Category: Newsletter

FTSV 13th Annual OPEN Supporters & Winners

(FTSV 13th Annual OPEN Supporters & Winners) FTSV’s 13th Annual OPEN tournament on June 6th was a great day for all. The weather couldn’t have been better at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club for the 124 golfers including 10 top sponsors who came together for a great cause, raising a total of $140,000. Proceeds benefit First Tee – Silicon Valley’s financial aid program. 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.

One of our teen participants, Juan Hernandez, shared the impact our program has had on him and his brother saying “I graduated from Highschool today and I will be going to Sacramento State to study Civil Engineering. I am going to be the first in my family to attend college. I know the skills I have been developing in First Tee – Silicon Valley will help me to make the most of it. Skills such as goal setting, collaborative communication and building a go-to-team full of people who challenge me and support me are going to make me successful.”.  

We would like to recognize all the individuals behind our Sponsorships.

Presenting Sponsor: SAGA Foundation (David Bartoshuk)

Hosting PLUS Sponsors: PGA TOUR Superstores in Cupertino & East Palo Alto (Kate Nielsen & Brad Hanson)

Hosting Sponsors: Gallagher (Mike Gallagher)

Contributing Sponsors: Hallagan Huston Family Foundation (Ron Hallagan), PwC (Sarah Beelaard), Panera Bread (Jeff Burrill), Pinnacle Bank (Doug Moffat), Bill Powar, Ajinomoto (Max von Poelnitz), Luna Mexican Kitchen (John Lopez)

View your Foursome Photo

FTSV 13th Annual OPEN Scramble Tournament Winners

First Place – Score 56

Joe Dermer, Jake Dermer, Eric Arnold, Dom Nicoli  

Second Place – Score 57

Kolbey, Kennedy, Ernesto & Kyleigh Moreno

Contest Winners

Dryvebox Closest-to-the-Hole

Alexis Chu 2’6”

Jackson Burrill 13’6”

Closest-to-the-Hole

Lake #8 – Jeff McCrea 3’10”

Mountain #2 – JJ Jovellanos 11’

PGATSS Putting Contest:

3 players made 1 putt

Steve Almassy, Justin Hook, Rick Austin

DGDG Car Hole-in-One  – no winners but special thanks to Jeremy Beaver for their sponsorship.

Thank you to our Raffle Donors and Winners

  1. La Rinconada Country Club – Derek Anderson
  2. Almaden Golf & Country Club – Kevin Kelly
  3. Silver Creek Valley Country Club – Alan Eustace
  4. Boulder Ridge Golf Club ­- Tom Tate
  5. San Jose Country Club – Bill Powar
  6. The Peninsula Golf & Country Club – Lucas Wendt
  7. Callaway Elyte Driver & Hyperlight Zero Stand Bag- Kathy Kwan
  8. Scotty Cameron Putter – Steve Almassy
  9. The Clubhouse in Fremont – John Turner
  10. Total Wine Private Wine Class for 20 – Steve Baroni
  11. Daytrip in Tesla Cybertruck – Rod Wade

Thank you to our Live Auction Donors & Supporters:

  1. Eden Rift Vineyards ATV Tour & Tasting for 8 with Christian Pillsbury & Michelle Wei – Ken Miller
  2. 49ers 2-Game Package Plus Tailgate Parking x 2 – Gareth Hunt & Robert Carrillo/Mathew Turner
  3. Special Day at Mayacama Golf Club with Mike Blach – Ron Hallagan
  4. An Evening with San Jose Sharks with Randy Hahn – Steve Almassy
  5. Spectacular Golf for 8 at CordeValle Golf Club x 2 – Ron Hallagan & Rod Wade
  6. SF Giants Experience + Memorabilia – Steve Almassy
  7. Warriors VIP Sandisk Courtside Lounge Experience x 2 – Steve Baroni & Ron Hallagan
  8. Special Day at Olympic Club with Kolbey Moreno – Eric Arnold

Thank you to our MC & Auctioneer Randy Hahn – Emmy Award winning Sharks television broadcaster

Thank you to Board of Directors and Ambassadors who participated or helped with sponsors:  Victor Arrañaga, Sarah Beelaard, Steve Almassy, Max von Poelnitz, Shawn Fox, Steve Guerrero, Andrea Brenholz , Dick Budelli, Don DeLorenzo, Ron Hallagan, Doug Moffat, Kunal Shalia, Alex Worbel.

