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Participant Spotlight: Walton Li

(Participant Spotlight: Walton Li – Published 10/03/25) This month’s spotlight is on Walton Li, an FTSV participant since the age of 7, and now a volunteer coach, founder of a non-profit golf teaching program, and aspiring pediatrician. Walton is an exceptional member of FTSV, someone who embodies each and every one of our life skills and always seeks to serve his community. Walton took the time to sit down for an interview for this month’s spotlight:

What is your FTSV story? How long have you been a participant and volunteer?

“I joined the First Tee as a participant when I was 7 years old. One of my most vivid memories as a student was a coach pointing out my knack for choosing the right club. That short yet powerful compliment not only gave me confidence but also made me realize golf wasn’t just about power. Instead, it was about strategy, problem-solving, and patience. What started as just another sport to try eventually became a passion. First Tee laid the foundation for my love of the game. Now, as an FTSV volunteer coach, I am proud to be part of what shaped me, and am excited to pass on that same joy, confidence, and passion to the next generation of golfers. To date, I have been volunteering with the First Tee for three and a half years and have contributed around 450 hours during that time. Volunteering has become an essential part of my life, not only because I get to practice talking to the people I mentor, but also because it is a form of therapy for me. Being in high school has been stressful, but the thought of coaching and teaching my students golf and life skills every Saturday is something I look forward to and channel positive energy towards. In addition, the coaching staff at FTSV is a community I cannot find anywhere else in my life. The people I work with are some of the most supportive people I have ever met, and enable me to constantly improve myself, not only in golf, but also in my life. Finding myself coaching for an organization that gave me the gift of golf is a full circle moment that I find fascinating, and I hope other participants can experience the same.“

Tell us more about the non-profit work that you do outside of FTSV.

“Outside of FTSV, I’ve created Follow Through Golf, the first golf teaching program in NorCal that specializes in those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I noticed that some participants with autism struggle if they are in a setting that isn’t suitable for their needs. This inspired me to build a more adaptive and specialized environment where they could learn at their own pace, gain confidence, and feel included. After receiving certification through the Ernie Els GameON Autism Golf Foundation as a golf instructor, I began teaching 5 students then later expanded it to 27. Moving lessons to miniature golf courses, I discovered how a calmer, creative environment could reduce stress and help students thrive. This experience has been meaningful because I’ve seen kids not only learn technical skills but also recognize their own capabilities. Seeing them overcome challenges that they initially faced has taught me that progress comes from adaptation and inclusive systems. In addition, it further reinforced my desire to become a pediatrician in the future, providing meaningful care for adolescents.”

You recently played in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Tell us about that experience and what you learned.

“The PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach was, to me, a reminder of how far I had come through the game. Meeting and playing with amateurs and senior professionals showed me the importance of building relationships and learning from other people. On the first tournament day, I was playing with my pro John Senden, as well as amateurs MD Manouel and Sanjeev Mehra. As I got to know each of them well and learned about their experiences, I realized that everyone in our tee-time was someone that had made a difference by initiating and founding. Senden had founded PlayYellow, an organization that raises money for kids with cancer by tying in golf. For example, they do a massive fundraiser with TopGolf every year and donate all proceeds to children’ s hospitals. Manouel had owned an insurance company, and Mehra founded Periphas Capital. Meeting these people who had all started something just like me but had brought their initiatives to a massively successful scale was eye-opening, because I was able to get so much insight out of them, and was able to hear the process it took to get to where they are now. Another really life-changing experience was hearing that Senden was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. As someone who has done extensive work with helping children overcome obstacles of their own, seeing someone like Senden perform so well at Pebble Beach despite a motor impairment showed me that it was possible to overcome challenges. To me, he is a role model of what it means to truly love a sport. He adapts to a challenge and shows up to a tournament to support the next generation of golfers.”

How has what you learned through First Tee helped you in other areas of life?

“Because of FTSV, I learned that growth is not something that stops once you think you’ve “figured yourself out.” Instead, it really is something that continues as long as challenges keep coming your way, and you find ways to improve yourself. When I first joined FTSV as a volunteer coach, I had believed that I had no room left to grow, but my experiences at FTSV showed me how much I had to learn. With the guidance of coaches like Coach Joe Stuban (awesome guy), I began to grow as a coach, leader, and mentor. Using perseverance, confidence, and adaptability, I am changing the lives of others with the work I do. In addition to the First Tee students upon whom I impart skills and values, I also educate hundreds on the importance of HBV vaccinations, speak to classrooms full of students on the dangers of e-cigarettes, and extend golf learning to those in California who suffer from ASD. What makes FTSV remarkable in my eyes is the fact that you can learn, no matter how or where you are involved. Whether I was a student, coach, or a player sent to PURE, I found potential for growth and grew exponentially. These lessons have shaped me into someone who aspires to be a pediatrician, helping young people reach their potential, just like FTSV did for me.”

