tsmies, Author at First Tee

Student Spotlight: Lyla Chrisman

11th Grade | Grandville High School

Written by Lyla Chrisman

Lyla, age 8 (left). Lyla, age 16 (right), leading class this summer

Growing up as a member of First Tee from age 8 to 16 helped shape me into the person I am today.

Coach Taylour (First Tee’s Program Director) stands out as the first mentor I remember. As a child, I admired her, and never imagined one day I would have the opportunity to work alongside her like I did this past summer.

During my summer coaching internship, I attended my first “Tuesday staff meeting.”

I felt truly valued, especially among people I’ve always admired.

Pledge to a Marathoner Today, Grow Tomorrow's Mentors!

They even asked for my perspective and input! Although that may seem trivial, that meeting meant a lot to me. I look forward to the day when the kids I’m now coaching get that opportunity in a few years.

Now that I’m a coach, I lean on Sierra Berlin, First Tee Coach and alum, as a peer and confidante. She has become one of my closest friends. After a tough time at high school golf regionals, I fell short of my goal of making it to state and was in tears. Sierra was the first person I called. Coach and First Tee alum Maya Fitzgerald was a coach at my first class as a junior coach. I didn’t know anyone before that day but just 15 minutes later, Maya and I were laughing as if we’d known each other for years, and she remains one of my best friends.

Last summer, I was selected to participate in the First Tee Game Changers Academy in Minnesota, where I connected with teenagers nationwide. I met students and coaches from Texas, California, and Seattle, and formed lasting friendships with participants like my roommate, Allison, who has profoundly impacted my life for the better.

Lyla, at center back of the table, at the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis last summer.

First Tee has done so much for me, helping me become the best version of myself. I hope that other students will get the same opportunities I have.“

Lyla Chrisman, 16 years old, Grandville High School | 8-year participant of First Tee, and now a Lead Coach/Mentor

Give to a Marathoner Today, Grow Tomorrow's Mentors!

First Tee Graduate Spotlight: Maya Fitzgerald

UNC-Pembroke Freshman | Forest Hills Central HS

In the spring of ’24, Maya wrapped up her 9th and final year as a First Tee participant, graduating from Forest Hills Central and winning all-conference honors on the golf team multiple times. In her final three years at First Tee, Maya also participated in First Tee’s Junior Coach Program, learning leadership skills and teaching the next generation of First Tee students, alongside high schooler Lyla Chrisman (story below), who highlighted Maya as an inspiration for her. Maya also gave back by participating for five years in First Tee’s Golf Marathon Fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars for our participants on scholarship. Now, Maya is a freshman playing Division 2 golf at UNC – Pembroke.

Maya, with her family on signing day in 2023

Maya began the program as shy and soft-spoken, but two mentors helped shape her into a confident, goal-setting adult.

Maya, right, with two other First Tee participants (Fern B. and Grace P.) in 2017

“My first mentor was Coach Andre. He really helped build my confidence as well as help me discover my love for the game of golf. My most impactful mentor was Coach Taylor, as I worked with her through my younger years in the program. She helped me see I was capable of anything I wanted. As a girl, she told me I could be as successful as the boys around me.”

Pledge to a Marathoner Today, Grow Tomorrow's Mentors!

“Coach Taylor helped my confidence grow and my doubts settle.

Through her, I could see my potential and she encouraged me to keep going until I reached the goals I had set for myself.

I got to see how strong and capable I was.”

First Tee youngsters saw firsthand how capable Maya was as she junior coached. As a 16-year-old Maya applied and was selected for First Tee Game Changers Academy, spending a week in Philadelphia with 80 of her peers throughout the network. The year following, Maya applied and was selected for First Tee’s Participant Advisory Council, just one of eight students selected for the honor. She spent a week with peers from other chapters in Jacksonville, FL, helping to make First Tee an even more impactful program.

Maya in Philadelphia at the First Tee Game Changers Academy as a 16-year-old.

Maya at First Tee Participant Advisory Council in Jacksonville, FL as a 17-year-old

“With the help of First Tee, I’m now living out my dream, playing D2 collegiate golf. I plan to major in psychology so that one day I can become a sports psychologist.

Mentors matter for me, and with your support, it can matter for the 8-year-olds coming to First Tee this spring and summer.”

