(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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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 Board & Coach Spotlight: Ron Hallagan – Published 10/27/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) owes so much of our success to our many wonderful Board Directors, Ambassadors, and Coaches who are the backbone of our youth golf programs. This month’s Spotlight highlights one of our standout Board Ambassadors and Coaches, Ron Hallagan. Over the last 15 years, Ron has given his time, talent and treasure for FTSV – all in the spirit of joy and gratitude.
When asked why he has been so committed to helping FTSV Ron said,
What I am grateful for are people like Victor, George, Judy, Chris and Manny and so many more. Their commitment and loyalty to First Tee has inspired me to want to do more. My relationship with First Tee has been such a Blessing!”
Ron is truly an amazing hands-on volunteer that we wish we could clone.
During Ron’s volunteer service he has worn several different hats, many simultaneously – Board Director (2011-2022), Secretary/Officer (2014-2022), Board Ambassador (2023-Current), Coach, Strategic Thought Partner, School Program Advocate, Engaged Annual Fundraiser, Personal Major Donor, and FT Trustee.
Ron has generously given hundreds of hours a year of his time to FTSV, but he has given much more than his time. He has provided FTSV with the same consulting services he provided his clients at EY for 33 years. Ron understands our business on all levels, so he is a tremendous resource, including when we established our new 501(c)3 in 2014.
Ron is definitely on our Go-To Team!
Commitment to Staff – George Maxe, President & CEO
Ron is an “attached processor,” as folks like to say here in Silicon Valley, as a trusted advisor and focused encourager. He has a wealth of management expertise from spending his entire career with EY as a business consultant that he shares in a respectful and professional way. First and foremost, he appreciates the dedication and hard work of staff who ultimately must run our business day in and day out. Ron collaborates with me as CEO providing thoughtful input and helping hands when the job simply needs time and energy to get done – always with healthy boundaries including even when he was one of our long-time Board Officers. At the same time, Ron is a cheerleader for FTSV as a whole as well as for our individual staff. He clearly believes in our cause to mentor youth, build character, instill a sense of service, treat everyone with respect, and lend a helping hand. It’s common to receive a text, call, email or in-person side comment from Ron that is an energizing boost. Ron is one of the most generous and gratitude-filled individuals who I have ever known. His commitment to me and our staff has been priceless.
Commitment to Mission – Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. – Chairman of Board
During Ron’s tenure as FTSV Executive Board Director and Ambassador, he has continued to embrace the values of First Tee by developing strategic plans, providing personal financial resources, and has increased outreach and support for programs that target marginalized communities. Ron’s engaging personality and work ethic has made a positive impact on program participants, board, staff, and volunteers to raise their game in our chapters efforts to transform lives and giving kids and teens a brighter future.
Commitment to Fundraising – Judy Deaton – Development Director
Ron is a highly engaged Board Member always checking in to ensure that we reach our revenue budget. He develops a personal plan to reach both his goals. Ron puts in the time to send personalized solicitations to connect his network to stories about our participants/chapter and invites his network to attend our events. I have served as the Development Director since September 2017 and Ron has been my strategic partner for our annual development goals and plan no matter his role on the board. Fundraising doesn’t feel like sales to Ron, because he believes in our mission and truly cares about the welfare and sustainability of our chapter. He is a role model for our other board members setting the bar on how they can champion our fundraising efforts.
Commitment to Participants – Chris Moreno Hunt – Program Director
Ron has a passion for youth development and believes in the power of mentoring. He has been an exemplary role model to the students he coaches and to the coaches he works with.
Ron goes above and beyond in his coaching duties. When we coached ALR (Ask-Listen-Respond) he came up with a conversation game for those waiting in line, which incorporated ALR and improved team dynamics. He is a critical thinker who always provides great alternatives to games, and suggestions for how we can better communicate our life skills or incorporate them into the games. He knows how to adapt his coaching to fit the needs of each participant and is eager to learn from his fellow coaches.
Lastly, he coaches with passion and enthusiasm, which rubs off on those around him. I can tell he loves to coach and make connections. Recently, he helped us at a community day where we had over 500 families at our golf course playing games. It can be a hectic experience as many are first time golfers. Ron not only taught the families and kept it safe, but also made sure everyone was included by checking in and having conversations with each family at his station. He is able to connect with everyone, and makes learning fun. We are so lucky to have him as a coach.
His contributions to our classes go beyond coaching. He led the launch of our school program with San Jose Catholic Schools, created a partnership with Cristo Rey High School where students were bused to the golf course for our classes, mentored our teens at our Ace-Career Classes, and funded FT’s Make Your Mark Scholarship Awards. As of today, two of our participants have won the scholarship made available by Ron. Thank you Ron!
(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.
(Mentor Spotlight: Meet Coach Austin) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome Coach Austin to our team as our newest Program Coordinator. Austin will be coaching at Baylands Golf Links during the week as well as Rancho del Pueblo on Saturdays.