Thank you to our Tournament Coordinators: Development Director Judy Dixon Deaton & Marketing/Events Coordinator Nicole Woodson

Thank you to our Staff:  President & CEO George Maxe, Program Director Chris Moreno-Hunt, Operations Coordinator Julie Donnellan, Program Coordinators Manny Gallardo, Phoenix Jarrell-Desch, Tanner Riley, Austin Westly  

Thank you to our Volunteers: Michael Freday, Joshua Joo, Diego Garcia, Gabe Garcia, Nico Hernandez, Sahara Huchim, Zoe Huchim, Kai Nishihara, Vian Tran, Norah Yang, Dharini Sitaraman, Jennifer Barrientos, Jerry Moore, Leonardo Villegas, Ben Hsu

Thank you to Cinnabar Hills Golf Club: Tournament Director Nick Starr, General Manager Adam Schiro, and Food & Beverage and Grounds Staff for a perfectly run tournament.

Proceeds from the Open will help us impact the lives of youth by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. We believe that all kids deserve the chance to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them. We are dedicated to growing our program so it is accessible to MORE kids.

Please contact our Development Director, Judy Dixon Deaton 408-508-4881 – [email protected]  to discuss sponsorship or underwriting opportunities for next year’s Open in June.   

Published: 06-09-2025

7th Annual Parent University – a resounding success!

(7th Annual Parent University – a resounding success!) On Saturday, May 17th, 2025, Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) and First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) once again teamed up to bring the 7th annual Parent University to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The event, which has long been a resounding success, was no different this year, with 705 students and their families coming out for a community day of fun and games at the golf course.

At the practice facility and on several holes throughout the course, FTSV set up a taste of what our programs offer, with fun games and activities all backed up with a specific life skill to focus on. Each station was packed with students and their families, many of whom were trying out golf for the very first time. Each group rotated through the stations before gathering for lunch and live music in the afternoon.

The focus of Parent University has always been on gathering the community and bringing valuable resources to the families of Alum Rock.  ARUSD’s Student Services Department helped organize a ton of fantastic experiences for attendees, including several info booths, a great raffle, and even the ARUSD Jazz Band. And in a show of force as to just what this type of event means for the community, we were even joined by two local officials, Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong and State Assemblymember Ash Kalra, who provided their encouraging remarks to kick-off the event.

From left: FTSV Board Victor M. Arrañaga Jr., ARUSD Superintendent German Cerda, CA State Rep Ash Kalra, Supervisor Betty Duong, FTSV CEO George Maxe

Here’s what their saying about the 7th Annual Parent University

Each year, FTSV is proud to partner with ARUSD and come together to serve and benefit the residents of our community. “FTSV was so pleased to play host once again at ARUSD’s Parent University at Rancho. The event was a huge success giving so many students and families the opportunity to experience golf and FTSV’s life skills curriculum. Rancho is FTSV’s home program location and East San Jose’s community golf course, so utilizing it in such a way is a perfect pairing for ARUSD and FTSV.” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO.

ARUSD Superintendent German Cerda said, “First Tee is a shining example of the powerful impact that school and community partnerships can have. It was truly inspiring to see so many families come together for this special event, where both students and parents were introduced to the game of golf—many for the very first time. Moments like these remind us what meaningful engagement really looks like.”

Interested in having your school or youth development program partner with First Tee – Silicon Valley? Please contact our Program Coordinator, Tanner Riley at (408) 508-4885, [email protected], or visit our outreach page.

Published: 05-22-2025

Intero Foundation $5K Grant Supports Our Mission

(Intero Foundation $5K Grant Supports Our Mission) First Tee – Silicon Valley recently received a generous $5,000 grant from Intero Foundation .  Special thanks to Intero agents Lisa & Steve Guerrero (FTSV Board Director) for inviting us to apply.  These funds will help us adequately invest in our capacity to serve the growing number of youth in our programs while increasing the quality of what we do. In 2024, 5,642 Course Participants and School Students, who were 85% Ethnically Diverse and 57% Low-Income, experienced our life skills and golf skills program. All of our youth development programs (on-course, in-school, and after-school) are growing and FTSV relies heavily on foundations like Intero that are supportive of youth development and our mission.

