This week, we’re celebrating coaches and their impact on our participants and their communities. The incredible coaches and the meaningful relationships they foster have always been the heartbeat of First Tee.
The Unsung Hero
Our team of trusted, trained and caring coaches and staff develop meaningful relationships with participants that prepare them for what’s next – on the course, at school and in daily life. First Tee coaches and mentors set our program apart and change the landscape of their communities every day.
This week, we’re celebrating in the following ways:
Sharing stories and notes from participants who love their coaches!
Ribbon Cutting / Grand Opening of our brand new Indoor Youth Learning Center at the Steve Hatchett Youth Golf Campus
Coaches Only Night! Coaches will invite friends who are interested in coaching with us for a social at the new Indoor Youth Learning Center. They will enjoy dinner, receive letters from our participants, and get to “play like a kid” in our new facility!
Dear Coach, you taught me…
Click on the photos below and read the first-hand stories of how coaches have impacted our participants, alumni, staff and supporters.
sharau
Dear Coach Hannah Grace,
You’re a good coach. You always know the right thing to cheer us up.
Love,
Grayson
Harlan
Dear Coach Corey,
Thank you for helping me for all these years, I am very happy you’re a coach.
Harlan
maggie c
Dear Nat,
Thank you for teaching me golf. Maggie
Dear_Coach__0005_Derrick Ow
Dear Coach Nick & Jessica,
Thank you for giving a kid on the Autism spectrum a chance to be successful at life. I’ll never forget you helping me out on national event applications. You instilled the values of respect and confidence, and I will always remember those lessons.
You changed the arc of my family’s lives forever. You will always have a special place in our family. Thank you for everything, and I hope I can continue to make you proud.
Warm regards, Derrick Ow First Tee – Monterey County alumnus
Dear_Coach__0003_Najae Butler
Dear Coach Jenae,
You taught me to always dream big and go after whatever I dreamed of. No matter the circumstance I was in, you always supported my dreams of becoming an LPGA Tour player. You’ve spoken highly of me to people when I’m not in the room, and you do the same when I am there. I know when I hear “Najae Butler” very loudly that it’s you, one of my biggest supporters. And for that and more, I’m forever grateful and will be your biggest supporter too.
Najae Butler First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumna
Dear_Coach__0000_Samuel Freeman
Dear Coach Brown,
You taught me how to not only keep my cool on the course, but how to apply these values off of the golf course. You created an inclusive and welcoming environment for me prior to my freshman year and provided me with opportunities to gain lifelong friends. I have loved getting to know you these past two years and look forward to the rest of high school golf with you as my coach.
Thank you so much, Samuel Freeman First Tee – Greater Richmond participant
Dear_Coach__0002_Cameryn Smith
Dear Coach Terry,
Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for your countless hours invested in me. Thank you for lighting my spark in my bigger purpose for life. Because of you I became my true self. Because of you I bought into every possibility for my future. Your guidance on and off the course helped transform me into a forever game changer. Because of you I will spend my life giving back to the future of First Tee, the future of golf, the future of the world.
“Put a golf club in a child’s hand and watch them grow.”
Look at me, Coach T. I’m all grown up now, thanks to you.
Cameryn Smith First Tee – Coastal Carolinas alumna
Dear_Coach__0006_Kevin B. Banks Jr.
Dear Coach Harry & Cole,
You taught me how to be an authentic Black man and golfer. Your example shaped my entire life. Not only did you deepen my understanding of the game, you prepared me for life! I wouldn’t be who I am today without you!
Kevin B. Banks Jr. First Tee – Greater Chicago alumnus
Dear_Coach__0004_Kavya Shah
Dear Coach Steve,
You taught me more than just the game of golf but how to face challenges with resilience, patience and determination. Whether it was navigating a tough round or confronting personal obstacles, you have helped me see that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Thank you for being a coach who mentors not just athletes but the person behind the game.
Kavya Shah First Tee – Howard County participant
Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development
A finding with The Harris Poll shows parents turn to coaches to help build their kids’ character, self-confidence, determination and leadership.
Ninety-one percent of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field.
