Year Archives - First Tee - Silicon Valley

Girls Golf Spring Play Day – Bring a Friend!

(Girls Golf Spring Play Day – Bring a Friend! Published 6/12/2026) Twenty-four participants — including some specially invited friends — came out on a sunny spring Saturday to create memories, build friendships, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with playing fun golf games. This season’s theme celebrated Best Animated Movie Friends, bringing beloved characters to life all across the course. Our FTSV participants also brought their friends to join them in the festivities.

The day kicked off with casual warm-up games including cornhole, giant Jenga, and bucket toss. A creative bow decoration station added an extra splash of personality to the festivities.

Games On the Course

Hole 1 – Animated Putting Maze

The girls were challenged to drive the ball through an intricate putting maze featuring fun animated bestie characters scattered throughout.

Hole 2 – Chipping Tic-Tac-Toe

Players chipped their ball into a Tic-Tac-Toe grid, going head-to-head against an opponent in a game that blended short-game skill with a classic battle of wits.

Hole 8 – Foot-Golf!

Clubs down — participants switched it up with a round of Foot-Golf, kicking it in a whole new direction and getting plenty of laughs along the way.

Hole 9 – Chipping Through Hoops To close out the course, the girls practiced chipping through hoops and into the sand — a skill-builder wrapped in just the right amount of challenge.

The Wrap-Up

To close out the day, everyone returned to the bow making station — which proved so popular the girls dove right back in for a second round of crafting. While the casual lawn games remained in full swing, participants enjoyed pizza together, celebrating a day well played.

Thank-You Coaches!

Thank you to our adult and junior coaching staff… Angelina, Christine, Dahlia, Julia, Julia V., Natalie, Sui, Vikrant, Tiffany, Varnika, and Gracie

Thank you to the Junior Council

The Girls Golf Junior Council Planning Committee, including Tiana, whose creativity and effort helped make the day a success.

Thank you Sponsors & Donors

A heartfelt thank-you to the Boulder Ridge Ladies Tournament, which raises money specifically to support Girls Golf events at First Tee – Silicon Valley.

Stay Connected

To learn more about FTSV’s Girls Golf program, contact Manny Gallardo at [email protected] or 408-508-4887.

Learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities at firstteesiliconvalley.org/youth-programs/opportunities/.

Congrats, FTSV High School Grads!

(Congrats, FTSV High School Grads! Published 6/11/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley extends the warmest of congratulations to our Class of 2026 High School Graduates. We are so proud of their accomplishments and all the hard work these students have put into their journeys toward graduation. You earned this!

Many of our seniors have been in our program taking classes each year for the past 4–13 years. They have also served as junior volunteer coaches and taken part in our Junior Council. They have each played a significant role in building and shaping the supportive, inclusive community that future teens will continue to enjoy.

We are going to miss them — but we are so excited for what lies ahead!

At FTSV, we believe every kid and teen deserves the chance to build inner strength before the world demands it, to find the joy that comes with feeling confident in their own skin before the world makes it feel difficult, and to access experiences and spaces where leadership and personal growth happen. We strive to equip our participants with the tools to be people of high character — and this Class of 2026 is a shining example of exactly that.

Congratulations, seniors!

Elena Alegre – University Oregon

Varnika Arun – NYU

Jennifer Barrientos – Saint Olaf

Vikrant Bhende – University of Indiana

Lucas Chen – Stanford University

Natalie Chen – Stanford University

Khaton Ho – De Anza College

Joey Jang – UC San Diego or University of California, San Diego

Alonso Jose – Fordham

Walton Li – Emory University

Diyaan Mehta – University of Michigan

Alexander Sanchez –

Evan Santoso – Carlton College

Kristin Tang – Gonzaga

Julia Villa – Cal Poly SLO

Marissa Wei – Ohio State

Kayden Wong – University of San Francisco

Amaris Zarate –

Seniors, we strongly encourage you to join our First Tee – Silicon Valley Alumni Club and the First Tee Alumni Network to stay connected with First Tee graduates around the country. To join or contact our Alumni Coordinator Nancy Rivera – [email protected]

2026 Summer of Opportunity!

(2026 Summer of Opportunity! Published 6/11/2024) Summer is here, and with it, another round of First Tee National Opportunities. Every year, First Tee – Silicon Valley participants who have been long-standing and highly-engaged are selected to apply for these unique, once in a lifetime experiences. FTSV has submitted their applications, and many participants have been selected to attend these opportunities and represent FTSV. Congratulations!

