What is your current role at First Tee, how long have you been in that role and what is the most rewarding part of your job? 
Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced in your career and how have you worked to overcome it?
Coach Angel has been an educator for 15 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Hampton University, where she attended on a full NCAA Division I scholarship helping lead her team in March Madness.
After graduation, Coach Angel traveled extensively and was invited to speak on diversity and educational practices. She began her teaching career in Turkey, teaching English as a Second Language before going back home, to Akron, Ohio where she is currently an educator at the Lebron James IPromise school.
Coach Angel was introduced to First Tee 8 years ago when her son, John Ramon, joined the program. She joined in not long after and has been coaching at First Tee — Greater Akron for 7 years.
“I feel it is important to stay involved in the First Tee to offer the kids in my urban community the opportunity to play a sport that they may have not felt was in their realm of abilities. When we begin working with these athletes we open a whole new world for them while developing their character through the Core Values to instill a solid foundation for success. I also feel it is essential to have representation in the world of golf and being able to interact and develop friendships and perspectives with people in the golf community that may have otherwise never built a relationship with someone in the Black community such as myself.”
Coach Angel is just one of the many inspirational coaches across our network and we invite you to learn more about her journey and thoughts on leadership in the video below.
By: Ana Herndon, First Tee — Metro Atlanta
At First Tee, we encourage kids and teens to learn from one another and their mentors, empowering them to make a difference in their communities. By fostering these environments, golf becomes more than a game, it becomes a springboard for building up leaders. Ana Herndon, participant from First Tee – Metro Atlanta, took some time to share with us how First Tee helped her build these skills and why being a leader is important.
If there are any silver linings to this pandemic, it’s been the coaches and mentors who have stepped up going above and beyond for our participants. The events of 2020 have reinforced the need for programs like First Tee that lift up, support and empower kids to stand strong and grow during challenging situations. The coaches and staff of First Tee programs across the nation have leaned on their creativity, flexibility and adaptive spirits to keep participants engaged and encouraged during a challenging year.
Often, we take for granted how truly invaluable these mentors are in the community with their consistent effort and support for the participants they lead. But we see our coaches putting in the long hours. It’s extra time on the putting green or staying late for one last lesson on the driving range. That time isn’t just about helping a kid improve their golf game. Our coaches are digging deeper, building trust and having meaningful conversations. Many times, those sessions together turn to discussions of dreams beyond the golf course – what the future could hold, current struggles or opportunities for personal growth.
Julia Hardy, a participant from First Tee — New Hampshire, knows firsthand the benefits of having a dedicated and caring First Tee coach. Coach Beth Flint has been a mentor to her for the last seven years and it’s changed her life.
Julia had always been an avid golf fan, and early on she would take lessons at her local driving range, but Julia craved more time on an actual golf course. When she joined First Tee — New Hampshire in third grade, she didn’t realize she was signing up for so much more.
“First Tee was my first time truly playing on a ‘real’ golf course, and I was a little nervous, but the entire environment of First Tee really helped me adapt. The fact that the instructors at the First Tee not only cared about helping me improve my golf skills, but also grow as a person, really helped me connect and feel comfortable in the program. I always felt valued and supported.”
Julia admits that she was incredibly timid when she first started. One of the first things Coach Beth did when they began to work together was challenge her to build confidence. At the Sagamore Golf Course where Julia would practice, the 8th hole requires a difficult shot over water. Beth, knowing that timidity was a theme in Julia’s game and in her life, encouraged her to continue to push through the doubt. Ultimately, it made her a better person.
“Beth would always urge me to have confidence and swing through the ball. With each successive visit to the eighth hole, and each ‘be confident’ spoken, I could feel my confidence grow. Finally, I got to the point where I could approach the eighth hole, push away the doubts, and just hit the ball.”
After that, more often than not, the ball would fly over the water. This confidence translated off the course as well. Julia started speaking up more in class and participating in family debates. This growth in confidence allowed her to attack new challenges head on, Julia credits this growth in confidence as the most helpful trait she’s taken away from the First Tee.
Coach Beth agrees. “As she got older, it was beautiful to see her inner strength and self-confidence become greater,” she said. “Advancing through the program, it was obvious that she was a positive influence on others in all aspects of life; not just with golf but at school with friends, in her community, and of course with her family of whom she talks so often about. It has always been a pleasure to golf with Julia – however seeing the wonderful person she has become is the real treasure!”
Julia is now an Eagle certified participant, on track to get her ACE certification. The best part is that this isn’t an isolated story. Across the country, coaches and participants are building lasting bonds, showcasing the growth and evolution of positive relationships that have a ripple effect on the communities they serve and the people they meet each day.