Help First Tee impact more students like Maya by pledging to one of our Golf Marathoners! With your help, we can employ 50+ teenagers like Maya in 2025 as they shape the next generation of students.

Pledge to a Marathoner Today, Grow Tomorrow's Mentors!

First Tee – West Michigan elevates Tyler Smies to CEO

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, – March 6, 2025 – First Tee – West Michigan, a youth development non-profit organization that teaches character development through the game of golf, has promoted Tyler Smies from Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Smies has served 14 years as the Executive Director of First Tee – West Michigan and helped launch the organization in 2011. First Tee served 73 participants in Grand Rapids in its first year and had an annual operating budget of $50,000. Now, First Tee – West Michigan serves 2,400 participants across seven counties, and operates a $1.3 million budget, expanding its service area several times in the past decade.

“The positive impact The First Tee of West Michigan has had on the lives of students and growth of our organization can be traced back to Tyler’s leadership and passion,” said Travis Mikulenas, First Tee – West Michigan board chair. “This promotion reflects his growth and increased responsibility as the head of a leading West Michigan nonprofit serving thousands of students all across West Michigan each year.”

AS CEO, Smies will oversee strategic planning, operational management, fundraising efforts, and strategic partnerships, focusing on driving long-term sustainable relationships with participants, volunteers, donors, and staff.

“I am honored to step into this title and grow the incredible work of First Tee’s team and volunteers,” said Smies. “Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the kids and teens we serve in West Michigan.”

During his tenure, Smies has been nominated for various awards with the Young Non-Profits Professional Network (YNPN) and was awarded MiBiz’s “Best Managed Small Nonprofits” in 2017. First Tee – West Michigan is consistently ranked as one of the top-performing First Tee chapters across the globe.

About First Tee West Michigan:

First Tee – West Michigan was established in 2011 to impact young people’s lives by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through golf. First Tee—West Michigan serves 2,400 students annually in Allegan, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa Counties. For more information about First Tee and its mission to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges, visit firstteewestmichigan.org.

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First Tee – West Michigan remembers one of its finest

Rick Vandenberg, former Board Chair and 9-year board member, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Obituary

Written by Tyler Smies, Executive Director of First Tee, 2011 – Present

Rick was one of the finest men I’ve ever had the chance to meet, and did so much to help both me and First Tee grow and thrive. Rick joined First Tee’s board in 2016 and served until the end of 2024. He served as Board Chair for three years, from 2021 – 2023.

I so deeply respect Rick and how he led and took care of people. No task was too small for Rick – he volunteered at a six-class session as recently as last spring, taking on 10 3rd and 4th graders from a GRPS school. At the same time, he led First Tee as board chair with care, kindness, directness, and steadiness. His faith in Christ was also rock solid and important to him. I have no doubt where he is today – in the embrace of his savior, Jesus.

I looked up to him in so many ways – how he led his family, walked out his faith, did his work, led me, and led the First Tee. Here are some highlights during his tenure on the board at First Tee:

From when Rick joined in 2016 to the end of 2024:

First Tee – West Michigan annual participation went from 726 to 2,400 students
- went from 934 to 2,222 during his three years as chair
First Tee expanded our program from 2 communities (GR and Muskegon) to 4 (Holland and Kalamazoo)
First Tee’s budget went from $556,000 to $1,450,000
- went from $809,000 to $1,125,000 during his three years as chair.
First Tee launched flagship programs like the junior coach program, the Play 9 program, and the individual instruction program during his tenure on the board. He also helped us navigate the transition of our home from the Highlands to Stormy Creek and Stormy Creek to our downtown location at United Way.

Rick also helped implement a more refined and defined way to evaluate me as Executive Director. That process has continued to today and now filters down to the goals and initiatives of every staff member each year.

All of these accomplishments we’ve had as a collective group had a large part to do with Rick – who he was and how he led. I am so grateful to have spent so much time with him, picking his brain, asking him questions, and leaning on his wisdom. Our heart goes out to Rick’s wife Mary, his two sons and their families, and others close to him. For more information, click here for Rick’s obituary.

Tyler Smies, Executive Director

To make a gift in memory of Rick and his impact on First Tee, click here.

First Tee – West Michigan Welcomes New Members to Board of Directors

First Tee – West Michigan welcomes Randy Freeburg and Henry Stallings III to its Board of Directors. These individuals bring a wealth of experience in the business and education fields that will immediately contribute to First Tee’s mission to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.

