1.Why do you think having a healthy mindset is important?
A healthy mindset is both your physical and mental wellbeing. You must take care of yourself physically, which is getting the right amount of sleep, eating healthy, and incorporating a heathy day to day habit of physical fitness. Mentally it’s being open to your emotions, setting realistic goals, and having an open and positive outlook to everything. It’s important to have a healthy mindset because it brings you clarity and you are able to make the right decision. You are also less distracted by outside things that will inhibit you from achieving a task which can affect your long-term goal(s).
2. How do you keep a healthy mindset?
I try to prevent creating stressors in my life. I plan ahead so that I can get things done in a timely manner, such as getting my homework done early so I have time to possibly ask questions as well as preventing myself from doing more than one homework assignment that is due on the same day prior to the due date.
3. How do you prepare for school/work?
Every morning I wake up, I stretch and/or go on a morning run to wake me up. I always eat breakfast because it is the most important meal of the day. When you are sitting in class or work you don’t want to be distracted by the gurgling in your stomach. The night prior I get what I need for school ready for the next day to ensure that I don’t forget anything as well as not putting myself in a position where I have to rush.
4. How do you prepare for social activities (First Tee, other clubs, hanging out with friends)?
I make sure nothing is going to prohibit me from attending social activities and distract me. I get my homework done in advance so I can focus on my friends and or the event I am attending. I want to focus on having fun. I know when I was in First Tee, I always cleaned my clubs the night before. I made sure I had water, snacks, sunscreen, and weather gear in my bag so that I was prepared. I also made sure I was drinking a lot of water to ensure I am hydrated for the day of playing outdoors.
5. If you’re stressed, what do you do to relax?
When I am stressed, I like to take small breaks from what I am doing (i.e. homework, squad job) I get up and walk around a little bit or I go down to the gym and work out. In the moment when I feel like I must get many things done and it’s impossible I always remind myself “take one thing at a time”. If you stress about all the things, then you are sitting here worrying about it rather than accomplishing them. I sometimes even meet up with friends for lunch or dinner so that I have social interactions and forget about some things that are stressing me out.
6. Who can you turn to if you need help?
When I need help or guidance I can always turn to my parents. I give either one of them a phone call and I just talk to them. They always give great advice, but they also are great listeners when I need to rant. In my squadron at the Air Force Academy, I could always go to my squadron leadership and ask them advice in what I needed help with, whether that was preparing for being an officer in the Air Force or even life advice for after academy life. Never be too afraid to ask anyone for help, there is always someone who will want to help you out.
7. If you make a mistake, how do you learn from it and move forward?
Everyone makes a mistake, even I have made mistakes throughout my life. The first thing I do is own up to my mistake. I reflect on the action that occurred that led to the mistake and I also reflect on the outcome of that mistake and how it affects me but also others around me. I then talk to someone that could give me advice and give me suggestions on what I can do to improve to avoid the same mistake in the future.
8. If you see a friend or family member in need, what can you do to encourage them?
When I see a friend or family member in need, I always reach out to them and ask them if they are okay. Sometimes they will say no, and I ask why, I always tell them that they are not acting their normal self and that’s when they normally break down their guard and tell me what is wrong. If they need someone to talk to, I always make sure they have my attention, I put my phone away out of view and I always engage in a conversation with them. I always let my friends and family know that I care about them and I am always there for them.
9. What has First Tee taught you about a healthy mindset?
First Tee has taught me how important a healthy mindset is. It can affect the way that you play in golf, but it can also affect you mentally and physically outside of the game. Having a healthy mental mindset is not just for the game of golf, it is also for your day to day life. First Tee has taught me how to not dwell on the past or on negative things because it will be overwhelming. But First Tee has also taught me to have a positive outlook and how to handle different situations that may not be in my control.
This month, we had the privilege of hearing from a participant and a coach, from First Tee – South Puget Sound, about their thoughts on keeping a healthy mindset.
Mason G., 10 years old
1.Why do you think having a healthy mindset is important?
When you have a healthy mindset you feel good about yourself and others.
2. How do you keep a healthy mindset?
By listening to music, and thinking about positive things in my life.
