2025 Archives - Page 2 of 2 - First Tee

2025 First Tee Leadership Series

The 2025 First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with the PGA TOUR Superstore finished this week. Thank you to the 12 FTSV participants that attended, and a huge thank you to General Manager Kate Nielsen and her team at PGA TOUR Superstore Cupertino for leading the class!

What is the Leadership Series?

The First Tee Leadership Series is one of the exciting educational opportunities available to our high school participants. During a five-week period, 12 FTSV high school participants came together to learn about their values and strengths, to identify potential career paths, and to set goals that put them on the path towards success. Near the end of the series, the participants presented their chosen career, explained how their values and strengths fit within that career and illustrated what steps they plan to take in order to make it all happen. All participants received feedback on their presentation skills, and the series concluded with an informational panel hosted by First Tee Alumni from across the country. Of the 12 participants, we were allowed to select 5 that may apply for the upcoming Leadership Summit in Montana and the Leadership Academy in Atlanta.

In addition to their work and presentations in class, we were proud of how they listened and learned from each other, which are both tips for demonstrating our first life skill, Respect.

More Opportunities

This Leadership Series is one of many opportunities available to our participants through First Tee. From tournaments to workshops to academies, First Tee shows respect for the hardworking participants going above and beyond, and works to support growth and development. With the number of sessions taken, volunteer hours and by getting involved in other First Tee activities, driven participants set themselves apart and become eligible for these awesome opportunities. Please visit our website to learn more about what First Tee – Silicon Valley has to offer and reach out to Coach Phoenix at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Published: 03-07-25

Participant Spotlight: Meet Juan Hernandez

(Participant Spotlight: Meet Juan Hernandez) Juan Hernandez first came to First Tee – Silicon Valley as a 6^th grader. He was exposed to our program by our long-time youth partner, Redwood City Pal Center. Over the next seven years he took classes at Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto with the help of the Pal Center and then participated in our Saturday classes at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose. Now he is preparing to graduate high school and continue to college where he has been accepted to four schools so far with plans to study Civil Engineering.

Juan’s journey began in the Redwood City Pal Center which is a resource program that co-creates solutions with the community and builds brighter futures for youth and families. They do a fantastic job at exposing their participants to many different experiences like our Life and Golf Skill classes. Participants grades 2-6 are transported from the Pal Center to Baylands Golf Links every Friday in each of our four 8-week seasons. Thanks to the SAGA Foundation’s support of both organizations, we are able to have a successful partnership, which includes covering the cost of their registrations and providing Pal Center with a van that is designated for transportation to our program.

Juan is one of hundreds of Pal Center participants who have had the opportunity to join our classes since 2017 because of our partnership, SAGA Foundation’s support, and Pal Center’s commitment to broadening opportunities for youth. Pal Center’s Executive Director, Ivan Martinez, says, “This partnership exemplifies our mission to connect young people with enriching experiences that might not have been on their radar otherwise. Juan’s journey is just one of many success stories we’ve seen through our partnership with First Tee. By creating access to experiences beyond their immediate environment, we empower our youth to dream bigger and step into new opportunities.” The Pal Center is an important community building organization, and FTSV is proud to be able to offer Golf and Life Skill development to Juan and their other members.

When asked about his experience, Juan said, “I didn’t know anything about First Tee. I never thought I’d play golf or enjoy it. Now, I like it. It’s good exercise, and it’s a good way to socialize and destress yourself. In the beginning, my brother and I were nervous, having never played golf and not knowing anyone there. Coach Matt was the first person I met at the course. He introduced himself and had everyone else introduce themselves with a handshake. Before these classes I wasn’t confident speaking up in front of the group, but Coach Matt helped me to speak up and build that confidence.”

Seven years later he is now one of the leaders in his Grades 9-12 class at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. He lifts others up and has earned the respect of his peers and coaches. “At First Tee – Silicon Valley you have people helping you, and then you make friends,” Juan says. “Including others and being more outgoing are some of my biggest take aways from FTSV. I sometimes see people at school that are by themselves or don’t have many friends, and I invite them to hang out with me and my friends. First Tee has helped me to be a Go-To person for others and realize who my Go-To people are. I have different Go-To people for different situations, people like my brother, my friends, and my coaches.”

“For other kids starting out, I’d say keep going. It’s good to keep an open mind, in the end, it’s worth it. The program will help you a lot. It will help you clear your vision and help you to learn important life skills that will help you right now and for the rest of your life. Don’t knock it until you try it!”

From all of us here at FTSV, congratulations Juan on all your hard work! We are proud of you!

If you are interested in joining the Spring season, registration opens here on February 19^th, at 11am. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Coach Phoenix via email ([email protected]) or phone (650-887-7104).

