Category: Blog

71 Coaches Attended Mentor Training 

Thank you to the 71 coaches who attended the mentor training. FTSV recently completed the quarterly off-season mentor training for Instructors and Volunteer Coaches. Based on feedback and challenges from the season, the training is tailored to facilitate growth in the returning coaches and bring the new coaches quickly up to speed.

New Mentor Training

Because so many amazing people have joined FTSV to mentor and coach, the quarterly trainings split coaches into a Returning Group and New Group. In the New Coach training, Program Coordinators review the mission of FTSV – to build character and help youth succeed in life – and go through the curriculum with the volunteers. Every week, coaches are teaching a Life Skill, a Golf Cue, and a Golf Ready, and it’s important that everyone knows how these are all connected. Next, volunteers are introduced to games, learning how and why the games are structured and adapted to fit the weeks lessons. FTSV uses specific techniques to change games so there is a seamless integration of that week’s Life Skill and Golf Cue into the fun and exciting activity. After completing this training, volunteers have the skills and the tools necessary to mentor and make an impact on our kids!

Returning Mentor Training

In the Retuning Coach training, feedback is used to design specific review points, allowing FTSV coaches to use their challenges and experiences from the previous season to grow as mentors. In this training, Coaches reviewed Two Rights Make a Right. This is a strategy where coaches provide two positive options for students struggling with their behavior instead of removing them from the learning. They also practiced asking participants “What’s Your Plan?”, a way for coaches to encourage participants to think through their actions and make thoughtful choices. Lastly, the Returning Coaches spent time on the driving range, working on their delivery of the golf cues so that participants will receive similar feedback across classes. Together this training helps the awesome volunteers use the challenges from last season and make themselves more capable and confident going into their next season.

Being a volunteer mentor

The FTSV volunteer coaches are the backbone of our program, and the quarterly trainings use everyone’s unique experiences for the group benefit. When challenges arise, First Tee coaches push themselves to continue learning, to keep a positive growth mindset, and to strive to be the best mentor they can be. From everyone in the FTSV office, thank you very much to all our amazing coaches!

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.

Published: 4-10-2024

Coach Spotlight: Joe Stuban

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.

Published: 4-10-2024

Mentor Spotlight: Meet Jeffy Chang

The mentors in First Tee – Silicon Valley are the most important part of the program. It is because of their care, time and effort that we are able to make an impact on our participants. This month, we would like to highlight one of our amazing mentors, meet Jeffy Chang.

Jeffy Chang is a shining example of the role models we are proud to call our coaches at FTSV. For Jeffy, respect is everything. For others, for surroundings, and for one’s self; respect is the foundation that we build our character upon. This foundation is what’s key according to Jeffy, and that “this foundation is how [our participants] are going to approach life…it’s what they build on as a person.” Helping to establish that foundation of respect is an emphasis of Jeffy’s. Talking to the participants lucky enough to work with him, it is clear he is having a very positive impact.

Jeffy started volunteering in 2017

After seeing the impact FTSV was having on his children in their first couple seasons, Jeffy wanted to help make that same impact on others. He noticed, “For my kids, it was a safe haven, and a place that was familiar.” Jeffy began volunteering and never turned back, accumulating over 1800 hours of service to date. He coaches up to 4 classes a week and serves on our Board of Ambassadors, while also working and being there for  his family. Once his kid’s started high school, they also joined as volunteer coaches, so now the Chang’s coach 2-3 classes every Saturday. First to arrive and last to leave on program Saturdays, the entire family puts all First Tee life skills on full display, positively impacting the supportive environment that exists at Rancho del Pueblo.

When asked about why they come back week after week, Jeffy said:

“When we were here on the weekends, I could sense more confidence in my kids. Saturday was their place; they knew how to interact and what to do. School is very different; you don’t see bullying at First Tee and it gives kids the space to grow and push themselves. When you push to challenge yourself, that’s that growth mindset.”

When talking to Jeffy, it’s clear that he sees the learning opportunities of First Tee going beyond what happens on the golf course. The learning doesn’t stop once the participants leave their session. These Life Skills will continue with them into all other aspects of their lives.

Jeffy has advice for parents of First Tee participants, saying:

“There are parents that think we need to just teach them golf, but all of our Life Skill behaviors/tips are things that should start at home; First Tee 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.”