Do you have any advice for participants to help them get the most out of their experience here?

“My advice for participants is to not be afraid of standing out. It’s natural to want to fit in, but the moments that grow you are the ones where you are yourself. Whether you’re raising your hand or asking for an opportunity, standing out is what makes someone a leader.“

Walton’s work with FTSV, Follow Through Golf, and everything else he’s involved in is nothing short of inspiring. Him sticking with the game of golf up, embracing the values of FTSV, dedicating himself to them every day, and choosing to give back has led to many successes and personal fulfillment, and is a lesson to us all. Everyone at FTSV is proud to feature you in this spotlight article, Walton. Keep up the amazing work!

If your child is interested in golf or looking for a new extracurricular activity where they can learn, grow, and become part of something bigger than themself, consider enrolling them in FTSV programming. There are tons of opportunities for important early development for younger students, and equally as many for leadership and growth for middle and high schoolers. Visit our YOUTH PROGRAMS page for more information.

FTSV & Acer – Leadership & Golf Clinic @ Stanford

(FTSV & Acer – Leadership & Golf Clinic @ Stanford – Published: 10/02/25) On Friday 9/19, Acer partnered with First Tee – Silicon Valley to bring a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to 40 FTSV middle school girls hosted at Stanford University.

The mission for the “Build Your Leadership Journey” event/clinic presented by Acer was to empower the next generation through sport, providing leadership curriculum, golf instruction and successful professional role models to the 40 girls.

The morning half of the event was facilitated by Maria Horning, Vice President for Leadership Development at Legatum Foundation. She began by leading a section on the following with the help of group facilitators made up of female executives and leaders, several of which were FTSV coaches!

1. Leading yourself

Knowing your strengths
Building self-belief (4-step process)
Growing through what you love

2. Loving the Journey

Setting goals (process goals & sphere of control)
Developing grit
Being kind to yourself along the way

3. Leading Together

Building belonging
Contributing positively
Making a positive difference

Later that morning the girls then had a Q&A session with a stellar executive female leadership panel. Click here to read the bio of the female leaders and the group facilitators.

After lunch the group moved to Stanford’s Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex. Here the Stanford Women’s Golf Team helped lead golf clinic stations. Once the golf clinic was over, the girls had a Q&A/autograph session with the team.

Last but not least, Acer’s Vice President of Marketing, Richard Black, surprised the girls with Acer laptop workbooks that they got to take home! Needless to say, the girls were over the moon excited.

We can’t thank the following people enough for making this event happen and for including our FTSV participants in this transformational opportunity.

Jennifer Brien

Nicole Lee

Maria Horning

Kyle Gode

Matt Siert

Richard Black

A big thank you also goes out to our FTSV coaches/chaperones/group facilitators – April Kenyon, Tracy Cone, Tiffany Sparks, Ysabelle Lam, Andrea Brenholz, and Angelina Huang.

In the training, Maria quoted the following African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” To this point, the girls all wrote letters of inspiration to younger FTSV girls. Hopefully their messages will inspire, lift others up, and give others a sense of comfort that they are not alone.

For more information about these opportunities and more, visit Our Opportunities page.

FTSV Benefits from the 5th Annual Fund the Kids Tournament

(FTSV Benefits from the 5^th Annual Fund the Kids Tournament – Published 10/2/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) benefits from the 5^th Annual Fund the Kids tournament sponsored by Jacobs. On Saturday, September 27^th, Jacobs hosted 72 golfers at Gilroy Golf Course as they played 18 holes and on-course games, like Cornhole and Connect Four. This tournament was also a special Memorial Tournament Honoring Saeid Vaziry, an Environmental Programs Manager for the City of Gilroy. Saeid’s family was on-hand during the tournament to volunteer and play in a foursome. Players were then treated to lunch, raffle and an inspirational speech from FTSV teen participant and volunteer coach, Julia Villa.

Julia shared her journey with First Tee – Silicon Valley and how their inclusive, family-like community helped her feel like she belonged as a latina woman, instilled self-confidence, and gave her tools to help develop professionally.

