(Fall 2025 National Opportunity Update – Published 10/03/25) For First Tee – Silicon Valley, the Fall has many unique and impactful opportunities for high school participants who go above and beyond. Between the Innovators Forum, the Drive Your Future Academy and the PURE Insurance Championship, hardworking FTSV participants will represent their chapter on the national stage. If you are interested in learning more about the National Opportunities available, please visit our website or email Coach Phoenix – [email protected].
Each year, a group of exceptional First Tee teens gather at the First Tee Innovators Forum, where they develop a meaningful service project to bring home to their community. Projects focus on education, health, human rights or environmental sustainability. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, the Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities.
This year, two outstanding FTSV participants will be attending this event. Sahara Huchim Velazquez and Nicolas Hernandez Lopez have been in the program for years and both volunteer as junior coaches. Have a great time Sahara and Nicolas!
For more than 20 years, the PURE Insurance Championship has provided First Tee participants with the unique opportunity to showcase the skills and values they’ve gained through the program. Held at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the tournament pairs 80 standout teens from First Tee Chapters nationwide with PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business community. The annual event was broadcast internationally on Golf Channel.
This year, FTSV participants Alexis Chu, Brian Yu and Walton Li attended this event and were phenomenal representatives of our chapter. Everyone played very well, including a 6th place finish for Alexis and 3rd place finish for Brian. More importantly, all players conducted themselves with respect and kindness, building lasting relationships while playing golf in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Fantastic work!
The First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere is a female empowerment event recognizing young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their chapters, schools and communities. The five-day academy experience focuses on the importance of building a strong network and how to approach mentorship opportunities, navigating post-graduation and career planning, and appreciating the value/impact of volunteerism.
Jennifer Barrientos and Alexis Chu were selected to attend the upcoming 2025 Drive Your Future Academy. Jennifer has been a participant for over 7 years, is a dedicated junior coach, and is a key member of the FTSV junior council. Alexis is also a dedicated participant, demonstrating her strong life skills on and off the course, including just recently at the PURE Insurance Championship. Enjoy the week!
(PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee – Published 10/03/25) FTSV participants, Alexis Chu, Brian Yu and Walton Li were selected and competed in the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at historic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Everyone played very well, including a 6th place finish for Alexis and 3rd place finish for Brian. More importantly, all players conducted themselves with respect and kindness, building lasting relationships while playing golf in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Fantastic work!
For more than 20 years, the PURE Insurance Championship has provided selected First Tee participants from around the country with the unique opportunity to showcase the skills and values they’ve gained through their respective First Tee Chapters. The tournament pairs 80 standout teens from First Tee Chapters nationwide with PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business community. The teens were selected by a national panel of judges who evaluated their essays, letters of recommendations, and golf resume. Throughout the week, our three participants competed in the prestigious tournament, got to eat meals with the professional golfers, and were able to network with their peers and tournament golfers. The annual event was broadcast internationally on Golf Channel and took place September 19th – 21st.
In addition to our participating teens, our chapter organized a field trip and brought 30 FTSV teen participants to cheer on Alexis, Walton, and Brian. Thanks to the generous grant by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, our field trip teens rode to Monterey in style with a charter bus. While there, they enjoyed their time walking the course, watching the pro’s and supporting dedicated young First Tee players. They made sure to get autographs and soak in this unique experience.
Congratulations to all the athletes and thank you to the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for hosting First Tee – Silicon Valley!
(FTSV Participant Tristan Hipolito Awarded ACE Certification Status! – Published 10/03/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to share that Tristan Hipolito was recently awarded the distinguished honor of being Ace-Certified!
Ace is the highest level of certification at First Tee and less than 1% of First Tee participants from across the country achieve Ace certification. Tristan will receive local and national recognition from First Tee for completing his Ace classes and the post-class documents. More importantly, his work in our Ace classes helped him apply the First Tee Life Skills to college and career exploration, and to his give-back volunteer opportunities. The Ace classes also assisted in developing transferable skills that will aid him in his professional development.
