alumni Archives - First Tee

Avi Desai – Alumni Spotlight & AWS re:Invent Conference Recap

(Avi Desai – Alumni Spotlight & AWS re:Invent Conference Recap Published 12/19/25) Throughout 2025, and into the new year, First Tee HQ is helping chapters across the country lead an initiative to get Alumni more involved in what’s happening at the local and national level. Through meetups, advisory positions, and conferences and networking events, First Tee Alumni have more opportunities than ever to stay involved with First Tee.

Avi Desai, First Tee – Silicon Valley Alum, was recently selected to attend the AWS re:Invent conference, an industry-leading cloud computing and AI professional development and networking event, which took place in Las Vegas earlier this month. This amazing opportunity is part of an ongoing partnership between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and First Tee, and we’re so proud that Avi could represent FTSV as one of eighteen First Tee national alumni in attendance.

Avi started his FTSV journey in elementary school with his sister, Sapna. “[We] had never played golf before, and our dad took us to Rancho for the first time around 6^th grade. We saw a bunch of kids in a golf class and learned about FTSV. We signed up for class the next season.” They were immediately hooked, citing their enjoyment learning the game and the life skills that accompanied it, along with the many amazing peers and mentors they met along the way. Avi particularly remembered Coach John Jasso, an integral part of FTSV’s early years, then known as the Eagles at Rancho, and later as First Tee – San Jose. “Coach Jasso was an amazing mentor to us – he was so easy going and knew exactly what to say to keep you motivated on your golf journey. He gave us so much guidance and he really shaped us.”

After graduating and leaving the FTSV program, Avi attended Oregon State, earning his B.S. in Computer Science, in 2023 and is now pursuing his Masters in AI Engineering at UT Austin. His goal is to combine his passion for helping others with the near-limitless potential of STEM and AI to help create innovative solutions to everyday problems.

Avi’s introduction to STEM, an integral part of much of the industry and culture around Silicon Valley, started at a young age. Both his parents were engineers, but Avi soon realized that not all kids had access to the information and technology that he and his sister did. Avi reflected…

“…where we grew up, in a different school district only a half mile away, kids maybe only had 2 computers at their library, didn’t have a computer at home, didn’t have access to things that were so important to the dominant industry here. My sister and I decided we wanted to help change that, so we set out to create STEM learning opportunities for kids at local libraries.”

Avi and Sapna founded their own non-profit, SV Kids, and over the next couple of years began hosting their own STEM classes for underserved youth at libraries around Silicon Valley.

So, Avi was a perfect fit to be selected to attend the AWS re:Invent conference.

“It was so exciting and rewarding to be selected,” said Avi. “We played some golf, networked, and met First Tee Alums from across the country. It was great to hear everyone’s story and see how their First Tee experience has shaped them… There were seminars about different topics, and I spoke to so many bright individuals from different backgrounds, from high-tech to government…. It was awesome to hear the challenges and concerns that other industry leaders have about AI.”

After returning from AWS re:Invent, Avi joined current Ace participants and other FTSV alumni at PGA TOUR Superstore in Cupertino on Friday, December 12^th for a special, local event. READ THE FULL RECAP STORY

“FTSV is so proud of Avi for representing us at this national First Tee Alumni event! I cannot think of a better FTSV Ambassador and Alum for AWS re:Invent.” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO, who has know Avi since he first started as a participant. When asked why he’s staying involved in FTSV as an alunni, Avi said, “I definitely want to give back. When I was a participant, hearing from leaders in different industries and how they apply life skills in their careers… inspired me and I want to be a mentor to kids now and further into my career.”

Keep it up Avi! We’re excited to see you continue your career in AI and hope you stay involved in FTSV for years to come. If you’re an alum and want to get re-involved in First Tee events and opportunities, click here.

FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament

(FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament – Published 8/28/25) On Saturday, August 23^rd, FTSV hosted our quarterly off-season tournaments at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Three different events were held that day for kids and teens of different ages and skill levels – (1) Girls Golf, (2) Kids & Alumni, and (3) Teens & Alumni.

FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament

The Teens & Alumni Tournament capped off the afternoon with 25 players teamed up with 7 FTSV Alumni for a fun scramble format. Each group of 3 participants was joined by 1 alum to lead their team and provide an example of what success looks like for life after FTSV junior golf.

Some of our Alumni are current coaches and volunteers, some are college golfers, and some are professionals, but all of them are successful individuals who carry the life skills and core values they learned from FTSV through their daily lives. It was great to see them all reminisce about their experiences in FTSV and catch up after years apart.

These tournaments are a great way for participants to put our life skill curriculum into practice. Golf tournaments are a unique setting for practicing life skills. The pressure of having just one chance to hit your shot, while your team is depending on you, and as you’re competing against others – all of it adds up to an environment where sportsmanship, integrity, and perseverance are crucial to success.

After the round, Alumni, participants, and their families all enjoyed a pizza lunch and awards ceremony. Shoutout to Pizza Presidente for lunch!

All of our participants should be proud of their performance. And a huge THANK YOU to our Alumni who showed their commitment to our organization by taking the time to play.

FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament Results

Closest-to-the-Pin (11-13 year old) – Chloe Hong, 19’11”

Closest-to-the-Pin (14-17 year old) – Nico Hernadez-Lopez, 12’8”

Longest Drive (11-13 year old) – Victor Kotlyar

Longest Drive (14-17 year old) – Leo Villegas-Luiz

3^rd Place – Joshua Jang (Alum), Leo Villegas, Shreyash Avasarala, Adhya Malhotra

2^nd Place – Calvin Kong (Alum), Erik Chavez, Chloe Hong, Amanda Chen

1^st Place – Joey Jang (Almost Alum!), Bryanna Perez, Benjamin Hughes, Victor Kotlyar

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

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

FTSV’s Alumni Meet Up at the San Francisco Giants Game Was a Total Success!

(FTSV Alumni Meetup at SF Giants Game) – This past weekend, First Tee Alumni from across the country came together at the San Francisco Giants game to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy an afternoon of baseball and fun. Past participants from FTSV, FTSF and other chapters were all in attendance, as well as leaders from First Tee Headquarters, FTSF Program Manager TK Thein, and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe. Even though the Giants were not able to secure a victory, the alumni meet up was a great success. FTSV already looks forward to the next one!

When asked about the event, FTSV Alum Kunal Laroia said, “It was great to see and catch up with everyone at the Giants game. The work FTSV has done over the years has truly shaped all of us, and it’s always inspiring to reflect on how much we’ve grown since our FTSV days.”

First Tee Alumi “All Grown Up”

The biggest take-away from the event was seeing the growth of First Tee alumni after aging out of the program. Where they were once kids, practicing their life skills on the golf course and navigating adolescence, now they are developed, capable and confident young adults. It was exciting and inspiring to see how participants had taken what they have learned and practiced in FTSV out into the world, and to hear all about their accomplishments.

Pursuing Goals Long Term

At the course, coaches stress the importance of short- and long-term Goals and creating Goal Ladders. After hearing about what the Alumni have been up to after leaving FTSV, it is clear how setting goals and planning for the future has helped them achieve whatever it is they are passionate about. Not only is FTSV happy for these ex-participants, FTSV is happy for the entire program, knowing how the lessons being taught now will impact them as adults in the future.

Building our Alumni Network

FTSV is so proud of all the work our alumni are doing, and if you are someone who was once in our program, we would love to hear what you’ve been up to! If you’d like to catch up with George ([email protected]) or just help to inspire current participants with your story, please reach out to Phoenix ([email protected]). Maybe you can even come share some of your knowledge in one of the ACE classes or become a FTSV Ambassador!

Fins out about more events like this and more! Become an official FTSV Alumni.

If you’d like to become a member of our Alumni Club someday, first you need to register for our program. You are in luck, because registration opens TODAY! Please visit our website to register for a session. We hope to see you out at the course!

Published: 08-14-24

So, Avi was a perfect fit to be selected to attend the AWS re:Invent conference.

FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament

FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament Results

Michelle Xie, as a FTSV participant

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

First Tee Alumi “All Grown Up”

Pursuing Goals Long Term

Building our Alumni Network

The FTSV Alumni Club

Questions? Want to sign-up?