FTSV would like to thank Presenting Sponsor Jacobs, all the supporting, hosting, and contest sponsors, and players for raising over $16K which will go to help MORE kids in South County. The funds are a big help to First Tee – Silicon Valley.

Thank you to ALL the Sponsors:

Carollo Engineers – Superior Sanitation – Cintas Inc. – Valley Top Inc. – JE Phillips Co Inc & Hartzell Air – Jess Ranch Trucking – United Rentals – Advance Air Flow Measurement – Energy Experts International – Legion – Skylake Tree Services – Novatech Services – Koffler Electrical Mechanical – True Blue Automation – Control Solutions Inc. – Rexel USA – Pan Pacific Supply – Toro Petroleum

Jacobs has been the Contract Operator for the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) plant in Gilroy since 1984. Tournament Coordinator, Kerry Edmonds, said, “Community involvement is an extension of the Jacobs’ and the SCRWA culture. They care about their surrounding communities which is why we felt compelled to sponsor the 5th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley and will do it again next year.”

Tournament Results:

First Place: Kerry Edmonds, John Torres, Scott Stephens, Melinda Stephens

Closest to the Hole – Women: Melinda Stephens

Closest to the Hole – Men: Scott Stephens

Long Drive – Womens: Jackie Torres

Long Drive – Mens: Michael IbarraPutting Contest – “Happy Saeid” Putting contest with Hockey Sticks: Grant Kehrig, John Hernandez, Jesus Begines, Arturo Begines.

If you have an upcoming tournament and would like to make First Tee – Silicon Valley the beneficiary, please Contact Nicole Woodson.

First Tee launches National Alumni Advisory Council to strengthen engagement across its growing Alumni Network

The First Tee National Alumni Advisory Council held its first in-person meeting in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2025) – First Tee has launched a National Alumni Advisory Council, a group of 20 dynamic alumni who are business and community leaders from across the United States. The council will play a key role in shaping the future of the organization’s growing Alumni Network.

The Alumni Council’s primary focus will be to guide and direct strategies that engage more alumni in meaningful ways — helping them stay connected to each other and to First Tee’s mission of empowering young people through golf and life skills programming.

In addition to virtual meetings, the Alumni Council will gather annually, with its first session having taken place Sept. 12-14 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event is sponsored by Gallagher.

“First Tee alumni are an essential part of our story and our future,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The Alumni Council will help ensure we are creating opportunities for them to continue to grow, give back and lead, while staying connected to the values they developed through First Tee.”

The Alumni Council is co-chaired by Rayshon Payton of First Tee – Metropolitan Oklahoma City, who works as general counsel for Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt, and Sara Diaz of First Tee – San Antonio, a presenter for ESPN+ and PGA TOUR Live and vice president of recruiting for Capstone Hospitality.

“I’m thrilled to come full circle with First Tee, an organization that has shaped not only my life but the lives of so many others,” Payton said. “Serving as board chair of the Alumni Council is a special opportunity to give back, support the next generation and help strengthen a community that continues to inspire growth on and off the course.”

“I’m excited to continue being part of the First Tee, the program where my golf journey began,” Diaz said. “I’m truly honored to be selected as co-chair of the First Tee Alumni Council and look forward to expanding our Alumni Network to foster lasting connections and meaningful opportunities.”

Council members represent a diverse group of graduates who embody the impact of First Tee programs. They were appointed and will serve terms of two, three or four years. Together, they will guide efforts to recruit alumni, design impactful engagement opportunities and drive alumni reconnection to local chapters. As ambassadors of the program, they will inspire current participants and help grow a powerful, united Alumni Network.

The First Tee Alumni Network includes thousands of former participants who have carried the organization’s values into their careers, communities and lives. Since its launch in 2020, the First Tee Alumni Network has provided career assistance, professional and personal development opportunities and fun events for former participants. It’s free to join and open to all First Tee Alumni.

For more information about the Alumni Network, visit firsttee.org/alumni.

