Type Archives - First Tee - Silicon Valley

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 Ace Certification in 2022, the culmination of years of hard work and dedication that also 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 Michelle once did, please CLICK HERE.

Published: 05-19-2025

PwC and AWS Volunteer Day at Rancho Del Pueblo

(PwC and AWS Volunteer Day at Rancho Del Pueblo) On Tuesday, May 13^th, 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.

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 8^th.

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 13^th – 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

First Tee Level I Coach Training Recap

(First Tee Level I Coach Training Recap) On March 8^th, 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 10^th 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

FSTV Trainings for Instructors and Volunteer Coaches

Each off-season, FTSV hosts a training for our Instructors and Volunteer Coaches. These trainings take place the weekend before each new season begins and offer both new and returning coaches and volunteers alike the opportunity to expand their coaching techniques and grow as leaders in our chapter. Thank you to the 24 paid instructors and 65 volunteer coaches who attended these trainings!

FTSV Coaching Philosophy

FTSV is about teaching life skills and positive character through golf, and we bring this same philosophy to our coaches and volunteers. While these trainings cover the four main building blocks of First Tee nationwide (Empowering Youth, Mastery Driven, Activity Based, and Continuous Learning), we dive deeper into those building blocks and give coaches practice with specific coaching techniques that we research, and that we learn from partner organizations like Positive Coaching Alliance and The Search Institute. The knowledge and skills taken from this training will help our coaches and volunteers make a greater impact on the community we serve.

Instructor Training

We started off the day with our Instructor training – most of these coaches have been involved in FTSV for many years and some even started off as participants! Instructors serve as class leaders and empower, offer direction, support and feedback to our volunteer coaches during class. Bringing all our instructors together is a great way to recap our coaching goals from the previous season, look at participant survey results, and turn our focus towards refining our skills for the next season.

Later that afternoon, 65 of our volunteers came out to learn more about our activity-based coaching strategy using the Try-Show-Try-Play technique, how to foster engagement with fun breaks during activities, and how to seamlessly deliver our life skill curriculum using our Focus-Ask-Reward system.

Coaching is an ongoing journey of self-exploration and personal development, which is why we ask our coaches to attend all 4 coach trainings each year. It is also why we consistently identify and incorporate fresh and proven coaching tips that reinforce our coach approach and curriculum into each training.

FTSV coaches are the backbone of our program. They are the mentors that guide our participants and help them feel welcomed. We want them to always be learning and feel empowered to help others. Hopefully our trainings are accomplishing that goal. From everyone in the FTSV office, thank you very much to all our amazing coaches!

To find out more about how to be a FTSV Coach, please click here.

Published: 03-26-25

2025 Family Fest was a fun and engaging event for all

First Tee – Silicon Valley’s 2025 Family Fest was a fun and engaging event for all! On the evening of March 8th, over 200 FTSV families came out to enjoy a delicious Barbeque meal, play fun games and activities, win raffle prizes and most importantly, connect with other FTSV families.

The Family Fest’s goal was to celebrate our FTSV participants, families, and coaches while promoting community-building and supporter engagement. We want to extend our appreciation to Presenting Sponsor, PGA TOUR Superstore with locations in Cupertino and East Palo Alto for their $15,000 donation to support our event. Special thanks also goes out to Dryvebox for being onsite with their mobile golf simulator offering a unique closest to the pin experience for attendees. FTSV is fortunate to have an annual partnership with both PGA TOUR Superstore and Dryvebox who will support us throughout the year at various events.

Special thanks to our raffle donors: PGA TOUR Superstore, Aqui Cal-Mex, Original Joe’s Italian, Luna Mexican Kitchen, Panera Bread, In-N-Out, Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts, San Jose Giants, Happy Hallow Park & Zoo, and TopGolf.

A critical part of the planning and execution of this event was the FTSV Junior Council. The group is comprised of FTSV participants that have been in our program anywhere from 1 to 12 years, have been in our Ace classes (seminar classes covering topics on careers, college, volunteering, and golf), and many of whom have also been junior coaches. They know our program better than anyone, and most importantly, they want to be part of group that can leave a legacy and positively impact families, coaches and participants of the future. The Juniors took part in numerous planning meetings and experienced all that goes into putting on an event.

Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt says, “we are so proud of the work they did to solicit donations and prizes for the event, in their coordination of the games and activities, and in their meeting and greeting skills at the event itself. They are role models for our younger participants, and we are grateful that they are giving back to help our program improve.”

This year’s Fest goers were also invited to our 25^th Anniversary event at Rancho Del Pueblo on August 16^th, by FTSV CEO George Maxe. “FTSV has much to celebrate in 2025 after 25 years of positively impacting over 100,000 youth. We’ve been growing nearly 10% each of these past few years, so we want to build on that momentum for our next 25 years of helping many more kids and teens. Our plan is to make our anniversary celebration at Rancho on Saturday, August 16^th our largest – and most fun and festive – event ever!”

For more information on these events and more, email Nicole Woodson, Marketing Coordinator, [email protected].

Published: 03-14-25

Kids & Coaches Tournament

(Kids & Coaches Tournament) This past Saturday, March 1st, First Tee – Silicon Valley hosted the ‘Kids and Coaches Tournament’ to kick off our 2025 Spring season. With an outstanding turnout of 36 participants—18 players and 18 coaches—this exciting event took place at Rancho del Pueblo golf course. It was a fantastic opportunity for our young golfers to showcase the skills and sportsmanship they’ve been developing through our program.

More than just a tournament, this event allowed participants to not only refine their golf skills but also, to strengthen invaluable life skills such as confidence, teamwork, and perseverance. We had two divisions for this tournament, 11 and under and 12 and over. We also had two course contests, with hole number 2 being the closest to the pin and hole number 4 being the long drive competition.

11 and Under Division:

The competition in the 11 and Under division was nothing short of thrilling, with the top spots being decided by just a few points. In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, Damien and Coach Shawn clinched 1st place with a score of 29. But the battle for the top spots didn’t end there. Brooks and Coach Matthew, alongside Jameson and Coach Joey, tied for 2nd place with a score of 30, just one stroke behind the leaders. Moises, Coach Jim, and Coach Michael rounded out the top three, securing 3rd place with a score of 31. Their determination and grit were evident throughout the tournament.

The 12 and Over Division:

The 12 and Over division of the tournament proved to be just as exciting. Chloe and Coach Annie emerging as the champions of the division with an impressive score of 28, the lowest of the entire tournament! In second place, Findlay and Coach Bob finished with a score of 32. Their strong performance kept them in the hunt for the top spot throughout the competition. Securing a spot on the podium, Neil and Coach Dick turned in a score of 34. Their effort was commendable, capping off a thrilling competition.

Congratulations to our course contest winners!

Closest to the Pin (Hole #2) – Adeline V.

Longest Drive (Hole #4 – 11 and younger) – Damien G.

Longest Drive (Hole #4 – 12 and older) – Elena M.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley is truly thankful for the incredible support and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved in our tournament. To our coaches, your participation and commitment are the driving forces behind our success—this event wouldn’t have been possible without you. To the parents, your continued dedication, week after week, in bringing your children to our events and classes means the world to us. And to our amazing participants, we are inspired by the growth you’ve already shown and are excited to watch you continue to thrive. We look forward to seeing each of you in our upcoming seasons!