3. How do you prepare for school/work?
Eating a good breakfast.
4. How do you prepare for social activities (First Tee, other clubs, hanging out with friends)?
By just having fun….
5. If you’re stressed, what do you do to relax?
I lay down and get comfortable and watch some YouTube videos or TV.
6. Who can you turn to if you need help?
Mom and Dad.
Mason and Coach Frank
7. If you make a mistake, how do you learn from it and move forward?
I think about what I did wrong and how I can do better next time.
8. If you see a friend or family member in need, what can you do to encourage them?
I talk to them and ask them what’s wrong and tell them that it’s the past and to move on.
9. What has First Tee taught you about a healthy mindset?
First Tee has taught me good manners, positive habits and how to behave on the golf course. Thank you to all my First Tee Coaches – special shout out to Coach Frank.
What we think, influences our behaviors and emotions every day. Just as you exercise your swing before hitting the ball, it’s important to practice things that can lead to a healthy mindset. Our minds are valuable tools, and maintaining a healthy headspace on and off the golf course can improve confidence and drive.
First Tee guides kids to develop stronger social and emotional wellness skills through active learning experiences. These lessons can be used by youth and adults to develop and maintain healthy mindsets at home, school, and in the community. Here are four steps to start developing a healthy mindset.
1. Have a positive attitude.
By focusing on gratitude and practicing positive-self talk, you might be surprised by how much better it makes you feel. Everyday look for new ways to nurture your positive attitude through eating healthy, staying active, and being honest.
2. Give your best effort.
Parents and mentors can encourage kids to give their best effort as often as possible, and keeping yourself accountable is the easiest way to lead by example. Giving your best effort allows you to realize what you are truly capable of, and become more confident in your skills.
3. Give back.
Giving back to your community, or causes that you care about is another great way to maintain a healthy mentality. Volunteering can help your family connect with others who hold similar values and beliefs. Even activities as simple as tutoring someone on the weekend, or pulling a neighbors weeds can have a tremendous effect on the community you live in.
4. Take ownership.
Helping kids realize they have control over the outcomes of the challenges they face, can help build confidence and reduce anxiety. Reducing anxiety and practicing problem-solving capabilities at a young age can have a huge effect on how their mindset develops through the rest of their lives.
First Tee guides kids to strengthen what’s inside them and put it into action. It’s a priority for us to guide kids to care for their social and emotional wellness so when they step up to the next shot, math test, or presentation they have the strength to move forward, aim further, and finish stronger than the last time. Click here to find a First Tee chapter near you!
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL. (April 28, 2021) – First Tee has announced the 48-player field for the first-ever First Tee National Championship, June 20-24, 2021 at Clemson University. The event, postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will bring together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level.
While COVID protocols will be in effect, the 54-hole event will take place and the winners of each girls’ and boys’ divisions will be awarded with the Tattersall Cup and also will earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee held at Pebble Beach Golf Links September 21-26, 2021.
“We are excited to congratulate this field of teenagers from across the U.S. who have worked hard to advance their golf games while also staying involved in school and their chapters,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “We are thankful to longtime First Tee supporter Fred Tattersall for creating this opportunity for the young people across our network of 150 chapters.”
First Tee National Championship will be held annually at various college campuses around the nation providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience.
Clemson University’s The Walker Course is set to host the inaugural Championship. During the week, participants will have the opportunity to hear from PGA Head Golf Professional Steve Scott on how his values intersected with his experience of finishing Runner-Up to Tiger Woods in the 1996 U.S. Amateur Championship.
The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-19, who were selected based on their golf skill, competitive golf experience and handicap. Players will come from 32 First Tee chapters across the country. Full list of selected participants here.
First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping young people learn life skills and build character through the game of golf. The National Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. For more information on the tournament and First Tee, visit www.thefirsttee.org. ***
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach more than 3.6 million young people annually through its chapter network, in schools and at youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL. and RICHMOND, VA. (April 27, 2021) – CapTech, a leading technology consulting firm, and First Tee, a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, today announced a new partnership that will provide First Tee participants further support and access to technology and mentorship as they progress through the program.