2025 Alumni Council members

Rayshon Payton	Metropolitan Oklahoma City	General Counsel, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester
Sara Diaz	Greater San Antonio	VP of Recruiting, Capstone Hospitality
Anthony Bonales	Central Valley	Finance Manager, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling
Grace Kehoe	Greater Charlotte	Media Logger, PGA TOUR
Karrington Knight	Greater New Orleans	Staff Assistant, Rep. Jasmine Crockett
Steven Outlaw, PGA	Hammond (Historical)	Director of Sales & Marketing, Troon
Colm Parrish	Pittsburgh	Category Manager, Catalent Pharma Solutions
Hannah Rens	Siouxland	Systems Engineer, Boeing
Benjamin Nganga	Tennessee	Real Estate Valuations Analyst, Baker Tilly
Ashley Noda	Greater Sacramento	Director of Outreach & Competitive Activities, First Tee – Greater Sacramento
Alyssa Ramont	Central Valley	Executive Administrative Assistant, San Francisco Giants
David Singh	Tampa Bay	Program Manager, Cleveland Clinic of Florida
Blake Christenson	Tennessee	Designer, Cooper Carry
Michelle Xie	Silicon Valley	Software Engineer, Dave
Mia Bishop	Metro Atlanta	Psychotherapist
Brittany Gill	Greater Richmond	Corporate Partnerships Manager, PGA TOUR
Derrick Ow	Monterey County	Communications & Customer Service Coordinator, Northern California Golf Association
Connor Shooks	Benton Harbor	Sports Management Student, University of Michigan
Callen Williams	Metropolitan New York	Assistant Program Director, First Tee – Metropolitan New York
Taryn Yee	Greater Sacramento	Program Manager, Meta

US AM TOUR 50/50 Raffle Benefits FTSV

(US AM TOUR 50/50 Raffle Benefits FTSV – Published 9/10/25) We’re incredibly grateful that the US AM TOUR and Tournament Director, Dan Cacho has, once again, conducted a 50/50 Raffle at each of their Northern California 2024-2025 tournaments raising $7,500 for FTSV. These funds will enable us to provide financial aid to low-income kids to have access to our youth development program. Our goal is to develop life-long golfers of all levels while teaching life skills.

Andrea Brenholz, FTSV Board Member and former US AM TOUR player said, “As both a former US AM TOUR player and a First Tee – Silicon Valley Board Director, I’m truly thankful for this generous gift. Your support strengthens our ability to positively impact young lives through the game of golf.”

What we like most about the US AM TOUR is that there is a flight for everyone. This encourages golfers of all levels to become part of a golf community that is steeped in passion for the game of golf while providing access to top golf courses.

Dan Cacho, the U.S. Am Tour’s Western Regional Director said, “That’s the ultimate mission for the tour is to try to give golfers a platform to improve their games and test themselves on the tournament level.”

The US AM TOUR is the largest and most trusted amateur golf tour in the country. There are six flights for each tournament, and each also has a respective senior flight, meaning there are 12 different winners at the 700 events across the United States. Members are eligible to play anywhere they wish, they do not have to play solely on their designated home tour. During the year there are 30 tournaments that are labeled as majors, which are 36-hole events. Points and performance rankings are accrued for each local tour and the top players in each division will qualify for the national championship, which this year is September 8-17 at Innisbrook Resort, home pf the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship.

PCA FTSV Training

(PCA FTSV Training – Published 9/9/25) On September 6^th, First Tee — Silicon Valley hosted two coach trainings led by Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) trainer, Peter Wood. This was the 3^rd time that our two organizations came together to deliver a coach training. The first instance occurred in 2020 and was the pilot training/collaboration that led to a national partnership between First Tee and PCA.

PCA’s content, training, and resources are now shared nationwide, throughout First Tee ‘s network. Both First Tee – Silicon Valley and PCA share common coach philosophies centered around process-focused coaching, participant empowerment, and a positive and supportive team culture. The topic this time around was how to support positive athlete behavior through responsive coaching.

Successful coaching requires a balance between having high expectations for behavior and providing high support. When challenges present themselves in class it is imperative that a coach have empathy and understanding of where their athletes are coming from, while also having a clear behavioral prevention plan. Coaches should work WITH their athletes instead of being punitive, neglectful, or permissive when faced with behavioral challenges. To this point, we are grateful that PCA shared their resources and worked with our coaching team on behavioral prevention and intervention techniques. Additionally, they provided strategies for coaches to identify participant stressors and practice self-regulation. A great coach is a prepared coach who takes the time to understand their student. We are grateful PCA helped prepare our 19 paid instructors and over 50 returning volunteer coaches this past Saturday.