Tristan is beginning his first year at UC Riverside where he is pursuing an Engineering degree. Tristan’s First Tee story began over 10 years ago with First Tee – East Bay. When that chapter unfortunately closed in 2017, he and his family made the long drive to join our chapter in San Jose. Ever since, he has been one of the most active and respected participants at FTSV taking at least 2 classes every season for all 4 seasons throughout his middle and high school years, and was a volunteer coach every season for the last 4 years. Additionally, he was appointed to Committee Chair by his peers in our Junior Council and led his team in event coordination, fundraising, and video production. In 2024 he was selected to represent First Tee participants from around the country in the National Junior Advisory Council, and in 2025 he was selected for the Dennis Kettmann College Scholarship.
“Here, I made friends who I was able to hang out with outside classes,” said Tristan. “I met mentors who were not only able to help me with my golf game, but also give me advice for college and future career paths related to the major I want to pursue. I also gained and practiced skills, such as communication, delegation, being responsible for others, and teamwork.”
Tristan took all 4 of our Ace 8-week classes 2-3 times throughout high school.
“Ace classes taught me many beneficial skills, but I most appreciate the ones I learned during the career project. In class we learned how to prepare for an interview, conduct an informational interview, reach out and perform job shadows, and write resumes and cover letters. As I pursued Ace Certification, I was able to use those skills I learned in class. I performed three informational interviews where I learned about the responsibilities and career paths of people I saw as mentors. They even helped me format my resume so I could send it out to engineering related opportunities. I never would have learned these skills and the others I learned in Ace if I was not in Ace.”
Ace includes (4) 8-week sessions, each with post-class projects.
Education – financial planning for college (budgeting, saving, grants, scholarships), college application process, school identification and exploration strategies.
Career – resume-building, interview skills, transferable, adaptive and content skill development, and professional correspondence.
“Congratulations, Tristan, for your outstanding work” says Program Director Chris Moreno-Hunt. “I remember coaching him when he was 7 years old in the East Bay Chapter. To see his development into a leader and a high character individual is what this is all about. It has been a real honor to coach him over the years, and I am very thankful to have gotten to know him and his wonderful family. He is a true representation of respect and hard work. It is no wonder his peers, fellow coaches, and our staff all respect and value him as a person. Best of luck in college, Tristan!
To find out more about our Ace classes and how to be Ace-Certified, please click here or email/call Chris at [email protected] or 408-508-4884.
(Boulder Ridge Ladies Group Supports FTSV’s Girls Golf – Published 10/03/25) Boulder Ridge Ladies Golf Club held its 4th Annual Member-Guest Tournament on September 26th. They celebrated with “Talk Birdie to Me” as their theme and chose First Tee – Silicon Valley’s Girls Golf program as the beneficiary. Varnika Arun, FTSV Participant, Junior Council member, and Junior Coach, spoke at the lunch program to share the impact FTSV has had on her self-confidence, and how she is driven to show other girls that they belong. Development Director, Judy Deaton was also in attendance and spoke to the ladies about getting involved as volunteer coaches so the girls have female role models and mentors. Speaking to the group, Varnika talked about her experiences at First Tee – Silicon Valley.
“Being a high school student can be challenging. It is easy to feel insecure and overlook your own strengths while comparing yourself to others. I did not realize that joining First Tee Silicon Valley would be exactly what I needed to grow into a more confident and strong young woman. What I needed most was for people outside of my parents to believe in me and encourage me to take on new opportunities.
First Tee Silicon Valley did exactly that. They encouraged me to participate in the PGA Tour Super Store Leadership Series and to join our Junior Council Leadership team. On Junior Council, I help organize and plan events, and the Girls Golf events have been the most meaningful to me. At these events, I not only help behind the scenes, but I also coach and guide young girls through teambuilding activities. I remember what it felt like to be a younger girl in the program, just hoping not to fail and trying to fit in. Now I get to be the same positive role model for them that my coaches were for me. Seeing these girls grow has also shown me just how important representation is in golf.”