Intero Foundation Inc. $5K Grant Supports Our Mission

The Intero Foundation’s mission…

To positively impact the communities Intero Real Estate serves through supporting nonprofit programs that advance the health, education and well-being of children and seniors. It is the heartbeat of Intero Real Estate Services and embodies their core values of creating a thriving community. They are an all-volunteer organization founded on the principles of always striving to build a better future which aligns with FTSV’s unique approach to transform lives and gives kids a brighter future. We believe teaching core values and life skills through golf is the foundation of strong character, which leads to success in life.

The Intero Foundation was created in 2002, at the same time Intero Real Estate
Services Inc. (Intero) was founded to serve Silicon Valley’s growing real estate
market. Intero’s founders believed it was important to give back to the
communities where Intero agents live and serve. Since its inception, and thanks
to over 20 years of hard work by its agents and employees raising funds to support local charities, the Intero Foundation has given more than $7 million to 225+ local nonprofits and we are grateful to be one of those non-profits in 2025.

Published: 05-21-2025

Alumni Spotlight: Nancy Rivera

(Alumni Spotlight: Nancy Rivera) Here at FTSV, we’re always proud to give a well-deserved shout out to our past participants. This alumni spotlight is on Nancy Rivera.

Nancy began her journey with FTSV in 2017 and racked up a series of well-deserved honors during her time as a participant. She achieved FTSV Ace Certification in 2022, the culmination of years of hard work and dedication that also helped earned her multiple scholarships and selection to national opportunities such as Game Changers Academy, the First Tee Innovators Forum, and the First Tee Leadership Summit.

In 2021, Nancy was selected to represent FTSV at the First Tee Innovators Forum in San Jose, a program that challenged teens to develop a meaningful service project in their community. Twenty-six participants from across the country had the opportunity to hear from inspirational keynote speakers and participate in interactive workshops focused on global issues like education, health, and sustainability. As a result of these workshops and motivating speeches, Nancy narrowed in on her project, which provided resources to promote and explain higher education in low income and undocumented communities. Her leadership and project work helped her earn a $10,000 scholarship towards continuing her education.

After she graduated high school, Nancy was selected to the First Tee College Scholarship Program, joining a class of 25 scholars who earned this honor based on their academic performance, length and involvement in First Tee programs, financial need, and commitment to volunteerism. Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship program also offered ongoing support throughout their post-graduate careers.

This program, along with her award of the Innovators Forum scholarship and FTSV’s Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and scholarship, helped her achieve her dream of being a first-generation college student when she chose to attend Middlebury College in Vermont. It’s no surprise that there, she continued her exceptional work and quickly established herself as a leader in her community. In the same vein as her Innovators Forum project, Nancy joined Middlebury’s Juntos, a social justice and human rights group advocating for the migrant community in Vermont. In her three years with the campus organization, she’s risen to the role of President, working tirelessly to help further their mission.

Through her hard work supporting this important cause, Nancy was recently recognized with the Patrick J. Durkin ’79 Public Service Leadership Award, a prestigious honor given to students who demonstrate a special dedication to public service at Middlebury College.

Congrats, Nancy! We’re so proud of the work you’re doing after all your success at FTSV.

Nancy Rivera – Front/Center Yellow Dress – Patrick J. Durkin ’79 Public Service Leadership Award

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 Nancy once did, please CLICK HERE.

Published: 05-19-2025

Dryvebox Club Challenge and Fundraiser

(Dryvebox Club Challenge and Fundraiser) Dryvebox is partnering with First Tee – Silicon Valley throughout the year to do Closest to the Pin fundraising events to raise funds to grow the game of golf.

The Dryvebox 15’ x 40’ trailer equipped with the best in golf simulation technology traveled to Almaden Golf & Country Club on May 9th and Silver Creek Valley Country Club on May 10th for an inter and intra-club Closest to the Hole competition. 

Club Members made donations to take swings on Dryvebox simulator Hole 7 at Pebble Beach (106 yards). Thanks to their generosity a total of $2,000 was raised for FTSV financial aid program.

