(Julia Villa Receives 2026 Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award – Published 7/27/2026) The Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award was created by First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) to recognize a Participant of Good Character, Academic Achievement & Demonstrated Leadership. The $5,000 scholarship was awarded to Julia Villa at the FTSV 2026 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 19th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA.
Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. is the Founding Chairman of First Tee – Silicon Valley, leading the organization with unwavering dedication since 2000. As Chairman of the San Jose Sports Authority in the late ’90s, he helped launch the Eagles youth golf program at the new Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The program evolved into a First Tee chapter in 2005, expanded regionally in 2012, and became an independent nonprofit in 2014. Under Victor’s leadership, FTSV has grown into a top-tier chapter among more than 150 nationwide.
Victor leads with heart and purpose, fueled by his deep love for East San José, youth, and the game of golf as a tool for character development. His successful career in government relations with major corporations adds to his gravitas, while his warm presence and signature phrase — “keep a smile” — continue to uplift and inspire all around him.
Julia Villa Receives Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Award – Julia was unable to attend the Invitational to tell her story in-person, as she was selected by a national group of First Tee judges to represent our chapter at the First Tee Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis.
“First Tee – Silicon Valley’s appreciation and commitment to diversity helped me feel like I belonged.” Julia continued, “This type of inclusivity and unity is truly one of a kind, and as a Latina female golfer, it gave me the confidence to be myself. Unfortunately, away from the First Tee – Silicon Valley, such inclusivity and support wasn’t what I experienced, and my confidence suffered as a result. For example, during my freshman year of high school, I attempted to try out for my school’s golf team, but was discouraged from trying out because I was told it would be too competitive. Naturally, this caused me to feel inadequate and made me form a negative opinion on golf. Why would I be told what I can’t do? That discouragement held me back for two years. Yes, it took me two years to realize this is a game and space for me. I’m happy to say that the First Tee Silicon Valley not only gave me the confidence back, but it gave me the confidence to try new opportunities.”
“As my self-belief and confidence grew, I felt more and more excited about my future. First Tee – Silicon Valley helped me discover my future plans and gave me the space and opportunity to develop to develop the necessary professional skills, I was interested in event coordination, so I shadowed the First Tee Silicon Valley’s marketing coordinator, Nicole Woodson, and learned about event marketing and coordination from start to finish. I learned group collaboration skills, how to organize and structure event agendas, and practice the professional correspondence. Then she and my coaches encouraged me to be the lead of the first tee Junior Council Committee. I was in charge of planning our Junior Council Appreciation Party. Because of this experience, I’m happy to announce that in the fall I’ll be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in Experience Industry Management with a concentration in event planning.”
Listen to Julia’s Full Speech HERE
Julia’s Accomplishments
- FTSV Participant since 2024
- FTSV Volunteer Coach since 2024
- FTSV Junior Council Member – Event Planning Committee Chair. Coordinated an event that celebrated and recognized youth volunteers.
- Selected by a National Panel to Attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis.
- Attending Cal Poly SLO this Fall
