Coaching Archives - First Tee

FSTV Trainings for Adult & Junior Coaches

(FSTV Trainings for Adult & Junior Coaches Published 4/2/2026) Each off-season, FTSV hosts a training for our Instructors (paid) and Volunteer Coaches. These trainings take place the weekend before each season begins and offer both new and returning coaches and volunteers alike the opportunity to expand their coaching techniques and grow as leaders within FTSV. Our instructor training usually takes place in the morning, and our volunteer training occurs in the afternoon.

However, this past season we tried a new approach, one where we combined the instructors with the adult volunteers in one training session on Saturday, March 14^th. The goal was to have our coaches meet each other and build new connections. We are fortunate to have over 230 coaches, but when they sign up for a class, they are together with their same small cohort for the 8-week season and often do not get to meet many of our other coaches. This training brought close to 60 of our adult coaches together and created opportunities for them to learn from each other.

The first section of the training highlighted our volunteer coach of the year, Alex Wrobel.

The second section focused on developing conversational skills and how to be effective listeners. The third section focused on how to seamlessly integrate our life skills into activities. The last section was a lunch where everyone spent time connecting.

FTSV is about teaching life skills and positive character through golf. We bring this same philosophy to our coaches. Our quarterly trainings are based on the four main building blocks of First Tee chapters nationwide (Empowering Youth, Mastery Driven, Activity Based, and Continuous Learning) taking a deep dive into each building block. The goal is to give coaches practice with specific coaching techniques that we learn from partner organizations like Positive Coaching Alliance and the Search Institute as well as from other outside research-based sources.

“We are fortunate to have so many great people coaching our youth,” says FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “We hope that trainings like this one provide everyone with feeling like they are a part of something meaningful and big.”

FTSV coaches are the backbone of our program. They are the mentors that guide our participants and help them feel welcomed. We want them to always be learning and feel empowered to help others, which is why we ask our coaches to attend all 4 coach trainings each year. From everyone in the FTSV office, thank you very much to all our amazing coaches!

FSTV Junior Volunteer Coach Training

On March 14^th, FTSV hosted a Junior Volunteer coach training at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The goal was to tailor the training for our high school volunteers by tying in the curriculum from our Ace – Give Back class.

We had over 135 junior volunteers in 2025. Most of them were/are FTSV participants who looked up to their junior coach when they were younger. Now that they are in high school, they are excited that it is their turn to give back and inspire the younger generation.

The training gave coaches various tools to be successful in leading our participants. We focused on professionalism as it relates to body language, tone, and engagement. Then we covered how to go above and beyond in their coach planning and preparation. Lastly, we explored the differences between mentoring and friendship.

“Coaching is about giving back, but it is also a great tool for personal development. We are thrilled to have so many junior coaches on this journey. We could not do what we do without our large team of junior coaches. We hope that coaching is giving them a skill set that will assist them in their future careers.” – FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt.

From everyone in the FTSV office, thank you very much to all our amazing coaches!

To find out more about how to be a FTSV Coach, please click here. Please tell a friend, colleague, or family member that we are looking for positive and dedicated coaches.

Mentor Spotlight: Meet Coach Blake

(Mentor Spotlight: Meet Coach Blake Published 4/2/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome Coach Blake to our team as our newest Program Coordinator. Blake will be coaching at Baylands Golf Links during the week and at Rancho del Pueblo on Saturdays.

Blake graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Public Relations. He has extensive leadership experience in people management and customer service across different industries and is a certified NRPGI Golf Instructor. “I wanted to work for an organization that makes a difference to the younger generation,” says Blake. “I see FTSV as an opportunity to be a positive role model and mentor. Helping kids build confidence and discover their potential is something I find rewarding every day.”

Blake grew up in junior golf programs and played competitive high school golf. As a result, he believes in the importance of programs like FTSV. Since he began working with us in March, he has fully embraced our commitment to life skills and has demonstrated strong leadership skills for our participants and other coaches.

“Coaching with FTSV has given me a new purpose for being a role model to the kids outside of just the game of golf,” says Blake. “I am finding ways to use the life skills in my life everyday as well. It goes to show you ways of living by the motto of ‘practicing what you preach.’”

