
Katelyn coaches with respect and compassion, teaches participants how to persevere through difficulties with their golf swings, and always relates the life skill to a participant’s own life and interests. “When it comes to life skills, I try to have casual conversations and teach lessons naturally, just trying to relate to their life. Kids all have different ways of learning things and it’s fun to get to know different kids and how each of them best takes in our lessons. I love asking kids goofy questions and having fun with them – kids always have something to say and offer a different perspective.”
Katelyn is a great example of what it takes to build a positive environment in class. When a coach can create an environment of trust, safety, and positivity, participants are more likely to express themselves, have fun, and absorb and learn the day’s lesson effectively. It’s this active learning environment that we’re always striving for – Coach Katelyn experienced that as a participant and is now creating that as a coach.
Be a Coach… Be a Mentor
While her background in golf and as a FTSV participant was helpful in becoming a coach, it’s not a requirement – FTSV is always looking for coaches who want to make an impact on the lives of kids, teens, and the community. “Don’t be intimidated, there’s a great team of coaches to guide you along the way. Just have fun talking to kids and having fun with the class. Being a coach really helped me feel more confident and develop conversation skills that I use in and outside class.” Click here for more information on joining FTSV as a volunteer coach.
(FTSV Fall Season – Register on August 13th – Published 8/7/25) Save the Date – Registration for our fall season opens here on Wednesday, August 13th at 11am and closes on Thursday, August 28th at 11:59pm.
The 8-week fall season begins the week of September 9th and ends November 1st. Register on August 13th and take part in engaging and fun life skill and golf skill classes at either Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, or Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy.
Classes are broken down by grade groups, so feel free to invite a friend and take part in our fall classes together.
Financial aid is available. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
Each week our participants experience one of our 6 Life Skills and 6 Golf Cues. Our life skills cover everything from showing respect, to collaborating with others, making good choices, building a positive self-identity, growing through challenges, and setting goals.
Repetition is encouraged in our program. Many of our high school participants have taken classes each of the past 5+ years. As participants get older and develop through our program, they are challenged to set and pursue goals. The longer they are in the program the more goal setting becomes part of their identity. Through our games and activities, we explore how to make short term goals, how to set reachable goals using our 3 guidelines, and how to categorize their short-term goals to assist them in tracking their progress. What’s important to us is that our participants learn those skills while having fun and making friends.
In 2025, we had a record number of registrations in the fall, so please mark your calendar for August 13th to make sure you secure your spot. Click here to see our 2025 fall class schedule.
(Caddy Club Majors 2025 Winners – Published 08/05/2025) It’s a wrap on the FTSV 2025 Caddy Club Majors raising $80K for our Financial Aid Program to meet the needs of providing a nurturing environment for MORE kids! Over $16,000 in total “donated” prizes were awarded for all 4 Majors plus we crowned our Player of the Year – Kevin Bennett!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CADDY CLUB MAJORS 2025 WINNERS
“PLAYER OF THE YEAR” – Lowest Combined score for all 4 Majors
Kevin Bennett – The Olympic Club Golf Threesome, Caddies, Lunch & Drinks
BRITISH OPEN
Tied 1st Place with Identical Teams (spilt 1st & 2nd prize pool) James Shore & Tom Tate
3rd Place – Ray Robidoux
4th Place – Mike Marinchak
5th Place – Sal Guido
US OPEN
1st Place– Jason Suey
2nd Place – Dave Cook
3rd Place – Kassidy Moreno
4th Place – Jerry Hurtibese
5th Place – Lionel Yee
PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place – Bob Huston
2nd Place – Rick Hallagan
3rd Place – Doug Moffat
4th Place – Alex Allione
5th Place – John Madigan
MASTERS
1st Place – Mark Christierson
2nd Place – Dennis Billings
3rd Place – Helen Zieman
4th Place – Dan Faulkner
5th Place – DJ Wheeler
You can become a Caddy Club member NOW by making a minimum $30 monthly donation pledge for at least 12 months and you will be active for the 2026 Majors starting in April. Every $360 cumulative donation you make allows us to cover the registration fee and golf clubs for a low-income participant to attend 8 weeks of classes. Click Here to Join ANYTIME!