Published: 02-07-2025

CYGF $15K Grant Supports Our Mission

(CYGF $15K Grant Supports Our Mission) First Tee – Silicon Valley recently received a generous $15,000 grant from CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation (CVYGF). This will underwrite our 2025 Volunteer and Instructor Uniforms (hats & shirts) and a portion of our paid lead Instructor compensation. We are a growing chapter that relies heavily on golf enthusiasts and youth development foundations like CVYGF to support our mission.

About CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation

The non-profit CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation was founded in 2004. The foundation’s mission is to expand access to the sport of golf for children of all income levels by directly supporting successful youth golf programs throughout the Santa Clara County. The goal is to provide youth with the opportunity to learn the sport, receive lessons and equipment. Additionally, have access to practice space, and compete, and build positive life skills.

The Foundation annually awards approximately $100,000 in grants to deserving programs. This foundation is funded through a $50,000 annual contribution from CordeValle Golf Club. Also, they raise an additional $50,000 per year through CordeValle’s public charity tournaments.

CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation and First Tee – Silicon Valley are equally committed to expanding opportunities for youth of all income levels to access to the game of golf. Through the discipline and challenge of golf, youth in the Santa Clara County are provided a community with a safe environment and positive life alternatives that build confidence and character, ultimately helping them succeed in our community and in life.

CordeValle has been the location for our annual FTSV Invitational since 2005.

Published: 02-07-2025

FTSV Spring Season – Register on February 19th

(FTSV Spring Season – Register on February 19th) Registration for our spring season opens here on Wednesday, February 19^th at 11am and closes on Thursday, February 27^th at 11:59pm. The 8-week spring season begins the week of March 18th and ends May 10^th. Register on February 19^th and take part in engaging and fun life skill and 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.

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

Growing through Challenges

Each week our participants experience one of our 6 Life Skills and 6 Golf Cues. Our life skills cover everything from showing respect, to collaborating with others, setting goals, making good choices, building a positive self-identity, and growing through challenges. Golf, like life, can be filled with challenges. Through our games, participants learn tips to persevere, make adjustments and develop a growth mindset. Our coaches stress that mistakes are not seen as detrimental, but rather as informative and opportunities to learn. Each class is an opportunity to learn and develop the grit necessary to improve. What’s important to us is that our participants learn those skills while having fun.

In 2024, we had a record number of registrations, so please mark your calendar for February 19th to make sure you secure your spot. Click here to see our 2025 spring class schedule.

We encourage youth 2^nd grade and above to join our program and ask that you help spread the word. For more information click here. Click here to view our program video and learn more from our participants, parents, and coaches!

See you at the course!

Published: 2-6-2025

FTSV Summer Activities for Kids!

(FTSV Summer Activities for Kids!) Registration for our SUMMER season opens on Wednesday, May 21^st at 11am and closes on Thursday, May 29^th at 11:59pm. The 8-week summer season begins the week of June 9^th and ends August 9^thwith no classes July 1^st through July 5^th . Register for the Summer season on May 21^st and take part in engaging and fun life skill and 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.

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

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

Continuing Development through the Summer with FTSV Summer Activities for Kids – 3 Ways Summer Activities Benefit Youth

Samantha Sparks writes for Studentassembly.org explains that Summer Activities for kids “are a great option that provides many benefits for your child’s growth and development. Here are three ways that enrolling your kid in summer camp this year can help them thrive.”

Learn New Skills – Making Good Choices and Showing Respect
Grow Socially – Collaborating with Others and Building Positive Self-Identity
Gain Resilience – Pursuing Goals and Overcoming Challenges

Course Program FAQ

General Inquiries – [email protected] or 408-508-4880 OR fill out the form below.

Summer 2025 Class Inquiry

(This is an INQUIRY FORM ONLY. This does not guarantee your kid’s place in our program for the Summer 2025 class season.)

Name(Required)

(Nombre)

First Last

Email(Required)

(Correo electrónico)

Preferred Language(Required)

(Idioma preferido)

English

Español (Spanish)

What grade will your kid(s) be entering Fall 2025

If multiple kids, select all that apply

2nd – 4th

5th – 6th

7th – 8th

9th – 12th

Let us know your level of interest in registering your kid in FTSV Classes this Summer

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested

Extremely Interested (Where do I sign?)

Do you have any questions?

How did you hear about First Tee – Silicon Valley?

Published: 01-31-25

Mentor Spotlight: National Mentor Month

(Mentor Spotlight: National Mentor Month) Mentorship is the most important part of First Tee – Silicon Valley. For the past 25 years, our coaches have been making a difference in the lives of kids, helping them to learn important life skills and become amazing people. Thank you to the incredible mentors who are the FTSV family. This past year we had over 200 volunteer mentor coaches. Your hard work, care and dedication are what make all the difference!

Let’s meet some of the longtime mentors at FTSV….