Thank you!
We would like to thank the very generous Presenting Sponsor: Hsing Family Foundation, Boulder Ridge Ladies Group, and all the Hole Sponsors who donated $10,000 directly to FTSV…
Hsing Family Foundation
Material Motion
Trifecta Group, Inc.
Fremont Fire Department
Copenbarger & Copenbarger LLP
Kelly Dippel Real Estate
The Powder Room
RCS Builders
Amenities – Kerigan Advertising
Forbes Mill Steakhouse/Double D’s Sports Bar and Grill
Mushroom Super Coffee
The Wilshire Group Associates
Ken’s Solar Heating
Special thanks to Tournament Chair Candace Caballero for her continued support!
First Tee – Silicon Valley’s Girls Golf Program is an opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the game of golf while empowering participants to feel confident, build self-esteem and make new friends in an all-girl environment. Girls Golf seasonal events are open to all FTSV Participants – click here for more info.
(KRTY Writers Cup Benefits FTSV! – Published 10/03/25) The 2nd Annual KRTY Writers Cup benefitted FTSV in a BIG WAY by raising $40K! 124 golfers, including 6 Nashville Songwriters, came out to Cinnabar Hills Golf Club on a cloudy Wednesday for a day of golf, guitars and giving back!
“We are very proud to be able to produce this event for the benefit of First Tee – Silicon Valley” said Nate Deaton, KRTY.com General Manager. “We are lucky to have 6 amazing songwriters with us this year, Trent Tomlinson, Luke Dick, Ben Williams, Casey Brown, Chris Bandi, and the last-minute entry, Matt Stell. One night at the end of last year, I mentioned to Cole Taylor that I had an idea to do a Charity Golf Event with Songwriters. He looked at me and said, we could call it the Writers Cup! And here we are.”
After a full day, players and sponsors were treated to dinner and a show. The songwriters told stories, played guitar, and sang some hit country songs. Smack dab in the middle, First Tee – Silicon Valley participant and junior coach, Adam Rosa, spoke about his experiences.
“Whenever I finish a round, I get asked these kinds of questions every single time. Being a 15-year old high school student, these questions are not exclusive to the game of golf, but to another big part of my own life, school. Ever since middle school, after a test or a paper, I’ve always been asked “What’d you get on this test?” or “I got a 97% on this, what about you?” Everyone would constantly be looking to each other to see who did the best. Because when it comes to a grade, whoever gets the highest score wins, right? This is difficult because when you compare, you almost always lose!”
“This is where First Tee – Silicon Valley has really helped me. They have a concept called “Personal Par.” A “Personal Par” means that you set your own goals and accomplishments, so that you grow at your own pace. This helped me be more secure in who I am and who I want to be. My self worth is not about accomplishments as it relates to others, but it is how hard I work to accomplish what is under my control!”
“My coaches, the FTSV staff, are all aligned with this concept which makes it easier for me to practice regardless of the environment or amount of pressure.”
The KRTY Writers Cup raffle, live and silent auctions raised an astounding $40K for First Tee – Silicon Valley’s financial aid program. FTSV would like to thank the Writers Cup sponsors, players, and the staff at Legendary KRTY.COM for their support. Without such support, FTSV could not continue to help MORE Kids!
If you have an upcoming tournament and would like to partner with and make First Tee – Silicon Valley the beneficiary, please click here.
(Change the Game for MORE Kids in 2026! – Published 10/03/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley invites you to make a monthly pledge (beginning now or starting in this coming year) to help us Change the Game for MORE Kids!
Help us grow our impact and the number of kids we serve!
Our youth development programs are accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship. We care for kids with safe spaces, quality coaches, character curriculum, and a culture of respect.