FTSV believes that ALL youth deserve the change to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them. We are dedicated to building a youth development program that is accessible, diverse and as impactful as it is fun.
(The Moca Foundation $30K 2025 Grant for Gilroy Youth – Published 08/01/2025) The Moca Foundation provided $14K to support course sessions for Gilroy youth and $16K to support our School Program at Gilroy Title 1 Schools.
Moca Foundation Funds will underwrite financial aid at Gavilan
First Tee – Silicon delivers our youth development program at 3 locations throughout Silicon Valley with Gavilan College Golf Course serving South County youth. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship. The Moca Foundation grant will help underwrite financial aid which is available on a sliding scale and can reduce the fee to $20-$180 per session. Gilroy/Gavilan Course Program is growing and so is the need for Financial Aid. In 2024, FTSV had 19% of FTSV Gavilan participants receive financial aid. We will be able to increase financial aid this year thanks to Moca’s support.
Moca Foundation Funds will underwrite 5 Gilroy Title 1 Schools
We are also excited to announce that The Moca Foundation will be providing a financial aid grant to underwrite 5 Gilroy Title 1 Schools. The 3 Gilroy Schools: South Valley Middle School Solorsano Middle School, and Mt, Madonna High School that MOCA provided funding for last year are returning plus 2 new schools: Glen View Elementary School and Eliot Elementary School. Our goal is to transition/recruit low-income kids from our School Program to our Course Program at Gavilan Golf Course. The Moca Grant will underwrite golf and games equipment, training and a field trip to Gavilan for these 5 schools.
May van Scherrenburg, The Moca Foundation Associate Director shared…
“We are proud to support First Tee – Silicon Valley’s efforts of character and leadership development for Gilroy youth for our 3rd year. I have experienced first- hand with my son Drake participating for 6 years how they foster a culture of acceptance and provide mentorship. Golf provides a powerful vehicle to help kids build the strength of character and life skills that they can use both on and off the golf course.”
If you are interested in learning more about how you can support our programs or improvements, please contact Judy Dixon Deaton, Development Director [email protected] or 408-508-4881.
(Isabella Herrera Receives Inaugural Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award – Published 08/01/2025) In celebration of Victor’s 25th Anniversary, the Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award was created to recognize a Participant of Good Character, Academic Achievement & Demonstrated Leadership. The inaugural $5,000 scholarship was awarded to long-time FTSV participant Isabella Herrera at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2025 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 20th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Special thanks to PG&E and PhRMA for their early funding of the scholarship fund.
Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. is the Founding Chairman of First Tee – Silicon Valley
Leading the organization with unwavering dedication since 2000. As Chairman of the San Jose Sports Authority in the late ’90s, he helped launch the Eagles youth golf program at the new Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The program evolved into a First Tee chapter in 2005, expanded regionally in 2012, and became an independent nonprofit in 2014. Under Victor’s leadership, FTSV has grown into a top-tier chapter among more than 150 nationwide.
Victor leads with heart and purpose, fueled by his deep love for East San José, youth, and the game of golf as a tool for character development. His successful career in government relations with major corporations adds to his gravitas, while his warm presence and signature phrase — “keep a smile” — continue to uplift and inspire all around him.
Isabella remarks on why she believes she was selected for the award.
“When I was 14, I was encouraged to give back and become a coach. My coaches helped train me, gave me feedback, and encouraged me to lead sections of the class. I was trusted to connect with families in Spanish at community outreach events and share information about our program to families that had no experience with golf. Beyond coaching, my First Tee – Silicon Valley family has advocated for me to apply for national opportunities… which has resulted in me being accepted to the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis, the Driver Future Academy in San Francisco, and the Leadership Summit in Montana.”