Randy Freeburg

Freeburg is a retired real estate appraiser and previously worked with Foremost Insurance Group as a financial and economic analyst. He is an avid golfer and bowler and helped organize the PGA Tour Champions stop while a member of the Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation. He has also served on several capital campaigns for local non-profits, including the Women’s Resource Center and the West Michigan Sports Commission. Freeburg is a member of Blythefield Country Club while also serving First Tee as a volunteer mentor and a Golf Outing Task Force committee member. In addition, he has participated for the past two years as a Golf Marathon fundraiser for the organization.

Henry Stallings III

Stallings is a 3rd grade teacher at Grandville Public Schools. He has served as an Executive Board member of Grandville Education Association and is currently serving on the Michigan Education Association PAC Council as a board member. Both his parents were teachers in Grand Rapids before Stallings also entered the profession. He is an active parent of a First Tee teenager and is currently a Lead Coach and Caddiemaster at First Tee – West Michigan, while also serving on the Recruiting & Nominating Committee.

“Randy and Henry are driven by First Tee’s mission to impact kids and teens through golf and have been an integral part of our impact the past several years,” said Tyler Smies, First Tee – West Michigan Executive Director. Having their professional expertise and their passion for our kids and teens in the boardroom for the next three years will help us have an even bigger influence in West Michigan.”

Freeburg and Stallings join Russ Hines, Jason Manshum, Travis Mikulenas, Maureen Fitzgerald Penn, Ross Ryzenga, Scott VanderLinde, Antoinetta Freeman, Nate Golomb, John Kruis, and Randy Lindquist on the First Tee – West Michigan Board of Directors.

Golf & Life Skills Lead Coach

Overview

First Tee – West Michigan is one of 175 chapters worldwide in a global non-profit youth initiative. First Tee was created in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation to use golf and character education to provide young people of all ethnic and economic backgrounds an opportunity to develop life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. By engaging youth in a combination of life skills, leadership and golf activities, they are exposed to positive traits that will help them become valuable assets to their community and eventually achieve success in life. First Tee Life Skills & Golf Experience is the unique component that sets First Tee apart from many other successful junior golf programs.

At First Tee – West Michigan, we are highly focused on reaching out to at-risk and disadvantaged youth. We want these students to see the beauty of the course, learn the skills they need to succeed in life, and build relationships with those who care for their well-being.

Position

Golf & Life Skills Lead Coach – Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, or Kalamazoo (pick your community)

Reports to

Program Director/ Program Coordinator of First Tee – West Michigan.

Supervises

First Tee Lead Coach will lead programming at various golf course facilities (30+) in West Michigan Responsibilities will include leading classes of up to 20 students age 7-17, as well as managing volunteers, maintaining relationships with the golf course, and organizing and submitting accurate and pertinent information on participants.

Salary/Wage

Wage: Hourly, $12-15/hour, based on experience

Position: Area Lead Coach

~ 4-8 hours per week from April 28 – October 15

Hours from April 28 – June 5, and August 31 – October 15 would be between 3 – 7 PM

Hours from June 5 – August 31 would be between 9 AM and 8 PM

~ Optional winter hours

All necessary hours would occur from Monday – Saturday, and between the times of 9:00 AM and 8 PM.

Job Summary

First Tee Lead Coach is responsible for leading daily programs, interacting and communicating with your parents and students, logging attendance, interacting and recruiting volunteers, using and modifying lesson plans, implementing policy, and safely leading programs operated by First Tee – West Michigan (Headquarters located in Greater Grand Rapids, MI).

Roles and Responsibilities

Coaching:

Must have a desire to teach youth from all backgrounds
Must become proficient in the delivery of PLAYer and Par levels through First Tee Coach Program
Develop programming and lessons while implementing First Tee Life Skills Education as outlined in First Tee guidelines
Supervise and Lead students and volunteers multiple classes per day
Manage First Tee Life Skills Experience and administer First Tee Certification process
Make the game and experience fun for participants
Provide a safe environment for participants
Maintain equipment room at local courses.