Originally from Santa Rosa, Coach Austin grew up playing golf in high school, where he fell in love with the game. “I really like the individual aspect of it; it’s you against the course. You have to navigate the environment while also navigating your own internal environment, and that’s really cool to me.”
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.”
Other than sports, Austin spends his free time being outdoors with his girlfriend and his dog, Otto, and also plays the guitar. He has played since he was 14 and used to perform at open mics back in Santa Rosa. His favorite musician is Jack Johnson. Like FTSV and Coach Austin, we are all better together!
If you are interested in becoming more involved with FTSV, please visit our website.
(Mentor Spotlight: National Mentor Month) Mentorship is the most important part of First Tee – Silicon Valley. For the past 25 years, our coaches have been making a difference in the lives of kids, helping them to learn important life skills and become amazing people. Thank you to the incredible mentors who are the FTSV family. This past year we had over 200 volunteer mentor coaches. Your hard work, care and dedication are what make all the difference!
Let’s meet some of the longtime mentors at FTSV….
Coach John has been coaching for almost 10 years, passing on what he learned as a participant to the next generation of FTSV participants. “As a former participant, it feels like I get to give back what I was taught, just like coaches did for me years ago. Specifically, a lesson that really stuck with me was about dealing with conflicts. Instead of a “I am always right” mentality, FTSV coaches taught me how to work with others to resolve an issue and find win – win solutions using the CARE model.”
CARE = Communicate, Actively Listen, Review Options, End with a Win-Win
For Coach John, it’s the people that make FTSV so special. “FTSV has developed a really good community of people, including the coaches, volunteers and full-time staff. The people are what makes you want to keep coming back. I get to work alongside people who really care about what we do and mentoring kids, and it makes even the challenging days fun and rewarding.”
Coach Tracy started volunteering with FTSV in 2019. As a former Division 1 college golfer and LPGA player, Coach Tracy has plenty of elite golf experience, making her an incredible asset to FTSV. “First Tee – Silicon Valley means that I can share my lifelong passion for golf with the upcoming generation of golfers,” says Tracy. “And while it’s great to see their golf skills improve over the season, it’s even more rewarding to help them learn and apply the life skills in their daily lives.” Coach Tracy is fantastic at turning golf instruction into memorable life lessons, helping participants to thrive both on and off the golf course. On top of coaching with FTSV, Coach Tracy is currently the Mountain View High School girls’ golf coach, and the team took the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division title this year. Congrats Coach Tracy and the Mountain View High School girls!
Since 2017, Coach Jeffy, who has had two of his children in FTSV, has been working with FTSV to make a positive impact in the lives of young people. With clear expectations and thoughtful questions, Jeffy helps our high schoolers think about their goals, make effective plans, and learn how to effectively communicate with peers and in the workplace. He contributes to the positive, supportive environment that exists within FTSV. He’s a living example of what a mentor should be.
“There are parents that think we need to just teach kids golf, but all of our Life Skill behaviors/tips are things that should start at home; FTSV coaches just reinforce them. I encourage parents, if they aren’t going to volunteer, to please be involved in what we are trying to help their kids learn. It’s going to be that much more effective if you can talk with your kids at home about what they are working on in class and help continue that learning.”
Join us!
If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, working as a mentor and making a difference in your community, please visit our website to learn more, or fill out this form to get started. No golf experience necessary. Training is provided. Everyone has life experience! Hope to see you out on the course.
Coach Spotlight: John Spadafore has been involved with First Tee – Silicon Valley since 2009 when he started as a participant. He took classes through 2014, began volunteering as a coach, and then quickly transitioned into paid instructor. Because of his experience as a child in the program, Coach John has a personal connection with the curriculum. It makes what he does as a coach just that much more special.
“As a former participant, it feels like I get to give back what I was taught, just like coaches did for me years ago. Specifically, a lesson that really stuck with me was about dealing with conflicts. Instead of a “I am always right” mentality, First Tee coaches taught me how to work with others to resolve an issue and find win – win solutions using the CARE* model.”
*CARE = Communicate, Actively Listen, Review Options, End with a Win-Win
One of the most special parts of First Tee is the collaboration that happens on all levels of the program. From kids supporting one another to coaches working together to come up with new and fun ways to deliver class, this entire program is built on collaboration and teamwork. For Coach John, the community of First Tee coaches is one of the main reasons that he wants to come back season after season.
“FTSV has developed a really good community of people, including the coaches, volunteers and full-time staff. The people are what makes you want to keep coming back. I get to work alongside people who really care about what we do and mentoring kids, and it makes even the challenging days fun and rewarding.”
Thank you so much to Coach John for everything he has done for First Tee – Silicon Valley! We truly are lucky to have him.
If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, working as a mentor and making a difference in your community, please visit our website to learn more, or fill out this form to get started. No golf experience necessary, everyone has life experience! Hope to see you out on the course.