When asked what FTSV means to him, Blake said, “FTSV means acceptance of who you are as an individual and being in a family-oriented environment. Everyone is welcomed with open arms and no judgment.”

Other than sports, Blake enjoys music, attending live events, and collecting shoes.

Welcome Blake! We are excited to have you on our team!

If you are interested in becoming more involved with FTSV, please visit our website.

FTSV Junior Coach Appreciation Game Night

(FTSV Junior Coach Appreciation Game Night Published 3/16/26) On Saturday, March 7^th FTSV celebrated the commitment of our Junior Volunteer Coaches by bringing them together for an evening of games, food, fun and prizes. Games included a long putt, target chipping, musical chairs, Banana Grams, giant Jenga, giant connect four, and Geoguessr. We are fortunate to have had over 134 Junior Volunteer Coaches in 2025. For many of our Junior Coaches they were, or are, current FTSV participants, who looked up to their own Junior Coaches when they were younger. We couldn’t do what we do without them!

This was the second year FTSV entrusted the planning of the Junior Coach Appreciation event to our Junior Council committee.

Our Junior Council consists of 18-25 high school FTSV participants who meet 3 times each season. They break into 3-4 sub-committees focused on everything from fundraising, marketing, AI app building, and event/tournament coordination. This year was the first year FTSV appointed a Junior Council Sub-Committee Chair and event coordinator. Julia V, who has been a standout participant and Junior Coach for FTSV, took on this role and did an outstanding job.

Julia said…

“Serving as a Chair of the Junior Sub-Council Committee for FTSV by leading the “Junior Appreciation Event” was an incredible hands-on experience. Being trusted to guide my committee in planning an event entirely run by juniors showed me the power of collaboration and leadership. I’m especially grateful for my committee members, whose dedication made the event possible. Creating an event by Junior Coaches, for Junior Coaches made it feel truly like our own engaging celebration. As I pursue college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo majoring in Experience and Event Management, I’ll carry forward FTSV’s “Learn by Doing” mindset that made this opportunity so impactful.”

FTSV is proud of the entire Junior Council Appreciation Committee and their hard work to make this a fun night for all our Junior Coaches. Before the close of the evening, the staff honored one Junior Coach with Junior Volunteer Coach of the Year. This year Alonso J was chosen for his leadership, going above and beyond in all of his duties and classes, and most importantly being a person of high character. Congratulations, Alonso, Julia, our Junior Council and all our junior volunteer coaches. You all make our First Tee chapter so impactful.

If you would like to be a volunteer Junior Coach, visit OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE. If you are a teen and would like to participant in the Junior Council, contact [email protected]. Any high school FTSV participant can join the Junior Council.

Family Clinic at Rancho Del Pueblo

(Family Clinic at Rancho Del Pueblo – Published 2/24/26) Thanks to a generous NCGA REACH grant, FTSV provides affordable, semi-private lessons in addition to our normal classes to a sub-group of participants. The goal is to help more families have access to semi-private lessons and develop a love for the game.

FTSV launched a subsidized, semi-private lesson program in Summer 2024, helping break down the financial barrier that many families face when introducing their children or teens to the game of golf. Only participants who are active FTSV participants that receive financial aid, have participated in at least 2 seasons over the last 2 years, and are in the 3^rd grade or higher are eligible for this program. This spring will be our 8^th season offering these lessons.

To date, we’ve had 53 participants benefit from the FTSV Semi-Private Lesson program. On Saturday, February 21st we celebrated the participants who took the lessons in 2025 by hosting a Family Clinic at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Participants and members of their families came out and received golf instruction and played games on the driving range and practice green. Participants were excited to show their families what they’ve been learning and were eager to watch their family try out some swings.

More than just a day around the practice area, the Family Clinic offered families…

A chance to build bonds together, have friendly competition, and hopefully become inspired to play golf together as a family in the future. At the end of the clinic, we emailed the families a “how-to” guide on playing golf to help them understand golf jargon and with resources to take up the game as a family. This guide included everything from making tee times, to a list of courses, available discounts, and the basics of course etiquette. We also sent them a link to the Youth on Course card, which offers kids and teens discounts on hundreds of golf courses across California.

We hope the families will continue to support their child’s time in FTSV and in golf.