Isabella’s Accomplishments
FTSV Participant since 2013
Volunteer since September 2021
Selected by a National Panel to Attend: The First Tee Game Changers Academy, First Tee Leadership Summit, Drive Your Future Academy, First Tee College Scholar
VP California Junior Scholarship Federation – Honors Program
In additional to the Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award presentation
The Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: PG&E, PhRMA, Chevron, Altria, SoCal Edison, Commerce Casino & Hotel, Noteware Government Relations, and Niemela Pappas & Associates. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, the Invitational includes several activities for sponsors – a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Assembly Member Heath Flora, CA Assembly Member Greg Wallis, CA Assembly Member Ash Kalra, and Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone.
First Tee – Silicon Valley Board of Directors, staff, and program participants, thank you for your commitment and support of our mission to develop the character of youth through the game of golf.
Thank you to all our 2025 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 25th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 100,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
(Ashely Pang Receives Joyce Taylor $5K Scholarship – Published 08/01/2025) The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and $5,000 College Scholarship was presented to long-time FTSV participant Ashley Pang at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2025 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 20th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Thank you to all our 2025 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 25th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 100,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
Ashely was selected for her consistent academic excellence, her exemplary volunteer accomplishments, and for her demonstration of First Tee character and life skills. The purpose of the award is to provide a high school student the financial hope of attending college. Ashely will be attending Pacific University this fall.
The scholarship was initiated by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago and has since then been supported by other supporters and Joyce’s brother, Alan Taylor.
Ashely remarks on her takeaways from FTSV
“Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for what First Tee has given me—not just a deeper understanding of golf, but a clear sense of how I want to lead and be seen by others. Through lessons like identifying what it means to be in the stretch zone, and adopting a growth mindset through challenges, I’ve learned that leadership is about stepping up and embracing the challenges, even when the outcome is uncertain or so far away. I now carry a toolkit of confidence, compassion, and resilience–characteristics of myself that I hope to inspire and share with my surrounding community….my First Tee community will always be supporting me wherever I am.”
Ashely’s Accomplishments
FTSV Participant since 2012 & Volunteer since 2021 Selected by a National Panel to Attend:
The First Tee Leadership Academy in Atlanta
Drive Your Future Academy in San Francisco
High School Golf Team Captain 2021-2024
President’s Volunteer Service Golf Award for 2024
Co-President of her High School’s German Club
1 of 2 Participants at her High School awarded Social Studies Excellence Award
Magna Cum Laude
Speech: Ashely Pang Received Joyce Taylor $5K Scholarship
In additional to the Joyce Taylor Award presentation…
The Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: PG&E, PhRMA, Chevron, Altria, SoCal Edison, Commerce Casino & Hotel, Noteware Government Relations, and Niemela Pappas & Associates. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, the Invitational includes several activities for sponsors – a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Assembly Member Heath Flora, CA Assembly Member Greg Wallis, CA Assembly Member Ash Kalra, and Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone.
First Tee – Silicon Valley Board of Directors, staff, and program participants, thank you for your commitment and support of our mission to develop the character of youth through the game of golf.
Joyce Taylor (1957–2010) was a woman known for her intelligence, warmth, and elegance. She graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Oklahoma (OU) with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. Joyce became a highly successful and respected business woman and community leader with a long career in telecommunications. In 1997, she was promoted to Regional President, Bay Area, and then Senior Vice President, External Affairs-Northern California, AT&T, where she oversaw legislative, governmental and external affairs activities in Northern California.
Joyce worked extensively with Bay Area business and community-based organizations. Her support of the Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo junior golf program was instrumental to its growth and success. In 2005, the program became First Tee — Silicon Valley to develop the character of youth through golf throughout Santa Clara County. Joyce’s support helped to build a solid program that has reached over 81,234 youth since 2005. The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award is given annually to provide financial assistance for college to a participant who has consistently achieved academic excellence and exhibits exceptionally good character.