Here at First Tee, we love talking with parents about the Life Skills that we are sharing in our sessions and how we would love to work more directly with them on ways to continue their kids’ learning outside of the golf course. All of the coaches are more than happy to check in. Let’s get to know each other better!

If you too would like to become more involved and make a positive impact on the kids in our community, please visit our website to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available. It is our mentors that make what we do possible. As the significant commitment of our awesome coaches like Jeffy reveal, the greater the involvement of high quality mentors, the greater the positive impact on kids.

Thank you, Jeffy, for all that you and your family give to our First Tee – Silicon Valley community, and thank you to all our First Tee – Silicon Valley mentors!

PUBLISHED: 03-14-2024

12th Annual OPEN Scramble Golf Tournament

First Tee – Silicon Valley presents our 12th Annual Open Scramble Golf Tournament on Friday, June 7th at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. The Open will be our only golf tournament fundraiser this year with a full-field shotgun utilizing all 27 holes and the opportunity for many companies and individuals to show their support. Click here to Register to Sponsor or Play.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Presenting – SAGA Foundation 

Hosting Plus – EmmaLily Winery and PGA TOUR Superstore

Hosting – Hallagan Huston Family Foundation and Gallagher and PwC

Contributing – Guerrero Properties, Pinnacle Bank, EY, Luna Mexican Kitchen, D&V Engineering, Panera Bread

All proceeds benefit First Tee – Silicon Valley, 501(c)3 #46-3102278 

Gather your clients, co-workers and friends for a great day of camaraderie to help MORE kids! Our unique approach to youth development transforms lives and gives kids and teens a brighter future. We teach life skills and golf skills on-course, in-school, and after-school. Our programs are accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

There are various ways to support the Open:

$20,000 Presenting Sponsor – 3 foursomes and 2 hole sponsor signs plus co-branded logo on all signage, website, socials, newsletters, flyer and program ($16,250 Tax Deductible)

$10,000 Hosting Sponsor – 2 foursomes and 1 hole sponsor sign plus logo on sponsor signage, website, newsletter and program ($7,500 Tax Deductible)

$6,000 Contributing Sponsor – 1 foursome and 1 hole sponsor sign plus logo on sponsor sign and program ($4,750 Tax Deductible)

$2,500 Foursome or $1,250 Twosome Sponsor – 18 holes of golf, shared cart, boxed lunch, tee prize, on-course beverages and snacks, dinner and awards program per player ($1,250/$625 Tax Deductible)

$1500 Hole Sponsor – 1 hole sign, program and sponsor sign listing, plus 2 dinner invites ($1,500 Tax Deductible)

$100 Contest & Raffle Bundle Add On – Per player includes all Contests – Putting, Closest to the Pin and Car Hole-In-One Plus 1 Mulligan and 10 Raffle Tickets.

Option to pay by credit card now or register and pay later by mailing check to: First Tee – Silicon Valley 2797 Park Avenue, Suite 205 Santa Clara, CA 95050

Tournament Timeline

  • 10:30am – Check In, Tee Prize, Range Open, Lunch
  • 12:00pm – Welcome In Carts
  • 12:30pm – Shotgun Start
  • 5:30pm – Dinner & Awards
  • 7:00pm – Closing Remarks

The tournament will be played as a “scramble” format. Each team member will hit from the tee. Two tee shots from each player must be used during the round. The team will select which of the four (4) tee shots it will use for its second shot. Each team member will hit their second shot from the location of the selected tee shot. This process will continue until the ball is holed out. The highest team score per hole will be MAX Bogey (1 over Par) to maintain a good pace of play. 1 Mulligan per player if purchased with Contest/Raffle Bundle. Mulligans apply only to one player — not the entire foursome. Prizes will be awarded to the First and Second Place Teams with the lowest scores.

Please Contact Judy Dixon Deaton for Sponsorships or other information (408) 508-4881 or [email protected]

PUBLISHED: 02-08-2024 Updated: 04-30-2024

Coach Spotlight: Meet Coach Ronna

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.

Interested in Getting Started like Ronna?

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. 

PUBLISHED: 01-05-2024

FTSV Pebble Beach PURE Insurance Field Trip

On Sunday, September 30th, First Tee – Silicon Valley took a field trip to Pebble Beach Golf Links for the PURE Insurance Championship. Program Coordinators and volunteers brought 40 participants to the beautiful golf course, not only to watch the PGA TOUR Champions play, but also to support three of our very own FTSV participants playing on teams with Pros. Camille Thai, Norah Yang, and Joshua Jang all did a fantastic job representing FTSV and we are incredibly proud of them. Their life skills of sportsmanship, integrity and respect were on full display, not to mention their golf skills, which they have developed over the years with plenty of hard work.