As a Trustee, CapTech’s investment in First Tee will support curriculum enhancements, technology innovations, ongoing research and expanding diversity and inclusion initiatives for the growing network of 150 chapters. CapTech will also lend leadership and expertise to First Tee for its national participant opportunities, including the Innovators Forum, an event that empowers First Tee teens to raise awareness of global issues through the development of a meaningful service project in their communities.
“We are proud to support a world-class organization like First Tee that shares our passion for developing and empowering young people,” said CapTech Chairman Sandy Williamson. “We believe technology can help create a more diverse and inclusive future in which youth can confidently compete on a level playing field. CapTech is committed to leveraging our capabilities as innovators, engineers and strategists to accomplish this very important purpose.”
In addition to its commitment as a Trustee, CapTech is supporting First Tee — Greater Richmond in its creation of a state-of-the-art golf technology lab at the Belmont course, newly redesigned by Davis Love III’s company, Love Golf Design. With an emphasis on inclusivity, the lab will support training and development for youth of all skill levels through the innovative use of data, design and technology. A central goal of the lab is to use data available from golf training tools, mobile devices and third-party sources to connect and integrate functionality.
“We are thankful for partners like CapTech that provide support across a number of important areas for our organization,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are grateful that they have engaged on multiple fronts in support of our mission.”
***
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach more than 3.6 million young people annually through its chapter network, in schools and at youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About CapTech CapTech is a national consulting firm that helps clients grow efficient, successful businesses. We do so by bringing the data, systems, and ingenuity organizations need to stay ahead and transform what’s possible in a changing world. Here, we’re master builders, creators, and problem solvers who find inspiration in the unknown and enjoy getting our hands dirty as we design solutions for each client. Across industries and business goals, we fuse technical depth and analytical prowess with creative savvy to ignite innovation and move business forward. This drive helps each organization use technology, management, and insight to turn ideas into action. Together, we create outcomes that exceed the expected — which is one of the reasons we’ve been on the Inc. 500/5000 list for over a decade. Learn more about CapTech at captechconsulting.com.
Media Contacts: Jane Fader, First Tee 904-940-4330 [email protected]
Victor Caliguri, First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
1. What does “showing up to others” mean to you?
Showing up to others means being the bigger person. Being the bigger person in any situation you face. You face many hardships in life and you have to be the bigger person to overcome those conflicts. Showing up to others is a way of showing maturity and proving to people that you are capable of doing whatever task you take on.
2. How do you show up for your friends?
I show up for my friends by trying to be the smarter person. Making the right decisions and helping them go down the right path. My friends can also help me keep going down the right path if I start to make wrong decisions. No matter what the circumstance is, I will always be there for them.
3. How do you show up for your family?
I show up for my family by trying to be supportive. Being supportive in a family is everything because we all need each other. A family is everyone working together to be the best people they can be and loving each other as you do it. I show up by listening to them and trying to help them with anything they need.
4. How do you show up for your community?
I love to volunteer for my community. Helping the needy is always a blessing and I really enjoy it. Seeing the smile you put on peoples faces always makes my day. Showing up for your community isn’t just helping people. You can help the environment by picking up others trash and trying to make the world we live in a clean place.
5. How do you feel after helping others?
I love helping others. I always feel accomplished as if I did what I wanted to do. I feel happy that I was able to make someone’s day easier. When they show their appreciation for you after you help them it feels even better.
6. How do you mentally prepare to show up for your role?
I tell myself that I can do whatever I am about to do and go into everything confident. Having a bad mentality about something is never a good start. Being confident in myself makes me know that I can achieve anything I set my mind to no matter what the role is.
7. What impact has it made on your life when someone has been there for you?
Having someone to turn to when times are tough is crucial for me. I always love when my friends take time out of their days to listen to me and what I have going on. It has made me realize that when I take my time to listen to their problems it definitely makes them happier because it sure does when they do it.
8. What does it feel like when someone is there for you?
It makes me feel loved and welcomed. Having someone always there is a great gift and I’m so grateful for that. I try to be that person that anyone can turn to because I will always take time out of my day to help people because that’s what makes me happy.