Closest to the Pin (1-Male / 1-Female at each Club) Won: $250 credit at their Club’s Pro Shop

Almaden Dryvebox Club Challenge and Fundraiser WINNERS

Female – Debra Taoyama  11’4”

Male – Robbie Zipp  1’4″ 

Silver Creek Dryvebox Club Challenge and Fundraiser WINNERS

Female – Bonnie Tomei  3’4″ 

Male – Sean Guzman 14’1″

Overall Closest to the Hole Winner 

Rob Zipp from Almaden 1’4″ received a Round of Golf and Dinner for 4 from opposing club Silver Creek + 2 bottles of Daou Red Wine from FTSV.

Thank you to Dryvebox, Head of Ops Jake Haselden; Almaden Golf & Country Club Golf Head Pro, Joe Calhoun; Silver Creek Valley Country Club Golf Head Pro, Avery Cook for your collaboration and support to make this fundraiser possible.

Please contact Judy Deaton [email protected]g if you are interested in creating a 3rd Party Beneficiary Partnership with FTSV.

Published: 05-16-2025

PwC and AWS Volunteer Day at Rancho Del Pueblo

(PwC and AWS Volunteer Day at Rancho Del Pueblo) On Tuesday, May 13th, PwC and Amazon Web Services employees “rolled up their sleeves” to clean-up the streets, parking lot and FTSV storage areas at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. This was the first, of what we hope will be many more, quarterly Corporate Volunteer Days in May, August, November and February.

PWC at Rancho Del Pueblo

Corporate volunteerism is a pillar of corporate social responsibility, and by encouraging employees to volunteer their time and give back to their community’s nonprofits, there are considerable benefits. Employees gain positive team building experiences, while providing a valuable service to the local community.

Amongst the 12 PwC and 9 AWS volunteers, were 7 FTSV staff members there to facilitate the clean-up. “The volunteers in my group were from different walks of life and it was really interesting to hear their stories as we worked” said Nicole Woodson, FTSV Marketing Coordinator. “We were laughing, talking about the various tasks at our companies and forming relationships. It was a very positive teamwork experience for all of us”.

Throughout the morning, corporate volunteers cleaned and organized FTSV’s storage areas for our incoming summer class kids. Additionally, they swept and raked the sidewalks, streets and parking lot. In total, 30 large garbage bags were filled with trash and debris.

“First Tee – Silicon Valley and Rancho are very grateful to the PwC and AWS employees who helped us spruce up Rancho and FTSV’s storage. We want the best for all FTSV participants including an environment that is safe, clean and organized. The higher the quality program we offer, the greater the positive impact we can have on kids’ and teens’ lives,” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO.

If you your company would like to participate in the next Corporate Volunteer Day, contact George Maxe [email protected] 408-288-2937.

Download the Flyer

Published: 05-15-2025

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Michelle Xie

(Alumni Spotlight: Meet Michelle Xie) As a youth mentoring organization, the biggest way First Tee – Silicon Valley can measure our impact is by looking at the success of our alumni. After years of character development by participating in and often volunteering with our programs, what do some of our alumni go on to achieve?

Our hope is that they pursue their goals and dreams, achieve success, and live by the many core values we teach. Of course, we believe that all our alumni can claim these achievements, and more, but not many provide a better example than Michelle Xie.

As a student and young golfer, “[she] always had the general idea that [she] wanted to do well in school and in golf, but the thought of juggling both areas felt overwhelming.” That’s where First Tee and our life skill curriculum can help. Because beside our programs and events, FTSV also offers many other opportunities including scholarships, leadership academies, advisory council roles, regional and national tournaments, and future-prep Ace classes. All of which can help prepare students for a fulfilling and successful life beyond golf.

Michelle Xie, as a FTSV participant

Michelle reached two major milestone with First Tee – Silicon Valley – achieving Ace Certification and participating in (and winning!) the 2013 Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Both accomplishments are some of the highest heights one can reach with FTSV, so it’s no surprise that Michelle has gone on to become one of our most successful alumni.

Michelle continued down the path of a successful golf career in high school, helping the inaugural girls’ golf team at Palo Alto High School win the 2014 Central Coast Section title, and claiming the individual title for herself, before leading the team to the state championship where they finished 8th.

She then attended Harvard, studying molecular and cellular biology and playing D1 women’s golf where she captained the team, earned three All-Ivy selections, and won the Ivy League Individual Championship as a junior.