The PURE Insurance Championship is an international showcase for First Tee and has been played at Pebble Beach Golf Links since 2004. This event pairs up PGA TOUR Champions (age 50 and over) with First Tee players in a Best Ball format. The groups play the first two days at Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach. If after these first rounds the group is in the top 10, they go on to play Sunday at Pebble Beach and compete for the top spot. All three of our participants represented FTSV beautifully, and were even able to secure 3rd and 6th place overall.

Camille, Norah and Joshua all had lots to say about how this big weekend went for them.

Camille Thai
Norah Yang
Joshua Jang

For Camille Thai, the whole weekend was just surreal. She made many new friends, learned a lot from her Pro, Jerry Kelly, and left the weekend excited and hopeful for the future. Parts of the weekend were nerve wracking, specifically learning how to play with professionals, but as the tournament went on, Camille was able to get comfortable in her golf game and fully enjoy the experience. As Camille came down hole 18, FTSV participants stood up against the ropes, cheering her on and watching her finish her round with poise. Then, Camille came, sat down with the participants, and signed autographs, creating life time memories for her newest, young fans. It was really an incredible sight to witness, and the whole day is something everyone involved will remember for a long time. 

The relationships and community Norah Yang built over the weekend will stay with her for a long time to come. From meeting and spending time with other First Tee participants, to listening two-time major winner Christie Kerr speak about managing stress and being present in the moment, and spending time playing with and learning from her pro, YE Yang, Norah left the weekend knowing more about the game of golf, herself, and the wonderful and supportive community she has within the game. For her, this tournament was a wild, full-circle kind of experience. Ten years ago, back in 2013, Norah remembers watching our FTSV participant Michelle Xie win this same event and becoming inspired by another amazing, female youth golfer. Now, through years of hard work and personal development, Norah feels like she is in the place to do the same thing, inspiring another generation of young golfers to be their best selves.

While he already knew First Tee was a community of support and collaboration, Joshua Jang left Pebble Beach and the PURE Insurance Championship with a deepened appreciation and understanding of just how much golf and First Tee have shaped him and his wonderful community. Before the weekend, Joshua had not played Pebble Beach before, so when he stepped on to the course Friday late in the afternoon, he was blown away by the picturesque nature of the course. With the perfect sunset over the ocean, the gentle sea breeze and the perfect condition of the course, the everything felt almost unbelievable. As Joshua played his practice rounds, he met many great people, including caddies who went out of their way to help him with strategy and staying relaxed, and other First Tee participants from across the country. What stood out to him the most from the weekend, even more so than just the awe of playing in such a big tournament, was all the different cultures and people he experienced. He said he was surprised how much difference he noticed between people from different parts of the country, while still having so much in common, especially in their very strong life skills and love and appreciation for the game of the golf and the community that comes with it. To Joshua, the part of First Tee that stands out to him the most is the community, the group of people who value communication, mentorship, collaboration and all of the First Tee core values. The PURE Insurance Championship put this on full display for him, and reaffirmed his connection to FTSV. 

FTSV Participants Compete at the 2023 PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee

Support our 3 FTSV participants as they compete in the 2023 PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship

First Tee – Silicon Valley Ace participants Joshua Jang, Norah Yang, and Camille Thai will be competing next week in the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links, September19th to the 24th. You can watch the tournament on Golf Channel Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (22nd-24th) from 3-6pm. You can also watch in person. Click here for more information. Best of luck to Joshua, Norah, and Camille!

Meet Joshua

Joshua is a standout FTSV participant and volunteer coach. Joshua has been an engaged participant since 2016 and a dedicated FTSV volunteer since 2020, amassing over 200 volunteer hours. He’s taken initiative and collaborates well with our staff on ideas for program improvements. He is also a high-performing competitive golfer. He recently qualified for the 112th California Amateur Championship and is a 3-year starter for his varsity golf team. “I feel that my selection for the PURE Insurance is a testament that First Tee has always been about more than just golf,” says Joshua. “First Tee – Silicon Valley has been an important part of my life, and the strong sense of community and support for one another has helped me realize what it means to be part of a positive change larger than oneself.”

Click here to watch Joshua Jang find out he was selected on Golf Channel.