Course Program — ensure high quality classes that are affordable and accessible to all (full cost for one participant to take an 8-week class = $500 – or pledge $40 per month)
School Program — equip teachers to deliver our curriculum in their setting (cost of equipment, training, and curriculum per school = $2,000 – or pledge $165 per month)
Opportunities — provide our kids with special experiences outside of our classes (cost of quarterly tournaments or scholarship = $5,000 – or pledge $415 per month)
Thanks to our 25-year agreement for expanded access at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course, our capacity has doubled. That means we now have the ability to reach 10,000 kids annually—but growing our impact requires the financial support of people like you. Your monthly pledge makes it possible for us to deliver on this opportunity.
Mentoring is Priceless.
Think about the mentor who made a difference in your life. That kind of guidance—listening, encouragement, and wisdom—shapes kids forever. Over the years, First Tee – Silicon Valley has provided this transformative mentorship to more than 100,000 young people. Your steady monthly support ensures every child in our program has a mentor by their side.
Long-Term Impact That Lasts a Lifetime.
We’re proud of the results our youth development program delivers:
100% of our long-term participants graduate high school.
100% go on to college.
100% gain life skills that make them caring, responsible citizens.
75% of our high school participants give back as junior mentors.
This kind of consistency is possible only when our supporters are consistent too. That’s why monthly pledges are so vital.
Kids Need Us Now More Than Ever.
Social pressures, loneliness, mental health challenges, family struggles, and inequities across Silicon Valley weigh heavily on today’s youth. At FTSV, we provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive community where kids are free to be themselves and discover their inner strength.
A National Leader with Local Heart.
Among the 140 First Tee chapters nationwide, First Tee – Silicon Valley leads the way:
85% participant diversity
48% from low-income households
55% retention rate
1:4 mentor-to-kid ratio
These numbers reflect our commitment to making sure every child has access to caring mentors and meaningful opportunities.
Be Part of the Change and Change the Game for MORE Kids in 2026!
As we look to 2026, we need your help to build on this momentum. A monthly pledge is the most powerful way you can support our kids. Your commitment provides the stability and resources necessary to help thousands of youth grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate leaders.
Make your monthly pledge today—and help us Change the Game for MORE Kids tomorrow.
(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 – 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.
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.
(FTSV Benefits from the 5th Annual Fund the Kids Tournament – Published 10/2/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) benefits from the 5th Annual Fund the Kids tournament sponsored by Jacobs. On Saturday, September 27th, 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.
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.
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.
(PARdon Me – written by Joe Bronson – benefits FTSV Published: 9/24/2025)Joe Bronson, friend of First Tee – Silicon Valley, has written his latest book, ‘PARdon Me: 50 Years of Golf, One Hole at a Time’, published in July 2025. Joe is passionate about the game of golf. Proceeds from his book sales are given to organizations like First Tee – Silicon Valley and others that support golf in the community.
“From tee to green, Joe Bronson brings his passion for golf to life in PARdon Me, the third installment in his celebrated series. Drawing from decades of experience both as a dedicated amateur golfer and a seasoned observer of the sport, Bronson delivers a captivating collection of personal stories and reflections on the ever-challenging game. Bronson takes readers on a journey through iconic courses, unforgettable rounds, and his musings on the evolution of golf-from the golden days pre-pandemic to the new boom in popularity. With chapters covering the highs and lows of playing alone, battling slow play, and the challenges of professional tournaments, Bronson offers a unique perspective on what makes golf such a special game.”
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.”
From our own back yard to the National Stage: FTSV Alumni Michelle Xie
“I’m overjoyed and honored that First Tee has selected me to be a part of its National Alumni Advisory Council.” said Michelle. “Growing up, First Tee provided me many unique opportunities during which I was able to meet incredible young golfers from all over the country. I can’t wait to be a part of First Tee’s continued effort to strengthen its community, this time through its alumni network.”
