(Change the Game for MORE Kids! Meet Nicolas Hernandez Lopez Published: 11/12/2025) Nicolas has been involved with FTSV for the past 10 years as a participant, a volunteer coach, and a Junior Council member. He is consistently pushing himself to become more involved and finding ways to give back. As a coach, Nico is patient and kind, making class fun, impactful, and exciting for the young participants. As a participant, Nico engages in and applies our life skill into the activities. He also goes out of his way to make sure other participants are included. Additionally, he has been part of a group that helped plan community events and games for our chapter.
Nico’s enthusiasm and dedication extends beyond the golf course. He excels in a variety of pursuits, putting to work the skills of setting and achieving goals that he’s learned from First Tee – Silicon Valley. Not only has he become the fastest swimmer on his swim team, Nico also turned a dream into reality by starring in his own weekly podcast at school.
He explains, “Setting goals is like laying out a path to improve and achieve anything you want. When I set a goal, I can easily visualize my progress. It boosts my mental well-being and helps me move forward. Through my time with First Tee – Silicon Valey, I feel like I’ve not only gotten better at golf but also grown as a person. I’ve learned how to set short-term and long-term goals as steps to achieve my final goal along with my coaches and friends.”
Nico Attending National Opportunities
This year Nico was selected by a national panel of judges to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. at the University of Minnesota. There he engaged in conversations and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities on self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. Later in the year he was also selected to attend the Innovators Forum held in Florida. The Innovators Forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, human rights, or environmental sustainability.
Both events are part of the national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. Nico’s FTSV engagement and high character helped him be one of few from around the country to attend these opportunities. We are so proud of him.
Mentoring is Priceless.
Think about the mentor who made a difference in your life. That kind of guidance—listening, encouragement, and wisdom—shapes kids forever. Over the years, First Tee – Silicon Valley has provided this transformative mentorship to more than 100,000 young people. Your steady, monthly support ensures every child in our program has a mentor by their side.
Kids Need Us Now More Than Ever.
Social pressures, loneliness, mental health challenges, family struggles, and inequities across Silicon Valley weigh heavily on today’s youth. At FTSV, we provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive community where kids are free to be themselves and discover their inner strength.
Long-Term Impact That Lasts a Lifetime.
We’re proud of the results of our youth development program.
- 100% of our long-term participants graduate high school.
- 100% go on to college.
- 100% gain life skills that make them caring, responsible citizens.
- 75% of our high school participants give back as junior mentors.
This kind of consistency is possible only when our supporters are consistent too. That’s why monthly pledges are so vital!
Be Part of the Change and Change the Game for MORE Kids in 2026!
As we look to 2026, we need your help to build on this momentum. A monthly pledge is the most powerful way you can support our kids & teens. Your commitment provides the stability and resources necessary to help thousands of youth grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate leaders.