Meet Norah

Norah is a leader and role model in her classes as a FTSV participant and as a volunteer coach. She has been active as a participant since 2015 and began volunteering as a FTSV coach in 2022. As it relates to her golfing acumen, Norah led her high school golf team to a league championship as a freshman and was awarded MVP in 2021. She has qualified for the USKids World Championship twice and the IMG Junior World at Torrey Pines. Additionally, Norah has placed high in several AGJA tournaments. “I am so excited to play,” says Norah. “There are so many applicants for these wonderful events, and to be selected makes me feel so honored and proud. First Tee had supported me every step of my golf journey, from not even knowing how to hold a golf club to being able to compete nationally with amazing golfers. It has taught me so much, and I look forward to representing First Tee – Silicon Valley.”

Meet Camille

Camille has been an outstanding participant in our program for a decade and has assisted us in our fundraising events. A highly ranked golfer who won the IMG Junior Worlds and placed 2nd at the Pinehurst US Kids World Team Championship, shooting 65. “I’m so excited and honored to be selected,” says Camille. “I’ve been with the First Tee for more than 10 years now and it has been instrumental in helping me develop both as a person and a player. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it.”

“We are excited for all three to experience an opportunity of a lifetime,” says Chris Moreno-Hunt, FTSV Program Director. “All three have been dedicated participants, and have made our chapter a better place. We will be cheering them on!”

Jonathan Tessman Receives Joyce Taylor Award & $5K Scholarship at Invitational

The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and $5,000 College Scholarship was presented to Jonathan Tessman at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2023 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 16th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Thank you to all our 2023 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 20th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 90,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

Jonathan was selected for his consistent academic excellence, his exemplary volunteer accomplishments, and for his 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. For Jonathan, the scholarship will help him with his acceptance to attend UC Berkeley to study Business.

The scholarship was initiated by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago by founding FTSV Board Director, Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and has since then been supported by her brother Alan Taylor.

Here is a summary of Jonathan’s accomplishments:

  • Distinguished Diploma – Monte Vista Christian HS
  • Liberal Arts AA in Business – Gavilan College
  • Entering Freshman – UC Berkeley to Study Business
  • Student Government (ASGC) – Gavilan College
  • Student Trustee – Gavilan College
  • Best Diplomat Award – Gavilan College
  • Founder of Debate & Finance Club
  • Volunteered >400 Hours Across 4 Organizations
  • FTSV – President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award
  • FTSV – Participant Since Age 6
  • FTSV – Ace Participant

You can watch Jonathan’s Speech here.

In additional to the Joyce Taylor Award presentation, the Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: HP, Inc., PG&E, NGR, Chevron, SoCal Gas, PhRMA, SDGE, SoCal Edison, Niemela Pappas & Assoc, Altria, Lancaster Toyota, and Intuit. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor Arrañaga and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, sponsors participated in a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with their colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Senator Dave Cortese, CA Senator Steven Bradford, CA Speaker Robert Rivas, CA Assembly Member Flora Heath, Silicon Valley Leadership CEO Ahmad Thomas, 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.

Coach Joe: ‘This program has taught me to become a better coach and father’ 

Joseph Goh, or Coach Joe as many know him from First Tee – Greater Dallas, has been a coach for more than 17 years. He sat on the board of directors for the Greater Dallas chapter until focusing his time as a volunteer coach, where he made it his goal to recruit other volunteers. 

Originally from Singapore, Joe started his journey as a coach through First Tee – Singapore and moved to the United States after his technology company was bought out by a company in Dallas. Eventually, he and his wife planted themselves in Texas and started their own family.  

“First Tee is more than a golf instruction program; we teach life skills. This program has taught me to become a better coach and father because of it,” he said. 

He enrolled his two children in the program and the rest became history.  

His two kids participated in First Tee throughout high school. His oldest, Jonathan, attended the University of California, Los Angeles and graduated in 2021 with a major in electrical engineering. He currently works at Amazon Robotics in Boston as a hardware development engineer. 

His youngest daughter, Joni, is attending the University of Texas in Austin and will graduate in May 2023 with her degree in architecture engineering. She is currently an intern at The Boring Company and will be working with Southland Holdings as a business development associate. 

“I want to emphasize that the First Tee program has built a foundation for its participants, including my own kids,” said Joe.  

He makes it his mission to positively impact and equally empower First Tee participants with the skills and opportunities they need to be successful.  