Qualifications to apply for Opportunities

Participants from First Tee chapters worldwide apply for one of the limited spots at these limited opportunities. To apply, our chapter looks for FTSV teens who have a minimum of 2 years with First Tee and have been highly-engaged in FTSV over the years (e.g., volunteer coach, participant at least 2 seasons per year each year, active in tournaments/Girls Golf, etc.). Applicants are selected to apply based on their fit with the opportunity, time spent in the program, amount of volunteer hours, engagement in FTSV extracurriculars, and other accomplishments. Once selected to apply, applicants must meet the requirements set forth by First Tee National, write several short essays, listing their accomplishments in and out of the classroom, and include letters of recommendation. FTSV staff works with each applicant and helps with essay support.

Great work to all participants who were able to submit applications this year!

So far, we have submitted 24 applications for 4 different National Opportunities. Please see below for our 8 selected FTSV participants.

First Tee College Scholar – Class of 2026

FTSV participant, Natalie Chen, was accepted into the College Scholar Program that provides a college scholarship, career mentorship and internship opportunities throughout their four years in college. Please click on the subtitle to read more about the program.

First Tee National Championship – Chapel Hill, NC June 21-25

Three FTSV teen participants were accepted to represent our chapter this year at the First Tee National Championship in North Carolina. Congrats and good luck to Alexis Chu, Annie Lu and Arden Xu. Please click on the subtitle to read more about the National Championship opportunity.

First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow,Jr July 8-12

Four FTSV participants were selected to attend the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis this summer. Congratulations to Alonso Jose, Adam Rosas, Julia Villa and Varnika Arun. Please click on the subtitle to read more about the opportunity.

We will post a recap story of all the national opportunities and hear from each participant. Stay tuned!

Applications are currently being completed for the Innovators Forum and the Drive Your Future Academy. Selections will be made in August and September, respectively. Selected participants for the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach will be announced in early July.

Interested in learning more about the national opportunities, please click here

Spring Shamble Tournament

(Spring Shamble Tournament Published 6/11/20260) On Saturday, May 30th, 24 FTSV participants teamed up with fellow FTSV participants to compete in our Spring Team Shamble Tournament.

The teams competed in a Shamble shot format, which challenged them to collaborate, communicate, and strategize together. Everyone hits their tee shot, they all play from the best tee shot and then their own ball until the hole is complete. It was great to watch the golfers bond and support one another throughout the tournament. We encourage our participants to play golf together as it can strengthen their relationships and make for lasting memories.

The event wrapped up with pizza and awards. It was wonderful to see our FTSV participants forming new friendships. Congratulations to all our participants for competing with respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.

Results

1st Place: Japman, Nico, Adebayo, Dylan – 1 Under

2nd Place: Brady, Asher, James, Aadi — Even Par

3rd Place: Adam, Maya, Arjun, Isa— Plus 1

Closest to the Pin (Hole #7): Damien, Yoli

Closest to the Pin (Hole#4): Adam

Please save the date for the next pre-season tournament on August 22nd. Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.

Thank You OPEN Sponsors & Players

(Thank You OPEN Sponsors & Players Published 6/11/2026) FTSV’s 14th Annual OPEN tournament on June 5th 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 $104,000 after expenses. Proceeds benefit First Tee – Silicon Valley’s financial aid participants. 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.

For the first year, FTSV awarded one of our most important and longest standing college scholarships at the Open. The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award is given annually to provide college financial assistance to a teen participant who has consistently achieved academic excellence and exhibits exceptionally good character.

The 2026 Joyce Taylor Eagle Award was given to Alonso Jose.

FTSV Participant, Volunteer, and Junior Councilmember
Selected by national panel to attend Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis
FTSV Junior Coach of the Year 2025
District 2 Representative, Valley Water Youth Commission 2025-2026
Valley Water Adopt-A-Creek Junior Partner, Canoas Creek
Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction
Santa Clara County Office of Education Seal of Biliteracy

All of the individuals behind our Sponsorships deserve special recognition.