9. What have you learned through First Tee about showing up for others?
I learned that showing up for others can teach others very valuable lessons. Being the bigger person can lead those people around you to get out of their shell and show up for others. Don’t be afraid to take action because when you do that it will help everyone with you be more confident and you will all learn from it.
Megan Parayno, a Recognized First Tee Coach, began her First Tee career in 2014. For the past 7 years she’s been working to inspire and empower kids and teens, first as a lead coach for First Tee — Monterey County and now as the Program Director for First Tee — Fresno. In her free time, Megan follows her passion of being a self-proclaimed “sneakerhead and reseller” and is ready to be able to return to her weekly bowling leagues once it’s safe to do so.Coach Megan grew up in Fresno, CA and attended Cal State University Monterey Bay on a golf scholarship, majoring with a B.S. in Kinesiology. After graduating in 2016, she moved back to Fresno to take on the role of Program Director. “It was a perfect opportunity to give back to the community that gave so much to me when I was growing up.”Since returning to Fresno, Megan has earned a Master’s in Sports Administration from Fresno Pacific University.“My favorite part of being a coach is building relationships. Being able to see them grow up and watch them mature and become a mentor to younger kids is why I love coaching. On a personal note, I was able to witness my sister, Lauren, play the PURE Insurance Championship, be her chaperone, and watch how her game has developed over the years.”Coach Megan knows the importance of showing up for others and giving back to her family, friends, community and participants.“I had a First Tee parent come to me and she mentioned that her daughter was looking to speak with someone who related to her. Her daughter was struggling with finding herself. All it took was a couple hours hitting golf balls on the range to show her that First Tee is a safe place for her to talk. I had the ability and the resources to relate to her and understand what she is going through and took that time to “show up” for her.Coach Megan is giving her participants opportunities to show up in their community and learn the importance and impact of giving back.
For some, golf may be just a game. For us, it’s an avenue in which kids and teens discover the confidence and inner strength inside of them and learn to bring that to everything they do. One of the ways we cultivate this, is by encouraging youth to understand the value and importance of helping those around them. In your community, within your family or school, the world is in need of game changers who will show up for others. Claire Alford, from First Tee – Central Coast, is a game changer who, with the help of her school club, started the first Community and Health Resources Fair.
“Our goal was to provide vital health resources to the students at our school. My family is part of Santa Maria’s 74% Hispanic population, as counted by the US Census Bureau. At school I see how most of my peers rely on the federal free lunch program to get meals every day. By founding the Culture Community and Cuisine Club and creating the health fair, my brother and I helped bring health screenings and support to our peers.”
She could tell you that this is no small feat. Claire and her brother attended daily meetings and phone calls with school administrators and the community providers to ensure the event was a success. Due to the diverse population in the community, students struggle with a variety of issues that are often ignored. Community partners were present at the event to establish a safe environment for all students at the school.
“The most rewarding part of the day was seeing my classmates connect with services they needed. My life goal is to expand access to basic health evaluations and treatment to other rural towns in the same way that the First Tee has spread access to the life changing game of golf.”
We are proud of kids and teens, like Claire, that selflessly give their time to care for those around them and exemplify the values taught at First Tee. We can’t wait to see how she continues to work towards her goals in the future.
Emma Laker, First Tee — Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
1. What does “showing up for others” mean to you?
Showing up for others means that you are there for someone when they need you. You show kindness by helping others and not just thinking of yourself. You give people the respect they deserve.
2. How do you show up for your friends?
I show up for my friends by being there when they need me. One of my friends lost her mom and just by being there made her feel better and that everything was going to be okay.
3. How do you show up for your family?
I show up for my family by helping out around the house and making it easier on my parents. I realize how hard they work so that we can go to a Catholic school. I show them how thankful I am by trying hard with my schoolwork and doing my best I can.
4. How do you show up for your community?
I show up for my community by serving at my church and helping at my school. I helped at the After School Program by helping kids with their homework. I also volunteer at the Brighton Center around Christmas time by donating to families in need.
5. How do you feel after helping others?
I feel amazing. I realize how extremely lucky and blessed I am to have all of the love and support of my family and friends. When I am helping others I feel like I am giving them some of my joy and happiness.