“As a volunteer coach at First Tee, I could change the trajectory of a child’s life,” he said. “No other organization gives me the opportunity to impact another’s life and add value to them like First Tee would.” 

Joe, like many other First Tee coaches, is just one of many unique stories that make First Tee’s impact so profound. If one person can make a difference, a difference can be made upon a multitude of generations.  

Find a First Tee Near You

Marcus Freeman Pays it Forward

First Tee is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, and over the years, it’s helped produce no shortage of game changers. 

One example is Marcus Freeman from First Tee – Greater Charlotte. He says the organization has helped him grow as a golfer and person. 

“Being a part of this community has helped me get through hard times. First Tee – Greater Charlotte was a safe place for me in 2020. During this time my grandfather was going through end stage pancreatic cancer and my family, like the world, was navigating COVID-19 and social distancing,” he says. 

The support he received from First Tee inspired Freeman to pay it forward. 

He completed more than 300 hours of volunteer work for First Tee in 2021. He collected more than 500 books for a First Tee book drive, and he’s a member of the chapter’s participant advisory council. Freeman has also volunteered for his swim team and tutored students in Japanese.

“An aspect of volunteer work that I enjoy is seeing the impact that giving to others can have,” he says. 

Freeman is one of 28 First Tee participants from across the country who’ll attend Innovators Forum this November in Dallas. The workshop empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their community focused on education, health or sustainability. Eight participants will be awarded scholarships totaling $32,000 after the event.

A junior at Palisades High School, Freeman is an accomplished violinist, and he won a medal for performing Japanese poems in 2019. Freeman aspires to study sports science in college. “I enjoy learning more about physical fitness and how the body works,” he says. Freeman spends his free time researching training tips and injury recovery. 

As he progresses as an athlete and student, Freeman says he’ll continue to use the lessons and qualities he’s learned at First Tee, including confidence. 

“When I first joined the program, I was a little shy when meeting new coaches, parents and other players. I spent time observing the instructors and how they interacted with all the different people coming and going. I saw them shake hands, make eye contact, smile and speak confidently,” he says.  

“I knew I wanted those skills as well. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and I started to apply what I observed to my own social skills. I practiced a strong handshake. I introduced myself to people I didn’t know, and I have met many interesting people, like professional golfer Davis Love III, all because I have improved in sharing my personality.” 

Learn more about Innovators Forum. 

Alumna Hannah Rens Reaches for the Stars

Lots of kids aspire to become astronauts but few go on to build careers in space exploration. That hasn’t stopped Hannah Rens from chasing her dreams into orbit. 

The 24-year-old is a systems engineer for Boeing Space and Launch, working on Boeing’s Starliner, a commercial crew and cargo vehicle that will be transporting NASA astronauts to the international space station.  

“My ultimate career goal is to be chief engineer of a permanent human habitat on the moon,” says Rens, a former participant at First Tee – Siouxland and First Tee volunteer. “To achieve that goal, I need to develop advanced business skills, gain industry experience and further my engineering technical education.” 

That’s why she’s attending the First Tee Alumni Summit presented by Gallagher this November in Dallas. The event provides an opportunity for selected alumni to advance their career by building new skills while reconnecting with fellow alumni and chapter leaders. 

“I’m looking to learn more about working in a rapidly evolving industry, startups and founding your own business, and how to develop an effective personal brand,” she says. 

Rens says her nine years in First Tee helped shape her future. “It provided me with a structured path to improving my golf game, peer and trusted mentors, and interpersonal and professional skills that have been essential in achieving my goals,” she says. 

While in First Tee, she was selected to attend the Leaders and Entrepreneurs Forum at Disney World. “Getting to meet other students from across the U.S. while listening and working with successful business owners and entrepreneurs was unlike any other experience I had in high school,” she says. “The business principles and goals I learned have stayed with me.” 

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Rens began her career with internships focused on aircraft maintenance and repair. As Starliner prepares to expand its service to additional sites in Earth’s orbit, Rens works on vehicle life span and sustainment. Ultimately, Starliner will become one of the first spacecraft with turnaround times closer to traditional air traffic. Talk about a Game Changer. 

Rens now serves as a mentor for high school and college students who want careers in the space industry, and she’s enrolled in an astronautical engineering master’s program at the University of Southern California focusing on human spaceflight. 

Rens still golfs, and she’s a certified open water and dry suit SCUBA diver. Learn more about the accomplishments of First Tee alumni.