Today, Michelle lives back in the Silicon Valley area where she works as a software engineer at a financial tech company, focusing on user retention through app development. Michelle continues to be involved in golf and live by the values we teach at First Tee. And now, she is prepared to give back to First Tee as part of the National Alumni Advisory Council – a strategic advisory body that provides insights and recommendations to strengthen alumni engagement, enhance programming, and advance First Tee’s mission. Michelle is part of 20 First Tee alumni from across the country who’ve been selected to help shape the future of First Tee programs.

First Tee alumni from across the country who’ve been selected to help shape the future of First Tee programs

“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.

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.

Michelle Xie as participant (FTSV Alum)

Published: 04-30-2025

Join the Caddy Club Majors – Master Results

(Join the Caddy Club Majors – Master Results) It’s not too late to join the Caddy Club Majors fun competition as a way to support our Financial Aid Program and meet the needs of providing a nurturing environment for the young people in our community. It kicked off with the Masters on April 13th – but the fun continues for the PGA Championship May 15-18, US Open June 12-15, and Open Championship July 17-20. 

CONGRATULATIONS to Caddy Club Majors MASTERS Results: 

Tiered Fantasy Pool – Best 4 out of 6 players’ 72-hole scores in relation to Par

1ST PLACE – Mark Christierson – 27 (tie-breaker low team score 4th round)
2ND PLACE – Dennis Billings -27
3RD PLACE – Helen Zieman -26
4TH PLACE – Dan Faulkner -24 (tie-breaker low team score 4th round)
5TH PLACE –  DJ Wheeler -24

When you join as a perpetual, recurring donor you will be signed up for the next 3 Majors and next year too. Individuals who commit to a $30+ monthly gift will immediately be invited to participate in our virtual Caddy Club Majors Fantasy Golf Competition.  It is easy and fun! $16,000 in total donated prizes for all 4 Majors!

Click to Join!

Every $360 cumulative donation you make allows us to cover the registration fee and golf clubs for a low-income participant to attend 8 weeks of classes.

FTSV believes that ALL youth deserve the change to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them. We are dedicated to building a youth development program that is accessible, diverse and as impactful as it is fun.

Published: 04-15-25

FTSV Summer Season: Register on May 14th

(FTSV Summer Season: Register on May 14th) Save the Date – Registration for our summer season opens here on Wednesday, May 14th at 11am and closes on Thursday, May 29th at 11:59pm.

The 8-week summer season begins the week of June 10th and ends August 9th. We will have no classes July 1st through July 5th.

FTSV Summer Season – Register on May 14th

Take part in our engaging, supportive, and fun life & golf skill classes at either Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, or Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy. We have a new 3-day camp offered at Spring Valley Golf Course in Milpitas, 7/29-7/31 from 9am to 12pm.

Classes are broken down by grade groups, so feel free to invite a friend and take part in our summer classes together.

Financial aid is available. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

We encourage youth 2nd grade and above to join our program and ask that you help spread the word.

FTSV Summer Season – Flyer and Details

Click here for the general flyer. Click here for the class schedule. Click here for more information about our program. Click here to view our program video and learn more from our participants, parents, and coaches!

See you at the course!

Summer season register-1

Updated: 05-02-2025 / Published: 04-03-2025

First Tee Level I Coach Training Recap

(First Tee Level I Coach Training Recap) On March 8th, First Tee – Silicon Valley had 12 coaches participate in a Level I coach training. The Level I training is one of four First Tee National trainings that make up the First Tee Coach Program. The Coach Program is an educational training program that prepares First Tee coaches from around the country to effectively deliver the First Tee’s Life and Golf Skill Curriculum.

Level I training is done locally, and Levels 2, 3, and 4 are held at different locations around the country. Coach Chris and Coach Manny are both trained to deliver the Level I training for First Tee – Silicon Valley as Level 4 certified coaches and as long-time program staff – over 25 years combined.

The Training Program is primarily focused on creating experiences for coaches to learn the application of the Coach Building Blocks – Activity-Based, Mastery Driven, Empowering Youth, and Continuous Learning. Coach Chris and Manny delivered the Coach Building Block theories and best practices to the attendees who then had the opportunity to apply what they learned by delivering the lessons to each other.