6. How do you mentally prepare to show up for your role (coach, student, parents etc)?
I show up for my role by being confident. I make sure that I have practiced as much as possible. I always make sure that I persevere and keep going no matter what. Whether good or bad I’ve tried my best and that’s all I can do.
7. What impact has it made on your life when someone has been there for you?
It shows me that I am surrounded by friends and family that love me no matter what. I can look up to my friends and family to help me through the rough times.
8. What does it feel like when someone is there for you?
It feels like I am loved. I have people who I can count on. It feels really good to have people in my life who can be there for me.
9. What have you learned through First Tee about showing up for others?
I have learned to use the core values. I have learned to respect others and my surroundings. I have also learned to use responsibility while on the golf course. Using the Core Values allows us to show up for others.
Forty teens to be selected for annual Leadership Summit at West Creek Ranch in Montana this Summer
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, Ga. (March 24, 2021) − First Tee, a youth development organization helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, partnered with PGA TOUR Superstore to host a first-of-its-kind, annual leadership series over five weeks in February and March.
Teenagers across the country discovered personal values and leadership skills through interactive sessions facilitated by PGA TOUR Superstore general managers. The curriculum explored potential career fields based on interests to guide the participants as they navigate future collegiate and professional opportunities. The five-week series concluded with a virtual town hall featuring First Tee alumni and young professionals in medical, sports and communications fields.
“We are thankful to PGA TOUR Superstore for their support in helping create this incredible opportunity for so many teens to discover college and career pathways,” First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin said. “It’s important that First Tee provides opportunities where young people can explore their futures.”
Through a post-event participant survey, 95 percent of participants said they better understood their personal values and strengths, and 91 percent have set goals to work toward their interested career pathways.
“These events often become life-changing experiences for participants to expand their horizons, meet new people and learn more about themselves,” said Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We developed this curriculum to teach, help and encourage First Tee students as they advance through these development programs on their way to pursuing higher education opportunities.”
For participants like Nancy Rivera of San Jose, Calif., the Leadership Series was an opportunity to share a personal story about how First Tee values of giving back and respecting diversity have impacted her. Rivera is hoping to be the first in her family to attend college.
Experiencing national First Tee opportunities like the Leadership Series, she says, is playing a big role in making her collegiate dream that much closer to a reality. She has been a participant of First Tee – Silicon Valley since 2017. She is a student at University Preparatory Academy in San Jose where she is working on a plan to attend a four-year university or college in the fall of 2022.
“I am proud to be part of a group that promotes respect, appreciating diversity and provides tools on how to help and think of others,” Rivera said. “Respect is a big part of our daily lives, especially living in the Bay Area where we have a diverse community. I’ve learned what it means to truly, actively listen and see how listening involves asking follow-up questions to better understand the perspectives of others.
“So far we have worked together to organize food drives every week, supported different causes such as Black Lives Matter, and different organizations that help our environment.”
The Leadership Series was hosted in 27 communities across the country with PGA TOUR Superstores and First Tee chapters. Forty teens who completed the series will be selected in June for the first-ever First Tee Leadership Summit, which takes place this August at PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation Board Member Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana.
The 40 teens who will be selected for the First Tee Leadership Summit at West Creek Ranch in Montana this August will take part in interactive workshops and outdoor leadership trainings. The summit will include First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience as a part of the experience, combined with a robust curriculum of leadership and professional development. At the conclusion of the Summit, four students will be selected to be part of the First Tee College Scholarship Program thanks to PGA TOUR Superstore.
For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and Mr. Blank have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more children across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of this new Leadership Series and Summit.
The Leadership Series and Summit is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
Photos and a pre-packaged video feature are available here. For more information on First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.
First Tee builds experiences that build character. As a youth development organization, we believe experiences are our greatest teacher and that they should be both fun and meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way.
Whether you are looking to join our program or still considering your options, here are commonly asked questions to get you started.
How do you build character through golf?
We see golf as a metaphor for life. It’s not the score that counts, but what you learn along the way. Like in life, golf requires goal setting, working with others and digging deep when things get tough (perseverance). Golf is a perfect practice ground for learning skills that go far beyond the fairways.