But earlier this year, many chapters were unsure of what the future would hold for coaches and participants. Classes were cancelled and fundraising was unknown. It’s been thanks to generous supporters, like the USGA, who have helped ensure chapters keep their doors open for safe and socially distant programs. First Tee — New Hampshire was one of 51 First Tee chapters to receive a grant from the USGA towards their ongoing commitment to making the game more accessible and welcoming for juniors.
“The USGA’s commitment to investing in First Tee over the years continues to have a lasting impact on the game as well as countless young people in communities across our country,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “We are offering a meaningful and positive experience through golf that helps young people uncover who they are and grow personally. There is no better sport in which to do this, and we are thankful for the USGA’s confidence in our work.”
Learn more about character building programs across the country and how to get started with a First Tee chapter a near you. 
Like our participants, what makes our chapters so special is that each one is unique in its own way. We celebrate their diverse perspectives because it makes our work even more powerful. Yet one thing that remains consistent at every chapter is their passion for supporting the next generation and the communities they live in.
One way our chapters are doing this is by creating a space that makes every individual feel like they belong. A culture of acceptance is deeply rooted in our values as an organization as we seek to understand walks of life that are different from our own.
Two of our chapters, First Tee — Greater Pasadena and First Tee — Korea, have brought this to life in a meaningful new way. In 2019, the two chapters became official sister chapters in an effort for participants to share cultural experiences and explore opportunities beyond their community.
Recently, participants and coaches from the two chapters were able to meet virtually to discuss a trending topic in communities across the globe: returning to school during a pandemic.
During the video call, participants shared how they’re feeling and handling the return to school.
Gloria from First Tee — Korea shared, “I think I should take responsibility for myself because if I don’t follow the rules, I could put my friends and family at risk.”
Through the meeting, the participants realized that they have quite a bit in common despite growing up thousands of miles apart. They’re all adjusting to the “new normal,” and are leaning on the character strengths they’ve developed through First Tee to help conquer these challenges.
Bob Baderian, Executive Director for First Tee — Greater Pasadena, summed up the experience:
“This very positive partnership between First Tee — Greater Pasadena and First Tee — Korea encourages participants to share their experiences and perspectives and provides opportunities to educate them about the culture and history of their respective countries and communities. These meetings have resulted in increased knowledge and appreciation of cultures and lifestyles between our two chapters.”
Founded in 2006, First Tee — Greater Pasadena has served more than 200,000 kids and teens. First Tee — Korea was founded in conjunction with the 2015 Presidents Cup and is one of six international chapters within the First Tee network.
The sister chapters have a goal to one day provide an in-person experience for their participants to meet.
This pandemic, among other challenges this year, has been more than we could have ever anticipated. It’s stories like these, of coming together to learn, appreciate, and build relationships, that inspire us as we work to empower youth to be game-changers and make this a better world.
USGA Awards Grant to First Tee — Upstate South Carolina for Local Youth Development Programs
USGA grant is part of a nationwide initiative to provide greater access to golf for youth
Greenville, SC (August 19, 2020) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) has awarded a $2,500 grant to First Tee — Upstate South Carolina to further their efforts of introducing young people to game of golf and experiences that empower them to build their strength of character. The grant is one of 51 being awarded nationwide to chapters located in or around USGA Championships and Allied Golf Associations as part of the organization’s strategy to leave a positive impact on its local host communities. Since 1997, the USGA has invested more than $26 million in grants to First Tee to provide greater access to golf for juniors and cultivate a life-long passion for the game. The commitment to expanding participation is part of the USGA’s mission to champion and advance the game. “Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.” First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. With USGA’s support, First Tee — Upstate South Carolina reaches more than 600 young people annually at 12 program locations, with support from over 100 volunteers. First Tee — Upstate South Carolina impacts young people through character education and life skills programs at in-school and after-school programs. “Even during these difficult times of dealing with COVID-19, First Tee – Upstate South Carolina has continued to persevere and impact the lives of our young people through our programming,” said Michael Pius, PGA Executive Director. “This support from the USGA will allow us to continue to make a lasting effect and teach the life skills that our young people will carry on for the rest of their lives.” The funding is part of the USGA’s annual $70 million investment back into the game fueled by revenues generated by the U.S. Open. For more information about the First Tee — Upstate South Carolina, visit www.firstteeupstate.org. Visit firsttee.org to see the full list of USGA grant recipients. About the USGA The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org. About First Tee — Upstate South Carolina First Tee – Upstate South Carolina is a nonprofit organization dedicated to impacting the lives of young people in Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Pickens and Spartanburg counties by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Offering programs specifically designed for young people ages 5 to 18, the organization impacts the lives of over 60,000 Upstate area youth each year. For more information, visit www.firstteeupstate.org.