Successful alumni not only offer a proud glimpse into the impact we have as an organization, but they are also part of the fabric of First Tee. A successful hard working participant, growing up to achieve their dreams, and giving back to First Tee – it all makes for a inspiring example for others to follow. Great job, Michelle! All of us here at FTSV are proud to call you our alum.
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.
If you are a past First Tee participant, or you’re about to graduate from High School, consider becoming a First Tee Alumni with our chapter! For more information, CLICK HERE.
If you are thinking about joining us as a participant like Michelle once did, please CLICK HERE.
2025 First Tee Alumni Summit at Team Penske HQ in Mooresville, N.C. on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (Chris Keane for The First Tee)
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
(Participant Spotlight: Alonso Jose – Published 9/12/25) This month’s Participant Spotlight is on Alonso Jose, a long-time participant and now volunteer who embodies many FTSV values and core life skills on and off the course. Alonso began his journey with First Tee – Silicon Valley back in 2022, and since then has enrolled in nearly 20 different classes – over 5 per year! Alonso reflected on his early class experiences, “I still remember my very first class; it poured so hard that we had to stay in the back of the pro shop. Even though we weren’t hitting balls, the coaches kept it fun, and that day really gave me the spirit of the program. Rain or shine, I’ve loved it ever since.”From Practice and Course classes to Ace and Junior Council, Alonso has grown tremendously throughout his time in our programs and that growth comes down to individual moments that have made an impact and set him on a journey of self-discovery.
“One of my favorite experiences was helping to plan and run the FTSV Family Fest as part of the Junior Council… It really helped me realize how much of an impact I could have, and it is something that I’ll never forget.” After positive experiences like these, it’s easy to see why a participant would want to give back. Alonso is now a dedicated volunteer who spends much of his Saturday afternoons helping out at our registration and check-in booth at Rancho del Pueblo. Alonso goes above and beyond, always proactive and attentive to the needs of our participants, families, and coaches. When asked why he started volunteering, Alonso said, “I wanted to help give others the same great experience I’ve had, and I was inspired by my coaches and fellow ACE participants who were already volunteering. Being a volunteer has really helped me apply the FTSV curriculum’s lessons… and see the real effects they can have.”
Alonso Jose is a perfect example of how our programs can help kids build positive identity.
He’s now a leader in many of the classes he takes, helping other participants navigate their journey through First Tee, by simply being a friendly and helpful face to everyone he comes across. That identity has spilled over to other areas of Alonso’s life as well – his parents have even noticed his greater sense of responsibility in the classroom and more confidence in the way he carries himself. “First Tee has helped me become both stronger as a student and more confident… to be myself in new environments and interact with new people. These skills have already helped me in scholarship interviews and will continue to be essential as I continue my education in college.”
Positive identity is crucial to youth development, and part of that confidence is having a sense of belonging within your community. That process takes time, and over the years coaches, program staff, and FTSV leaders alike have seen Alonso’s confidence grow. “One of the blessings of working with youth is walking alongside them and watching them grow.” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “I’ve had the good fortune of also working alongside Alonso as we set-up and then operate our check-in area for Saturday classes at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. It’s been wonderful to watch him learn the many steps to our set-up, follow them with efficiency and a positive attitude, and go above and beyond with helpfulness. All of this appears to have helped him grown in confidence. Go Alonso!”
When asked to offer advice to any participants considering volunteering with FTSV, he said, “Really put yourself out there and connect with your coaches and fellow participants. I know it can feel intimidating at first. I was nervous too when starting, but everyone is there to learn, grow, and have fun together.”
“Thank you also for the kind words about Alonso!” exclaimed Elizabeth Jose (Alonso’s Mother). “He is really loving his morning volunteering, and we have seen a new sense of responsibility and self-confidence spilling over into his school experience and even the way he carries himself! We are so thankful to the First Tee program and the whole administrative team!”
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.