Special Hosting Check Presentation:

PGA TOUR Superstore – Cupertino (Kate Nielsen)

PGA TOUR Superstore – East Palo Alto (Brad Hanson)

Hosting Sponsors:

Gallagher Insurance (Mike Gallagher)

US Bank (Keith Kobata)

Contributing Sponsors:

Hallagan Huston Family Foundation (Ron & Ann Hallagan)

Panera Bread (Jeff Burrill)

Pinnacle Bank (Doug Moffat)

Bill Powar

Ajinomoto Group Ventures (Max von Poelnitz)

Guerrero Properties (Steve & Lisa Guerrero)

Luna Mexican Kitchen (John Lopez)

Want to see your FOURSOME photo? CLICK HERE

FTSV 14th Annual OPEN Scramble Tournament Winners

First Place – Score 54 Nick Robles, Aaron Beverly, Samantha Castillo, Jose Rojo

Second Place – Score 57 Ron Gonzales, Chris King, Manny Diaz, Steve Guerrero

Contest Winners

Closest to the Pin:

Lake #8 – Manny Chavez

Mountain #2 – Alexis Chu

PGATSS Putting Contest:

1) Phoenix Jarrell

2) Steve Morgan

3) Nick Robles

4) Kyle Krebs

Sunnyvale Toyota Car Hole-In-One – no winners but special thanks to Kevin Pang and the fine folks at Sunnyvale Toyota

Thank you to our Raffle Donors and Winners

San Jose Muni Golf Course – Jackson Burrill
Almaden Golf & Country Club – Chris Chang
Silver Creek Valley Country Club – Tom Tate
Callippee Preserve Golf Course – Al Yanez
Bayonet-Blackhorse with Ron Hallagan – Tony Briseno
Stanford Golf Course – Doug Moffat
Los Positas Golf Course – James Houlihan
Callaway Tri-Force Driver & Hyperlight Zero Stand Bag – Ian Bronson
90-Minute Bay Flight – Ron Fischang
Hellam’s Tobacco & Wine Shop: Wine & Cigar Pack with Glasses – Mike Lorion
(2) Tickets to 49ers vs. Titans Aug. 13^th – Randy Hahn (Re-donated THANK YOU!)

Thank you to our Live Auction Donors & Supporters:

1) Eden Rift Vineyards ATV Tour & Tasting for 8 (donated by Christian Pillsbury and Michelle Wei) – Nick Gates

2) 49ers 2-Game Package Plus Tailgate Parking x 2 – Steve Guerrero & Keith Kobata

3) Spectacular Golf for 8 at CordeValle Golf Club x 2 – Julie Boncher & Blake Bridges

4) An Evening with San Jose Sharks with Randy Hahn & Signed Team Jersey – Ron Hallagan

5) Special 49ers (4) Club Level Seats + (4) Field Passes – Javier Garcia

6) 5-Night Stay for FOUR in Hawaii x2 – Julie Boncher & Nick Gates

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, Max von Poelnitz, Shawn Fox, Steve Guerrero, Andrea Brenholz, Don DeLorenzo, Ron Hallagan, Doug Moffat, Jason Luehrs, Bau-Lin Yueh and Alex Worbel.

Thank you to our Tournament Coordinators: Development Director Beth Williams & Marketing-Event 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, Sean Finnerty, Tanner Riley, Blake Jones, Nancy Rivera

Thank you to our Volunteers: Michael Freday, Sahara Huchim, Zoe Huchim, Vian Tran, Jennifer Barrientos, Jerry Moore, Ellie Kong, Isabel Suizo, Nick Suizo, Japman Kahlon, Roni Castro and Tony Aiello.

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

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, Beth Williams 408-508-4881 – [email protected] to discuss sponsorship or underwriting opportunities for next year’s Open on Friday, May 14, 2027.

FTSV and ARUSD team up for Parent University

(FTSV and ARUSD team up for Parent University Published 5/21/2026) On Saturday, May 16^th, 2026, Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) and First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) once again teamed up to bring the 8^th annual Parent University to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The event, which has consistently been a successful community event, was no different this year with over 500 students and their families coming out for a day of fun, food 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 golf games and activities all with a specific life skill to focus on. Each station was had ARUSD students and their families trying out different golf shots to fun, colorful, and engaging targets. Many of the families were trying out golf for the very first time. Each group rotated through the stations before gathering for lunch, music, and a raffle 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 fantastic experiences for attendees, including several info booths, a great raffle, food, and even the ARUSD Mariachi. Before the games began, the California Senator of District 15, Dave Cortese provided encouraging remarks to kick-off the event.

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.

Interim Superintendent Sandra Garcia had this to say about the event.