“In coaching, we never stop learning,” says FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “Every class and every participant are different. The more we can practice best coaching techniques, the better we are at adapting to each individual and each class situation. That is why we have more than four First Tee – Silicon Valley trainings each year in addition to the National Coach Program that is offered by First Tee Headquarters. The more prepared we are, the better the experience for the participants.”

To learn more about becoming a coach and building your coach skill set, please visit our volunteer page, or reach out to [email protected], 408-508-4884

Published: 04-03-2025

ACE – Career Class for FTSV High School Participants

(ACE Career Class for FTSV High School Participants) This spring season, First Tee – Silicon Valley is delivering the Ace – Career Class to 21 FTSV high school participants. The Career class is one of (4) 8-week Ace classes offered throughout the year.

In this Ace class, participants are:

  • Building their elevator pitch and develop their personal brand
  • Identifying their work & lifestyle values, ideal career characteristics, and personal identity, then using them to identify matching career industries and functions  
  • Pursuing different methods for career exploration and identification
  • Practicing informational interviews and job shadowing techniques
  • Reviewing resume-building best practices and cover letter approaches
  • Exploring and building LinkedIn profiles
  • Practicing networking techniques
  • Learning and demonstrating job interviewing strategies

We are fortunate to also have a few guest speakers give their professional and work expertise during the classes. Each week the content is delivered through group work, games and activities, and peer to peer demonstrations.

This upcoming summer we will be delivering our Ace Golf classes that covers the following:

  • Golf psychology – “the mental game” approaches
  • Optimal practice habits
  • Golf goal setting and application
  • Advanced golf techniques

The goal of our Ace classes is to bridge the life skills that we learn throughout First Tee to the next steps of their upcoming adult life. Additionally, we aim to equip our high schoolers with specific tools to succeed post high school.

All 9th graders and above may take the upcoming Ace-Golf classes. All 10th grade and above participants can take the Ace – Education class in the fall and the Ace Career in the spring. To be Ace-certified, which is the highest First Tee participant honor, participants that have been in our program for more than 2 years may also complete the supplemental Ace course work and apply for Ace-certification. Ace certification is optional and is supplemental to taking the 4 in-person classes.

We are proud of these Ace classes and would love for more FTSV participants to experience them. To register, please click here.

For more information on our four Ace classes, please click here, email [email protected], or call 408-508-4884.

Published: 04-03-2025

Meet New Board Ambassador: Samantha Smith

(Meet New Board Ambassador: Samantha Smith) First Tee – Silicon Valley’s board recently elected Samantha Smith to our Board of Ambassadors.

“First Tee served as the foundation for developing integrity as one of my core values,” Samantha shares. “From age five, the program was instrumental in shaping not just my golf skills, but my character and worldview. The community I found through First Tee has supported me beyond the golf course and throughout my career; I’m passionate about creating those same opportunities for the next generation. The mentors who guided me remain important figures in my life today, which speaks to the program’s lasting impact. I’m thrilled to bring my experience full circle by joining the First Tee – Silicon Valley chapter.”

Samantha’s connection with First Tee runs deep, having participated in First Tee – Greater Houston from age 5 (2002) until achieving Ace certification alongside her brother, Lonnie. As a scratch golfer, she served as a Junior Mentor from 2008-2015. Her First Tee journey included attending the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach and First Tee Player’s Academy with Kunal Shalia (FTSV Alumni & Ambassador), with whom she has maintained contact over the years.

Samantha is completing her Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior (Micro) at Harvard Business School, where she researches strategic decision-making under competition and develops evidence-based strategies for organizations to leverage diverse talent. After marrying Modibo, a Stanford Graduate School of Business professor, in summer 2024, she now maintains a bicoastal presence between Cambridge, MA and Palo Alto, CA.

While completing her Ph.D. at Harvard, Samantha is concurrently a Research Fellow at ghSMART and Faculty Instructor/Course Designer at Harvard Extension School. Her previous experiences include a Behavioral Research Fellowship at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She earned her AB in psychology with minors in neuroscience and cognitive science from Princeton University. 

Samantha joins First Tee – Silicon Valley as a Board Ambassador and is interviewing First Tee Alumni as part of a Harvard case study on the organization’s growth and long-term impact. She feels a special connection with First Tee and is passionate about giving back to the foundation that played the most formative role in her development.

LinkedIN: Samantha Smith

Published: 04-01-2025