Nelia L. is a BIRDIE level participant, a Girls Golf member and a sophomore at Southside High school in Greenville county. She is participating in our First Tee at Home e-learning classes to further her golf skills and life skills while staying at home during COVID-19. Her First Tee Coach, Coach AnnaLeis, challenged the BIRDIE participants to create VISION boards to better showcase their Dreams & Goals for their future! Nelia was excited to showcase her past, present and future goals on her VISION board. Here is what she wrote:
“This collage captures my past, present, and future in golf. Some of the experiences from my past that have led me to play golf are running varsity cross country and playing tennis for my high school. My parents also put me in a lot of different sports at the YMCA when I was younger. I have always enjoyed playing all kinds of sports and trying new things, so I decided to try golf. I included some pictures from my first golf match that I won, which is one of my proudest moments in golf. Some of the people who have influenced me in golf are my parents and little brother. Coach AnnaLeis is another huge influence to me because she is an amazing, encouraging coach and mentor. Also, she started golf with the First Tee when she was 13 and went on to play in college, and I admire her story because I started playing golf at 15 with the First Tee, and my dream is to get a golf scholarship to play in college as well.” 
A dream born at a Chipotle table in August of 2019, became a reality on February 8th, 2020. During a staff lunch at Chipotle, First Tee of the Upstate executive staff and I dreamt of connecting the community and growing the game of golf. It wasn’t long before we decided that becoming an Ernie Els for Autism #GameON Site was the answer! Becoming a #GameON site would allow the chapter to reach a new population by learning strategies to offer adaptive golf to athletes who learn differently.
Despite the SNOW, 23 coaches and volunteers, ages 19-80 years old, came out to be certified in the curriculum! Twelve families affected by autism spectrum disorder also came out to participate in our first clinic! The clinic had to be moved indoors, but as evidenced by these pictures, that didn’t stop our fun! These smiles shared by children and their coaches, volunteers, parents, and siblings truly is what it is all about! The sport of golf and how we play is rapidly changing and we are honored to be a part of the change towards adapting and including all athletes!
There are three upcoming community clinics in March, April, & May with registration still available for people ages 7-25 years with any physical or cognitive challenge, as well as their siblings. Click HERE to learn more and to Sign Up Today! Registration includes a FREE #GameON T-shirt (limited amount available) and a discount when you register for all 3 clinics!
I was a collegiate student athlete at Columbia College in Columbia, SC where I had the chance to pursue 2 dreams- playing collegiate golf and earning a degree in speech language pathology. As you can imagine, perseverance was an important characteristic to have with the demands of being a student athlete. During my second year of college, my team began volunteering with The First Tee Columbia chapter. It was amazing to see my teammates develop the same passion for The First Tee. In fact, one of my teammates is now a volunteer with The First Tee of Greater Charlotte.
After graduating college, I returned home to the Upstate to begin a career as a speech language pathologist- assistant. I was chasing my dream but there was something missing. I became the assistant coach for MHS girl’s golf, thinking that coaching at my alma mater would fill the void. But the void continued. I soon realized that The First Tee was in fact so different from other junior golf programs, and was the missing piece.
However, it is now time that we bring The First Tee experience to the special needs community. I am ecstatic to announce an initiative that will start during our 2020 year with Ernie Els #GameON. As part of our overall programming we are partnering with Ernie Els #GameON to provide the golf and life skills curriculum to children and young adults on the autism spectrum. It will not be easy. It will take hard work and resources, but with perseverance, we will succeed.
With the most recent statistic reading 1 in 58 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the community is large and in need of help. From a speech language pathology perspective, I can assure you that Ernie Els #GameON curriculum is unique and going to impact people with autism in the Upstate in a powerful way. Since funding for the program will be part of the overall budget, the need for financial support is also great.
I would love to invite you to persevere with me and our chapter through the launching of this programming. Through sharing donations of time, financial resources, and network connections we will be sure to reach our goal! Because of generous donations, our chapter is thriving in a variety of communities! If you are interested in persevering with us for this launching with a financial contribution, please check out the DONATE tab on our website to complete your tax-deductible contribution. If you are interested in persevering with us by volunteering your time or sharing network connections, please email me at [email protected]. On behalf of alum, current participants, volunteers, and coaches, I want to thank you for your donations thus far, and in advance for future donations. I cannot wait to celebrate the success stories we will hear from a range of communities together in 2020 because of the perseverance of our chapter supporters! 