“FTSV provides students and families in East San Jose with programming that builds self-confidence, resilience, and character. Their partnership with Alum Rock – with Parent University and in-school programs – contributes to building stronger student academic outcomes and life skills in and out of the classroom. We are thankful for the partnership and commitment of FTSV in making Parent University Family Golf Day a reality for our families.”

A big thank you also goes out to the 40+ FTSV coaches who helped at each of the stations!

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.

6th Annual Fund the Kids – Presented by Jacobs

(6th Annual Fund the Kids – Presented by Jacobs Published 5/19/2026) Join Jacobs – South County Regional Wastewater Authority for the 6th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley on Saturday, September 26^th, 2026 at Gilroy Golf Course.

Jacobs has been the Contract Operator for the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) plant in Gilroy since 1984. Under a long-term service agreement, Jacobs maintains the integrity of the wastewater system. It is the goal of SCRWA to protect public health and the environment and ensure economic vitality of the Gilroy-Morgan Hill region. The plant operator’s objective is to provide the best quality recycled water at a superior value to the residents.

This plant has won numerous awards, including Plant of the Year Award for several years in a row, while many of their employees have also won individual awards, winning Laboratory Person of the Year numerous times, with the most recent in 2022.

Community involvement is an extension of the Jacobs’ and the SCRWA culture. They care about their surrounding communities. This is why Jacobs’ felt compelled to sponsor the 6th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley.

(Read about last year’s tournament HERE)

6th Annual Fund the Kids Sponsorship Levels

$1,500 – HOST SPONSORS: Signage at registration, lunch area, and beverage stations. Recognition on website, on socials, program and 1-Foursome. Sponsor may be on-site with giveaways and/or info.
$1,000 – CONTEST SPONSORS: Signage at the (3) contest holes (closest to the pin, longest drive & putting), website, recognition on socials, program and 4-lunch invites. Sponsor may be on-site with giveaways and/or info.
$500 – SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Signage at (2) Tee boxes, website, recognition on socials, program and 2-lunch invites.
$300 – HOLE SPONSORS: Signage at (1) tee box, recognition on social and program.

Mental Health Awareness Month: Encouraging your child to ask for help

(Mental Health Awareness Month: Encouraging your child to ask for help Published by Christian Brogdon 5/14/26) Sometimes, kids who are struggling don’t speak up … not because they don’t want support, but because they haven’t practiced asking for it. Asking for help requires a child to recognize what they’re feeling, believe that feeling is worth expressing and trust that the person they tell will respond well. That’s a lot of steps, and for many kids, they may feel unfamiliar.

At First Tee, asking for help is one three steps we teach for developing grit:

Be patient

Be positive

Ask for help

But as many adults know, asking for help can still be challenging. Research on youth mental health consistently points to one key factor: Children have better outcomes if there are adults in their corner who care. This doesn’t just mean parents, but coaches, mentors or teachers too.

A 2025 study from First Tee and The Harris Poll found that nearly nine in 10 parents with coached children say their child has become more likely to speak up for themselves in other areas of life since participating in coached sports. That’s not a coincidence but an example of what consistent, trusting relationships with adults make possible.

Where the muscle gets built

Self-advocacy isn’t taught in a single conversation. It’s built through repeated, low-stakes moments of self-expression, and that’s exactly what well-designed youth development environments create.

Think about what it takes for a child to walk up to a coach after a frustrating round and say, “The pressure got to me.” Or to tell a teammate, “That comment bothered me.” While those moments may feel small, they’re helping kids build the skills they may one day need to say, “I’m not doing okay, and I need some help.”

Parents say a coach could impact a child’s ability to work well with others, respect others and be resilient in the face of challenges. Resilience is inseparable from mental wellness.

At First Tee, the golf course is a classroom for this kind of growth. Kids navigate conflict, pressure and disappointment with coaches who are trained to respond in ways that build trust – not shut it down. That consistency is what makes the difference.

The long game

The impact of a trusted coach doesn’t fade when the season ends. Among parents who had coaches in their own youth, 67% say they wouldn’t be where they are today without those adults in their lives, crediting them with building resilience, the desire to excel and the ability to lead. When a child learns early that it’s safe to ask for help and that the adults around them will respond with care, that lesson follows them into adulthood.