What PCA is saying about FTSV

Working with PCA has been a shining example of teamwork. “Chris and I work quite seamlessly together in putting together curriculum for FTSV coaches’ training,” says Senior PCA Trainer, Peter Wood. “That is a testament to the common visions and values that both PCA and FTSV share in our respective work. Much of that shared vision and set of values manifest itself in our focus on helping young kids develop into great older kids, and adults. We care a lot about the kids acquiring a good set of technical skills to be able to enjoy and play golf, but way more important than that is to help kids absorb invaluable life lessons in their athletic pursuit. This is the charge of youth serving organizations coaches around the country, and it’s a very cool thing when two large national organizations like PCA and First Tee join forces to try to make this all happen- a worthy pursuit if there ever was one.”

Click here for more information on joining FTSV as a volunteer coach.

FTSV Girls Golf Summer Play Day

(FTSV Girls Golf Summer Play Day – Published 9/9/25) The FTSV Girls Golf Summer Play Day was filled with fun, teamwork, and water balloons on the green! Twenty (20) FTSV girls kicked off the morning with some essential range practice, where everyone had the chance to sharpen their skills and meet & greet with their coaches and our two FTSV Alumni before diving into the day’s activities. To lighten things up and set a positive tone, we engaged in some fun icebreakers, helping everyone get comfortable and excited for the day ahead.

Our first highlight was capturing a fantastic group picture to remember this special day. With energy all around, the girls were then divided into four groups and set off to tackle the uniquely themed golf holes.

Each hole on the 4-hole loop presented a summer-themed challenge. Hole one featured SpongeBob’s neighborhood where the participants had to navigate their ball through each house while avoiding obstacles. Another hole was creatively designed with water balloons as our golfers were tasked to pop them with chip shots! The goal was to make each hole engaging and different, ensuring that the day was full of surprises, twists, and turns.

After making their way through all four holes, the girls returned to the patio area to socialize, eat pizza, and receive a sportsmanship prize.

Congratulations to Sofia for being so inclusive, engaging, and positive throughout the event. She was awarded with a gift certificate to Los Lagos Golf Course.

Overall, FTSV Girls Golf Summer Play Day was a tremendous success.

Katelyn, an Alum and Coach, shared her thoughts on the event. “As a Coach, it was great seeing so many smiles out on the golf course. I wish I attended Girls Golf when I was younger. The activities were super engaging, which kept the energy high despite the heat.”

Thank you to our FTSV team of Coaches – Gracie, Tiffany, Maya, Khaton, Dahlia, Alonzo, Natalie and Brooklyn! Without them, we would not have been able to make this Girls Golf event so memorable!

Special thanks to Ysabelle (Coach), Rachana (Alumni), Katelyn (Alumni), and Annie (Ace participant) for being amazing role models for our girls!

Our next Girls Golf will be November 15, 2025. For information about these tournaments and more, visit Our Opportunities page or contact Manny Gallardo – [email protected].

FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament

(FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament – Published 8/28/25) On Saturday, August 23^rd, 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

3^rd Place – Joshua Jang (Alum), Leo Villegas, Shreyash Avasarala, Adhya Malhotra

2^nd Place – Calvin Kong (Alum), Erik Chavez, Chloe Hong, Amanda Chen

1^st Place – Joey Jang (Almost Alum!), Bryanna Perez, Benjamin Hughes, Victor Kotlyar

FTSV 25th Anniversary OPEN HOUSE

(FTSV 25^th 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 25^th Anniversary OPEN HOUSE…

“The support and joy extended by so many individuals at FTSV’s 25^th 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.

Coach Spotlight: Meet Katelyn Chan

(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.

It’s clear that while she was a participant, Katelyn took all our life skills to heart. Her stand-out participation led to her selection to attend the First Tee Leadership Summit, to receive the First Tee 2024 Make Your Mark Award, and to achieve her First Tee Ace Certification.

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.

What is your FTSV story? How long have you been a participant and volunteer?

Tell us more about the non-profit work that you do outside of FTSV.

You recently played in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Tell us about that experience and what you learned.

How has what you learned through First Tee helped you in other areas of life?

Do you have any advice for participants to help them get the most out of their experience here?

1. Leading yourself

2. Loving the Journey

3. Leading Together

Tournament Results:

What PCA is saying about FTSV

Rancho Reunion Scramble Tournament Results

Overall, FTSV Girls Golf Summer Play Day was a tremendous success.

FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament

FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament Results

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 tournament was a ton of fun for all participants involved.

Join Us!

Be a Coach… Be a Mentor

First Tee – Silicon Valley Chairman of the Board and founder Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. had this to say about FTSV 25^th Anniversary OPEN HOUSE…