Coach John has been coaching for almost 10 years, passing on what he learned as a participant to the next generation of FTSV participants. “As a former participant, it feels like I get to give back what I was taught, just like coaches did for me years ago. Specifically, a lesson that really stuck with me was about dealing with conflicts. Instead of a “I am always right” mentality, FTSV coaches taught me how to work with others to resolve an issue and find win – win solutions using the CARE model.”

CARE = Communicate, Actively Listen, Review Options, End with a Win-Win

For Coach John, it’s the people that make FTSV so special. “FTSV has developed a really good community of people, including the coaches, volunteers and full-time staff. The people are what makes you want to keep coming back. I get to work alongside people who really care about what we do and mentoring kids, and it makes even the challenging days fun and rewarding.”

Coach Tracy started volunteering with FTSV in 2019. As a former Division 1 college golfer and LPGA player, Coach Tracy has plenty of elite golf experience, making her an incredible asset to FTSV. “First Tee – Silicon Valley means that I can share my lifelong passion for golf with the upcoming generation of golfers,” says Tracy. “And while it’s great to see their golf skills improve over the season, it’s even more rewarding to help them learn and apply the life skills in their daily lives.” Coach Tracy is fantastic at turning golf instruction into memorable life lessons, helping participants to thrive both on and off the golf course. On top of coaching with FTSV, Coach Tracy is currently the Mountain View High School girls’ golf coach, and the team took the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division title this year. Congrats Coach Tracy and the Mountain View High School girls!

Since 2017, Coach Jeffy, who has had two of his children in FTSV, has been working with FTSV to make a positive impact in the lives of young people. With clear expectations and thoughtful questions, Jeffy helps our high schoolers think about their goals, make effective plans, and learn how to effectively communicate with peers and in the workplace. He contributes to the positive, supportive environment that exists within FTSV. He’s a living example of what a mentor should be.

“There are parents that think we need to just teach kids golf, but all of our Life Skill behaviors/tips are things that should start at home; FTSV coaches just reinforce them. I encourage parents, if they aren’t going to volunteer, to please be involved in what we are trying to help their kids learn. It’s going to be that much more effective if you can talk with your kids at home about what they are working on in class and help continue that learning.”

Join us!

If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, working as a mentor and making a difference in your community, please visit our website to learn more, or fill out this form to get started. No golf experience necessary. Training is provided. Everyone has life experience! Hope to see you out on the course.

Published: 01-10-2025

FTSV Participant Eliane Juang Awarded 2024 Make Your Mark Grant!

Congratulations to FTSV Ace-Certified Participant, Eliane Juang, for being awarded the Make Your Mark Grant! Eliane was one of 8 First Tee Ace-Certified participants selected nation-wide for the $5,000 grant based on her work in the community.

To be eligible for the grant, one must have completed the Ace Give Back Project, which requires 24 hours of community service, and then submit a detailed report of their project/service. Upon submission, the selection committee evaluates whether the community service or initiative made an impact on a cause or organization in the participant’s community and highlights the impact First Tee has had on their learning and preparation to succeed in this initiative.

ACE Give Back – Service Projects

One of her service projects included tutoring for Tzu Chi where she prepared slide presentations, language activities and structured conversational tutoring for students learning English. The other project involved volunteering her time to play music at nursing homes. For both projects Eliane wrote extensive self-reflection journals and game plan steps as a part of her FTSV Ace Give Back class. Our Ace Give Back class also helps participants like Eliane learn what it means to go above and beyond, be professional, and gain transferable work skills. Eliane demonstrated all of these learnings in her projects to help her earn the grant.

“Community service allows me to build stronger bonds with people around me,” said Eliane. “I love being part of someone’s growth journey and making a positive impact on the community.”

Congratulations Eliane! Your work in the community shows high character, empathy, and a desire to make the world a better place. Thank you!

If you are interested in joining our program like Eliane did years ago, please click here or contact us at [email protected] or 408-508-4880 for more information.

Published: 01-09-2025

Meet New Board Ambassador: Tracy Cone

First Tee – Silicon Valley’s board recently elected Tracy Cone to our Board of Ambassadors.

Tracy has been a FTSV coach at Bayland Golf Links for 5 years. She got into volunteer mode during Covid working with a few non-profits. Attending our year-end Coach Appreciation Dinner, prompted her to ask if she could more involved which led to a natural fit as an Ambassador.

Tracy brings a lot of golf experience to her role as FTSV Coach. She is currently the Girls Golf Coach at Mountain View High School. She played 4 years on the LPGA Futures Tour (1999-2003). Tracy earned a full athletic scholarship to play golf at Arizona State University (1990-1994). The pinnacle of her college career was playing on the ASU team that captured the 1993 and 1994 NCAA Championship Team title.

Tracy said, “While it’s great to see the kids golf skills improve over the season, it’s even more rewarding to help them learn and apply the life skills in their daily lives.”