What if my child has never picked up a golf club before?
We know it can feel intimidating to start something new. Everyone was a beginner once and our coaches are trained in creating a supportive environment to make kids feel comfortable and assure they have fun while learning about themselves and golf.
Do I need to provide golf equipment for kids?
Chapters provide access to all the equipment you will need. No need for special golf attire.
Will my child be participating in a safe environment?
First Tee and its chapters are committed to having a safe and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the organization. As part of our commitment, all employees, coaches and volunteers must complete a background check before working with our youth. Plus, all employees, coaches, volunteers, and board members are required to complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training program.
Is there competition and physical activity?
Absolutely! First Tee is an activity-based program, so our lessons include movement that can range from games to walking/playing the course. As participants get older, they have the chance to compete at national events held across the country.
Is there a chapter near me?
We’re closer than you think. First Tee offers programs in all 50 states through First Tee chapters, School Programs, and after-school Community Programs. We also offer programs in a number of international locations.
What if I have financial concerns?
No worries—chapters offer full scholarships or reduced fee programming for those who need it.
Parents’ Guide
Flip through our parents’ guide to learn more about our wide ranging opportunities for kids and teens.
Get Involved
First Tee provides active learning experiences for youth that help build their inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. Find a chapter today!
Golf relates to life because life isn’t always easy and neither is golf. So it teaches you to always persevere even when times are tough.
2. How does golf challenge you to be a better person?
Golf challenges me to be a better person because I want to be well respected and to be known as a good person so I always want to be the best I can be.
3. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
My favorite part about playing golf is all of the wonderful opportunities in life you can have from the game.
4. What golf skills helps you the most off the course?
Golf has really helped my confidence level and that is something that is important in life so I am very happy to have gained that skill.
5. How can golf make you a more rounded individual?
Golf can help you be a more rounded individual because you have to show respect to the course, your peers and yourself so that right there makes you a better person to have those skills.
6. How are you inspired through golf?
I have really been inspired by Arnold Palmer and his positive impacts on the community and his amazing golf success.
7. How have you grown up over the past year?
I have grown this year in many ways. I have been able to drastically improve my golf game physically and mentally. I have also become stronger and tougher and much better at controlling my emotions which has helped on the course and in life.
8. What or who motivates you?
My Grampa is the person who motivates me because he is the strongest person I know and he makes me want to push harder every day!
9. What is your personal growth goal?
A personal growth goal for me would be to have a consistent workout routine.
Megan Parayno, a Recognized First Tee Coach, began her First Tee career in 2014. For the past 7 years she’s been working to inspire and empower kids and teens, first as a lead coach for First Tee — Monterey County and now as the Program Director for First Tee — Fresno. In her free time, Megan follows her passion of being a self-proclaimed “sneakerhead and reseller” and is ready to be able to return to her weekly bowling leagues once it’s safe to do so.
Coach Megan grew up in Fresno, CA and attended Cal State University Monterey Bay on a golf scholarship, majoring with a B.S. in Kinesiology. After graduating in 2016, she moved back to Fresno to take on the role of Program Director.
“It was a perfect opportunity to give back to the community that gave so much to me when I was growing up.”
Since returning to Fresno, Megan has earned a Master’s in Sports Administration from Fresno Pacific University.
“My favorite part of being a coach is building relationships. Being able to see them grow up and watch them mature and become a mentor to younger kids is why I love coaching. On a personal note, I was able to witness my sister, Lauren, play the PURE Insurance Championship, be her chaperone, and watch how her game has developed over the years.”
Coach Megan knows the importance of showing up for others and giving back to her family, friends, community and participants.
“I had a First Tee parent come to me and she mentioned that her daughter was looking to speak with someone who related to her. Her daughter was struggling with finding herself. All it took was a couple hours hitting golf balls on the range to show her that First Tee is a safe place for her to talk. I had the ability and the resources to relate to her and understand what she is going through and took that time to “show up” for her.
Coach Megan is giving her participants opportunities to show up in their community and learn the importance and impact of giving back.
