(First Tee North Coast and First Tee Silicon Valley honor Kyle Winn – Published 8/25/2026) First Tee – North Coast recently lost a beloved member of its team. Kyle Winn, the chapter’s Event and Program Coordinator, passed away suddenly, leaving behind a grieving staff, a heartbroken community, and — with painful timing — just seven weeks until North Coast’s biggest fundraising event of the year, set to tee off at Foxtail Golf Club in Rohnert Park.
Kyle was the person who was the driving force for FTNC’s programs and events, the kind of force whose absence is felt in every detail of an organization, especially in the run-up to its most important day of the year. FTSV extends its deepest condolences to the FTNC staff, board, volunteers, and families who knew and relied on Kyle, and to everyone still processing this loss. Nothing in the weeks that followed changes that grief — it simply shows what a community can do to hold each other up inside it.
Reaching Out
Austin Westly, who made a big contribution to our chapter as a FTSV Program Coordinator, moved north and joined the First Tee – North Coast team this past spring. Austin reached out to us after Kyle passed to share the sad news and for FTSV and George Maxe, our President & CEO, to be a sounding board. We have been happy to support North Coast’s leadership on the organizational side of crisis response. We know that they would have done the same for us and that’s what makes the First Tee network special.
Kyle always made himself available to offer advice. At chapter network events he was approachable, a great listener and was eager to collaborate. He was a great person with high character, a true representation of First Tee values. He like all First Tee chapter leaders compete for nothing and show up for everything, connected by the same mission and, in moments like this, by genuine friendship.
FTNC Golf Tournament
On July 31st, FTNC put on their great golf tournament at Foxtail. FTSV’s Nicole Woodson and Beth Williams attended and assisted with the event at Rohnert Park, helping with morning set-up and having a brief sit-down with FTNC’s management team about what could come next — not just for this event, but for the chapter moving forward.
The tournament at Foxtail was a big success, built on FTNC’s own resilience. Their team did a fantastic job and would have made Kyle proud. Lorez Bailey remarked, “Our Divots for Diversity & Inclusion Golf Tournament was more than a successful fundraiser, it was a heartfelt celebration of Kyle Winn’s life, leadership, and lasting impact on First Tee – North Coast. Together, our community honored his legacy while raising over $75,000 to ensure the opportunities he cared so deeply about continue for the next generation.” Lorez continued, “some moments are bigger than golf. This year’s Divots for Diversity & Inclusion Golf Tournament became a heartfelt tribute to Kyle Winn as we welcomed his family and honored the profound impact he had on First Tee – North Coast. The outpouring of love and support from our community was a meaningful reflection of the countless lives Kyle touched and the legacy he leaves behind.”
More Than a Network — A Family
First Tee is built on chapters that operate independently, each rooted in its own community. But events like this are a reminder that independence doesn’t mean isolation.
“When George approached me about the situation with First Tee – North Coast’s event, and that he wanted our FTSV team to help Austin’s team, I was heartbroken for them and wanted to help in any way possible, whether that included talking about the event or being an open ear to listen to their grief. Now, I look forward to helping them whenever they need the advice in the future.” – Nicole Woodson, FTSV Marketing & Events Coordinator
“My heart goes out to Kyle’s family, friends and former colleagues. He leaves a big void for First Tee – North Coast, but also the First Tee network. I am very pleased that FTNC’s tournament in wake of Kyle’s passing was such a success. First Tee – Silicon Valley is proud to have had the opportunity to help out. We will continue to be supportive of FTNC.” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO.