With this kind of encouragement, and the improvements found through private lessons, participants will develop the confidence and ability to improve as golfers, compete on school teams and in tournaments, and pursue opportunities on and off the course. By supporting our community in this way, we believe golf can be a game that families can share together for many years to come.

Thank you to Coach Felix and Coach Rob for teaching the semi-private lessons over the past 2 years. Thank you to the over 30 participants and family members who joined us at the Family Clinic and continue to be long-standing and engaged members of our organization!

To learn more about FTSV’s Financial Aid program and the Semi-Private Lessons, please contact [email protected], or call 408-508-4884.

FTSV Coach Spotlight: Kathy Hausler

(FTSV Coach Spotlight: Kathy Hausler – Published 2/6/26) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) owes so much of our success to our many wonderful Coaches who are the backbone of our life skill and golf skill programs. This month’s Spotlight highlights one of our standout coaches, Kathy Hausler. Kathy began coaching with us in 2022 and has amassed over 260 volunteer hours. She coaches most of our (4) 8-week seasons year in and year out. Most importantly, she leads by example and positively connects with, and cares for our participants.

Why FTSV is important to her

“Organizations like FTSV are really important to communities,” says Kathy. “The life skills we teach at FTSV help to support what the kids learn at home and at school. The golf experience allows the kids to learn something new or practice what they already know. And, helping them be successful and enjoy the sport can give them more confidence in other sports and interests.”

What she has gained through coaching

“I have appreciated the opportunity to coach, and I think it’s helped me improve my teaching and overall communication skills.”

What her fellow coaches have said about Kathy

“Kathy is an incredible coach. She brings flexibility towards and genuine care for our participants. She is always prepared and makes proper adjustments to the activities to meet each kid’s skill level and engagement. We are so lucky to have her!” – First Tee 2024 Coach of the Year, Manny Gallardo

“Coach Kathy was one of the first coaches I got to learn from when I started with First Tee – Silicon Valley,” says FTSV Program Coordinator, Tanner Riley. “Learning alongside her was invaluable; she has a gift for seamlessly connecting life skills with golf skills in a way that truly sticks with our participants.”

In addition to coaching with us, Kathy coached softball and basketball, volunteered at the Sunnyvale library, at Meals on Wheels, and was a teachers aid.

Thank you, Kathy, for your life-long commitment to giving back to others and making this world a better place!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved with FTSV, click here for our Board page and click here for our Volunteer page. Join people like Kathy who want to make a difference in the lives of youth in our community!

Become a Volunteer Coach—Make an Impact That Lasts

(Become a Volunteer Coach—Make an Impact That Lasts – Published 2/5/2026) We are actively recruiting Volunteer Coaches to join First Tee – Silicon Valley for our Spring and Summer 2026 season. We’d love to have you on the course with us.

The spring season runs from March 17^th to May 9^th and the summer season runs from June 9th through August 8th, with a break from June 30 – July 4 for the Fourth of July holiday week. On-boarding is already underway and must be completed by the end of February for the spring, and by mid-May for the summer, so now is the time to take the first step.

Start Your Journey Now!

As an FTSV Volunteer Coach, you’ll work alongside a team of supportive coaches to deliver our structured life and golf skills curriculum to youth ages 7–17. No prior coaching experience is required—we provide all the training. What matters most is your willingness to mentor, encourage, and model the values that help young people grow both on and off the course.

Your impact goes far beyond golf. Our coaches help participants build character, confidence, and a process-focused mindset that prepares them for challenges in school, relationships, and life.

Volunteering with FTSV also benefits you. Throughout the season, coaches:

Develop leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
Learn research-backed coaching strategies
Receive feedback and support from experienced staff
Participate in a dedicated pre-season coach training
Become part of a fun and caring coach community

You’ll never coach alone. Every class includes multiple coaches, and collaboration is central to our culture—just as it is in the lessons we teach our participants. We believe in learning together, supporting one another, and continually growing as a team.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, grow personally, and be part of a positive, mission-driven community, this is your invitation.

👉 Visit our volunteer page to apply today.