The most powerful thing a parent can do is make asking for help unremarkable. Praise it when you see it, and model it yourself. And if your child does come to you struggling, resist the urge to fix it immediately. Sometimes the most important response is simply: “I’m glad you told me.”

That moment of being heard is where self-advocacy takes root.

New Ambassador – Meet Jason Luehrs

(New Ambassador – Meet Jason Luehrs Published 05/12/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome our newest Board Ambassador – Jason Luehrs. We asked Jason a few questions to get to know him.

Can you give us a brief background about your personal and professional life?

“I have spent most of my life in various regions of the Bay Area, having grown up in the East Bay, moving to the South Bay after going to Fresno for college, where I first picked up a club and started my golfing journey. With a business degree in hand, I have had the good fortune of working with a lot of good people over the years helping to build and grow a number of private companies, and have been able to continue my career as a consultant doing similar work. I enjoy being active and in addition to golfing, I regularly play soccer, go hiking, and try to keep up with my young son and dog.”

Why FTSV?

“As I evaluated where I wanted to invest my time and energy for new endeavors, I wanted golf to be a part of it. As I learned about FTSV and how the organization approaches teaching life skills and golf skills, it aligned with many of my views about the game of golf and its intertwining lessons of both personal and professional life. I also really enjoy the community aspect that FTSV embodies and the involvement opportunities it provides.”

What are you looking forward to as an Ambassador?

“I am really looking forward to having an impact on so many young lives. Being an ambassador will allow me to share some of my stories and lessons I have learned along the way, while also giving me an opportunity to share more about FTSV with my network all through my passion of golf.”

All board members, staff, coaches and instructors see themselves as Mentors. Do you have any memorable mentors?

“As I have progressed through various endeavors in my life, I have consistently had someone that I could seek out for guidance and to act as a sounding board, but early in my professional career I was fortunate to find a mentor that I have trusted for many years. The mentorship has grown and evolved into a friendship that I truly value, but I still find myself seeking them out for that same guidance and sounding board that was the root of the relationship.”

Volunteer your time and talent as a board member, like Jason Luehrs.

Coaching, Cultivating Donors, Event or Campaign Fundraising, Representing FTSV at outside events or working on special projects with the CEO. Get Started – Join Us!

12 FTSV Alumni Hired as Paid Coaches!

(12 FTSV Alumni Hired as Paid Coaches! Published 05/08/2026) Every summer FTSV hires recent FTSV alumni to help coach our classes. This year our summer hires are all in college and are choosing to spend their summer with us giving back to the program that has meant so much to them. Here are the 12 new coaching hires…Li An Panfill, Ashely Pang, Dylan Chang, Tristan Hipolito, Elise Njogu, Natalie Chen, Natalie Kiatsupaibul, Giselle Gutierrez, Sophia Tang, Isabella Herrera, Jennifer Barrientos, and Varnika Arun.

Between the 12, they have over 100 years of combined FTSV participation and over 3,275 hours of volunteer coaching. They have taken and coached a lot of FTSV classes and know first-hand the impact that this program can have on youth.

Here are some of the reasons why they are returning to the program to coach in their words:

I am excited to be back in this community. I now have a lot of examples of how the life skills pop up in life, and I want to share that with others.
FTSV has been such an important routine throughout my life. It’s all about giving back.
I miss FTSV and I owe it to myself and to others at FTSV to give back. I have more life experiences that will help me in my coaching.
Giving back is so important to me and my family. FTSV has helped me network, organize, and navigate professional settings.
I want to continue to be part of this community where I can mentor others and see the impact.

All 12 have made a substantial and positive impact on our program for years. We are excited for them to lead the next generation of participants.

Join our 12 FTSV Alumni Coaches

The summer season runs the week of June 9^th and will end August 8^th with June 30^th – 4^th off due to the Fourth of July holiday. Onboarding for the summer has started. Please consider joining our team by clicking here. Click here to view our current staff and coaches.

FTSV Coaches work together to deliver our structured life and golf skill program to participants ages 7 to 17 (in-person training is provided). As a result, coaches help participants build character and a form a process-focused learning foundation that will help them succeed in life.

Coaching with FTSV is not only an opportunity to help others, but also an opportunity to meet like-minded people, and improve your transferable skills. Throughout the season, coaches learn different coaching strategies and receive feedback on their leadership and communication approaches. We also deliver a coach training once before each season on research-backed coaching topics.

Please contact Chris Moreno-Hunt, Program Director, at [email protected], if you have any questions.