In this month’s coach spotlight, we highlight Joe Stuban.
Easy doesn’t change you. For one to grow, there needs to be a challenge to push the change. This is true of our participants, and it is also true of our coaches. Program Coordinator Joe Stuban faced a unique business situation and shared his experience growing through challenges.
Coach Joe began as a participant in First Tee – Silicon Valley and returned as a part time coach before finally becoming a Program Coordinator. He coaches all age levels, including most of the 9th-12th grade sessions. When he isn’t on the course, you can find Coach Joe in the office, hard at work coordinating the School Program, among other things. This outreach partner program is important to FTSV as it shares the Life Skill curriculum with large numbers of students at their school, introducing them to our organization and the wonderful game of golf.
Challenge Accepted!
In 2019, FTSV engaged 19 schools to take part in our School Program, but in 2020 the growing School Program came to a screeching halt due to COVID. Schools closed down and many of the school staff that we developed a partnership with left, leaving uncertainty about future collaboration with us. On top of those concerns, the school curriculum had to be adapted to accommodate the changing landscape, including safety protocols. Challenge is where one pushes themself to grow, to learn from mistakes, and to adapt, and that is what Coach Joe set out to do.
Coach Joe shared some of the ways that he feels he grew during this transformational time.
“I learned a lot about myself during this time – how to make adjustments, and how to see progression as a journey and not a straight line. I learned how to be more organized, something that was absolutely necessary during this transition. I learned how to collaboratively communicate with school staff of all levels and picked up new skills in project management, communication, facilitation and delegation During this time, I worked harder than I had ever worked before, determined to turn a challenge into success. What started out as an intimidating, looming challenge ended up being the perfect fuel, just what I needed to push me to be my best self, to rise to the occasion.”
Growing through Challenges
At First Tee – Silicon Valley, the participants are taught how challenge is necessary for growth. We teach tips regarding how to show perseverance, how to see adversity as informative and an opportunity to learn, and how to learn from others. Having the proper positive perspective is necessary to not just overcome a challenge, but to improve from it. These life skill tips are critical for the development of youth, and is just as important as someone gets older. Coach Joe is a testament to how we can make positive outcomes through challenges. By addressing a business challenge – and growing personally in the process – the First Tee – Silicon Valley School Program is in a better place. We now have over 25 schools with strengthening partnerships!
Thanks Coach Joe!
Join our team, learn/develop coaching skills, make a difference in the youth, and give back to the community! Please help us spread the word. The more positive and dedicated coaches, the better the program, and the more impactful it is for our youth.
Read More about becoming a coach and mentor. Download the volunteer brochure HERE.
This month’s Coach Spotlight: Meet Coach Ronna! We are so grateful to have Ronna on our team. She has been a volunteer coach with us since the summer of 2021 and has coached just about every season. Before FTSV she volunteered for St Christopher Catholic School as a tutor for 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 8th graders. She also volunteered for Bay Areas Women’s Sports Initiative where she taught girls life lessons through physical activity. She is an avid golfer, so FTSV is a great fit.
“Has been a great attribute to the first tee!” Says Coach Kyle, about Ronna. “Her positive attitude and demeanor keeps her classes fun and engaging. She demonstrates great leadership skills. If any complications or concerns come up, Ronna is the first one to jump into action. We can’t thank her enough for the years of dedication and support.”
“I enjoy being out there with the kids,” says Ronna, “and tying in golf and life skills while finding ways to utilize them away from the golf course. My goal is to help build trusting relationships so I can help participants build their go-to-team.”
Ronna has been fantastic with the participants,” said Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “She meets the students where they are, brings people together, and builds their confidence. Her lead coaches We are grateful to have her as a coach!”
Help Make an Impact through Volunteering!
First Tee — Silicon Valley is looking for high quality, caring people like Ronna that are interested in showing up and guiding others, so they become even better people and leaders of tomorrow. Our volunteer coaches work together to teach our Life and Golf Skill curriculum by finding and using coachable moments and by making the sessions fun and engaging.
Click here for our volunteer tri-fold for more information.
Click here to view our video and hear from our coaches and participants
What if I am not an expert coach or golfer?
Our coaches come from all walks of life with different life and golf experiences. We provide life and golf skill training as well training on coach strategies, techniques, and on our coach philosophy. Our goal is to make sure every coach feels supported. Additionally, we have created lesson plans to help everyone work together and support one another in the content and delivery. There will always be a paid, lead coach for each class coordinating the group of coaches.
What is the time requirement?
Volunteer coaches can choose from several class options by location, day of the week, and time.
Time commitment is 2.5 hours a day, once a week for an 8-week season. The 2.5 hours include a 30-minute pre-class meeting, 1.5-hour class, and a 30-minute post-class debrief.
Join our team, learn/develop coaching skills, make a difference in the youth, and give back to the community! Please help us spread the word. The more positive and dedicated coaches, the better the program, and the more impactful it is for our youth.