We can’t wait to welcome you—and see you on the course. 🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️

National Mentor Month – Be a Coach… Be a Mentor

(National Mentor Month – Be a Coach… Be a Mentor Published 01/16/2026) January is National Mentor Month with #ThankYouMentorDay on January 21^st. Mentorship underlies everything we do here at First Tee – Silicon Valley. For the past 25 years, our coaches have been making a difference in the lives of kids and teens, helping them integrate life skills into their lives and be amazing people.

Thank you to the incredible mentors who are the FTSV family! This past year we had 215 volunteer mentor coaches delivering over 9,500 hours of their time. Your hard work, care and dedication are what make all the difference!

This past year, we’ve featured some of our outstanding mentors and coaches. Here is what they are saying about why they chose to mentor youth.

Meet Austin

Austin graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo majoring in Sports Management from the Department of Recreation Parks, and Tourism industry. He has previous experience as a Program Coordinator and Youth Soccer League Director. Austin says, “I’m determined to build communities and influence the culture within them in order to create positive and unforgettable experiences that help people be their best.”

Sports have played a big role in Austin’s life and he fully believes in the power that sports has to make a positive difference. “There are so many role models in sports. Sports are full of metaphors for life, full of adversity and triumph. You have to learn how to be humble and respectful of others when you succeed, and how to shake things off and learn when things get hard. It’s a great place to practice one’s individual development, while also working with others either in competition or on a team.”

Meet Ysabelle

Ysabelle Lam started with FTSV in 2023. She began working with our participants at Baylands Golf Links and coaches with us every season. In her classes she successfully bonds with students over shared interests like art, gaming, and travel. Ysabelle knows how to break the ice, an important step to building a positive, trusting relationship that allows our coaches to effectively deliver our life skills curriculum in a safe, fun environment.

“When I started at First Tee – Silicon Valley, I was still in my first year of learning golf. My personal golf journey was extremely frustrating at times, so it became a great way for me to grow my character as well. I love using golf to teach life skills, because if you can stay respectful, confident, and truly persevere through an off day in golf, it prepares you to face and conquer challenging times in any aspect of life.”

Meet Sean

Sean graduated from California State University of Fresno where he majored in Communication and played on the football team. When he graduated, he became an NCAA Football Recruiting Lead and Weight Strength Coach, where he led fitness and weight training for over 150 athletes and where his joy for coaching developed. “I enjoy coaching because it allows me to see others succeed, foster deep connections, and help others grow and unlock their potential.”

Now he is excited to be part of “a unique opportunity to learn from participants, gain new perspectives on the human experience, and make a profound difference in people’s lives. This is a mission-driven career that offers the satisfaction of helping others and gaining new skills in the process.” Sean believes the most valuable lesson he can teach kids & teens in the program is “to love and respect yourself. Life is not coming at you; it comes from you.”

If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, working as a mentor and making a difference in your community, visit our VOLUNTEER PAGE to learn more. No golf experience necessary. Everyone has life experience! Hope to see you out on the course.

Mentor Spotlight: Thank You Judy Deaton

(Mentor Spotlight: Thank You Judy Deaton Published 01/15/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) has positively impacted over 100,000 kids and teens throughout our 25-year history. That success is largely built on the passion, hard work, and commitment of our hundreds of mentors and staff. For this month’s Mentor Spotlight, we feature and thank Judy Deaton for her 8 impactful and influential years of FTSV leadership.

Judy Deaton came to First Tee – Silicon Valley in 2017 from the ever-fluctuating radio advertising world and became FTSV’s Development Director. At the time, FTSV needed to secure and sustain significantly more funding to support the high demand for our programs. Simply, we needed more money to help more kids and teens. Judy dove right in and fully owned FTSV’s fundraising efforts in partnership with our Board of Directors and Ambassadors. Her leadership and hard work helped FTSV grow to a whole new level financially. As a result, FTSV now serves thousands more participants.

Judy is retiring at the end of the month but will continue to be a mentor to FTSV Youth as an instructor at Rancho del Pueblo in San Jose and at Gavilan Golf Course in Gilroy. She also plans to continue advocating for FTSV as a Board Ambassador by being the main point person for the Caddy Club Majors in the Spring and FTSV partnership with the KRTY Writer’s Cup Tournament in the Fall.

What we’re saying about Judy?