Golf is not Tracy’s only talent. She has an MA & BA degree in French and has a BS & MS degree in Economics. Fluent in French, logistics, and production – she was the Director of Operations at Covision for 8 years with a proven ability to manage projects across companies, cultures, and oceans. Prior to that role, she was the Regional Manager for Edu-Culture International overseeing summer study abroad programs for high school students in France and Spain. She is also an ultra runner and recently completed her first 100 mile trail run.

LinkedIn: Tracy Cone

Tracy is a great addition to our Board of Ambassadors. Board Ambassadors give advice, assist with projects, represent the organization in the community at events, help raise funds, and expand FTSV’s network throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. Click here to meet all our Board Members. Contact Judy Deaton if you have interest in learning more about a volunteer Board opportunity.

Published: 01-09-2025

Meet New Board Ambassador: Justin Hill

First Tee – Silicon Valley’s board recently elected Justin Hill to our Board of Ambassadors.

After relocating from Manhattan to Silicon Valley, Justin was drawn to First Tee’s mission to promote youth development through golf and integrating the game of golf with life skills.

Justin was relatively late to golf, choosing to play more traditional team sports in his youth, but as he grew older, he began to appreciate the physical and psychological aspects of the game, the camaraderie among the players, and lessons learned from golf that translate off the course.

Justin is thrilled to assist First Tee – Silicon Valley attract more local youth to the game of golf, especially players with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Justin has 14 years of banking experience spanning roles in relationship management, underwriting, and portfolio management held at Truist, RBC Capital Markets, and Capital One. Justin is currently an underwriter at Capital One where he makes debt and equity investments in multi-family affordable housing developments across the U.S. He received his undergraduate Business degree from the University of Oregon and earned his MBA from George Washington University. Justin lives in Cupertino with his wife and two children, Morgan and Porter.

LinkedIn: Justin Hill

Justin is a great addition to our Board of Ambassadors. Board Ambassadors give advice, assist with projects, represent the organization in the community at events, help raise funds, and expand FTSV’s network throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. Click here to meet all our Board Members. Contact Judy Deaton if you have interest in learning more about a volunteer Board opportunity.

Published: 01-09-2025

2025 is First Tee – Silicon Valley’s 25th Anniversary

First Tee – Silicon Valley’s 25^th Anniversary (2025) is a year-long celebration of our 25 years of positive impact for our FTSV family and local community.

In addition to recognizing our achievement at all our Events, FTSV will commemorate our Silver Anniversary at our special Community Day on August 16^th at Rancho del Pueblo in San Jose. Check our events page in the coming months for event details.

2025 Events – SAVE THE DATE

Please save the dates for FTSV events which are designed for our community, participants, supporters (both individual and corporate), and families.

Attending our events is a great way for all individuals to learn more about us while having fun. They also provide a wonderful opportunity for corporations to sponsor our youth programs while entertaining customers and clients.

The money raised from these events and our private Invitational in July funds and sustains our youth development program.

Open

at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club on Friday, June 6, 2025
a golf tournament, lunch and dinner — our largest event of the year
Sponsorships available and registration is OPEN NOW

Caddy Club Majors

Donate a minimum of $30 per month for at least 12 months to become a recurring member of our Caddy Club (or make a One-Time $360 donation)
Receive an email confirmation with a link to register in a “tiered” fantasy golf pool for each of the 4 Major championships
Watch your team compete for $16,000 in donated prizes

Partner Events – OPEN to Public

Fund the Kids Tournament – Gilroy Golf Course – Saturday, September 20, 2025
KRTY.com Writer’s Cup – Cinnabar Hills Golf Club – Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Community Events

In addition to our 25^th Celebration Event on August 16^th, Community Events occur once every quarter on a Saturday. These events bring the local communities we serve together to experience our program in a fun, no pressure environment. If interested in attending or getting involved with our Community Events, contact Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt [email protected].

Learn About FTSV’s 25-year History

Our youth development program dates back to 2000 when the San Jose Sports Authority (SJSA) and founding Board Chair, Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. created the Eagles junior golf program for East San José youth at Rancho del Pueblo. In 2005, the Eagles became The First Tee of San José, a new chapter within The First Tee network of over 180 internationally, while remaining a program of SJSA. Having grown substantially by early 2012, the program expanded to all Santa Clara County and East Palo Alto and changed its name (and license) to The First Tee of Silicon Valley. The year 2014 began a new era as we separated from SJSA and became a new, 501c3, non-profit entity, The Future Talent of Silicon Valley DBA First Tee – Silicon Valley. Southern San Mateo County (north to Hwy 92) and Hollister were added to our service area in 2018. We have taught our life skills and golf skills curriculum to over 100,000 youth since 2000.

Published: 01-09-2025