“I cannot emphasize enough how important Judy has been to FTSV and our staff these eight years. As Development Director, she built a successful development infrastructure that has enable us to grow our revenues significantly. As a member of FTSV’s management team along with me and Chris, our Program Director, she was a valued thought partner and grounding force with our entire staff. Personally, she tirelessly advocated for our kids and teens, supported our character-building mission, and drove many of our key business processes to success. We are grateful to Judy for her many contributions to FTSV!” – George Maxe, President & CEO, FTSV

“Judy’s passion towards helping others is contagious and we are better at our jobs because of her. I respect her dedication to going above and beyond and her ability to rally teams around challenging initiatives. She is professional, motivating, and caring, all qualities that have made her successful as a Development Director and as a coach. I’m so glad she has been on our team and I’m looking forward to her continuing to coach and lead our youth.” – Chris Moreno-Hunt, FTSV Program Director

“I thank Judy for her dedication, heart and professionalism she’s poured into First Tee – Silicon Valley. Her leadership in development has strengthened our organization and opened doors for countless young people. Judy’s impact will be felt for years to come, and we are truly grateful for all she has built. I wish her joy, health and fulfillment in her retirement.” – Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr., Board Chair, FTSV

“I’ve walked alongside Judy through different chapters of my professional life—from our time in radio advertising to her role as a mentor, coach, and development director at First Tee – Silicon Valley. Her passion, empathy, and ability to truly listen make her an extraordinary leader. Judy has a way of seeing people, encouraging them, and helping them believe in their own potential. She is directly responsible for helping shape my career, and I’m proud to call her a mentor I never anticipated finding later in life. I’m thankful that she will continue her work at FTSV, guiding and mentoring kids with the same generosity and heart she has always shown me.” – Nicole Woodson, FTSV Marketing

Thank you, Judy, for your many years of mentoring, advocating and hard work!

If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, working as a mentor and making a difference in your community like Judy has, please visit our VOLUNTEER PAGE to learn more. No golf experience necessary. Everyone has life experience! Hope to see you out on the course.

Mentor Spotlight: Meet Coach Sean

(Mentor Spotlight: Meet Coach Sean Published 12/5/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome Coach Sean to our team as our newest Program Coordinator. Sean will be coaching at Baylands Golf Links during the week and at Rancho del Pueblo on Saturdays.

He applied the same coaching principles in his other roles as a Senior Recruiter and a Project Manager. His love for golf came ten years after his football career ended, and he pursued this love by becoming a Callaway Custom Fitter for Callaway Golf.

Other than sports, Sean spends his free time fishing, painting, listening to music and enjoying an outdoor lifestyle.

If you are interested in becoming more involved with FTSV, please visit our website.

FTSV Appreciates Our Coaches

(FTSV Appreciates Our Coaches Punished: 11/13/2025) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) held a coach appreciation event on Saturday, November 8^th, with games, prizes, and dinner.

The event brought together adult coaches from our three program locations – Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, and Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy. The night was a great and fun bonding/celebratory event. Games were played, raffle prizes were awarded, and food and drinks were provided throughout. More importantly it was a great to have everyone together, strengthening our coaching community. We have around 250 coaches (volunteer and paid). With how big our territory is, it is important for us to bring our coaches together – whether that is through our quarterly trainings or big celebratory events like this one.

“We are HUGELY thankful for all of our coaches, who give back to kids and teens with their time and their wisdom from life experiences. They are the connectors between the kids and teens and all our life skills curriculum, so their role is critically important. Then, when we multiply this by our high number of coaches, we increase the chances that all our participants will benefit from high-quality mentoring. Thank you, Coaches!” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO.

Being a coach in First Tee – Silicon Valley is an incredibly impactful thing to do.

Character building is a long-game, a never-ending process, that is developed through mentorship and experiences. Simply by spending their time coaching and guiding others, our coaches are changing lives for the better.

The world is always in need of high character individuals, and being a coach provides the opportunity to help build high character leaders for the future.

Additionally, not only are coaches impacting others, they are building a community for themselves full of hard working, kind, growth-minded people who want to spend their free time doing something for others.

Interested in becoming a coach? Please visit our VOLUNTEER PAGE.

No golf experience necessary!