Program Responsibilities :

Maintain the quality of equipment and all instructional areas
Assist in the development/selection of training aids and materials

Management/Administration:

Accurately track attendance of participants
Help track participants’ information and progress through First Tee online participant database
Implementing recognition and awards for participants.
Send post-session communication and surveys

Volunteers:

Recruit, train, and retain volunteer coaches
Involve volunteers in the delivery of the program

Parents:

Communicate with parents/participants through email and text
Provide opportunities to engage parents in their child’s learning

Community/Network Outreach:

Assist in developing transition opportunities for First Tee partnerships.

Address:

First Tee – West Michigan

118 Commerce Ave SW, Suite 400

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Send resumes to: [email protected], call 616-208-1177 with questions.

www.firstteewestmichigan.org

Muskegon Area Program Assistant

Position Posted: November 15, 2024 | Apply By: February 15, 2025

Location: Muskegon, MI
Wage: $15/hour
Duration: Part Time (20-25 hr/week) April 2025 – August 2025
Education: Pursuing an education and/or relevant experience in Education, Sports/Recreation Management, or Professional Golf Management

About First Tee – West Michigan
First Tee – West Michigan uses golf and character education to help youth from all backgrounds develop life skills such as integrity, sportsmanship, and leadership. Focused on serving at-risk youth, we aim to empower young people to thrive both on and off the course.

Position Overview
The Program Assistant will report to the Program Coordinator and help expand First Tee programs in the Muskegon area. Responsibilities include coaching 6-class sessions, mentoring youth on the golf course, and supporting additional program needs.

Key Responsibilities

Programming: Manage the Play 9 program weekly, oversee equipment inventory at program locations, assist with outreach and networking community events
Coaching: Lead a minimum of 2 6-week sessions and a minimum of 1 Play 9 group each week
Administrative: Manage participant data in Salesforce, Play 9 communication with parents, assist with promotional materials and some event planning.

Qualifications

Skills: Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking abilities. Basic golf knowledge and experience working with youth is preferred.
Personal Traits: Passion for working with young people, high integrity, patience, flexibility, and attention to detail.
Technical: Comfortable using databases such as Salesforce, G-Suite, Slack, TextMagic, and HubSpot or a willingness to learn.

Benefits

Mileage reimbursement for in-work travel
Flexible schedule and occasional remote work
Paid holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day)

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to the following emails: [email protected], [email protected] Contact
McKenna Inglis, Muskegon Area Program Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 616-208-1177 ext. 144
Website: www.firstteewestmichigan.org

Holland Program Coordinator

Position Posted: January 14, 2025

Apply Before: February 15, 2025

Job Category & Wage: Full-time

$38,000-$45,000

Location: Holland, MI

Relevant Work Experience: See Below

Preferred Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Sports Management, Prof. Golf Management

Organization Overview

The Lake Michigan Junior Golf Association was established in December of 2006 to provide junior golf tournaments in West Michigan to all youth. In 2011, The Lake Michigan Junior Golf Association shifted its focus to establishing a chapter of First Tee – West Michigan. On June 23, 2011, First Tee – West Michigan officially became a chapter of First Tee.

First Tee – West Michigan is one of 150 chapters worldwide that are part of a global non-profit youth initiative. First Tee was created in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation to use golf and character education to provide young people of all ethnic and economic backgrounds an opportunity to develop life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. By engaging youth in a combination of life skills, leadership and golf activities, they are exposed to positive traits that will help them become valuable assets to their community and eventually achieve success in life. First Tee’s Life Skills & Golf Experience curriculum is the unique component that sets it apart from many other successful junior golf programs.

At First Tee – West Michigan, we are highly focused on reaching out to at-risk and disadvantaged youth. We want our participants to see the beauty of the golf course, learn the skills they need to succeed in life, and build relationships with those who care for their well-being. In 2024, we worked with 2,400 participants in West Michigan, 366 of which were from Ottawa and Allegan County.

Position Description

The Holland Program Coordinator will report directly to the Holland Area Director. Inspired by a genuine passion for empowering and helping youth succeed in life, the Program Coordinator will work diligently to promote and expand First Tee programs in Holland, Zeeland, and Saugatuck. The Program Coordinator will help with program design, implementation, and support the overall strategic and operational plan for First Tee – West Michigan in Holland. This position will coach sessions with students 3-4 days per week, including Saturdays.

The ideal candidate has outstanding administrative, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, strong affinity for golf and the golf community, and an interest in working with participants ages 7-17 (and their parents) and also resides in Ottawa Country.

Responsibilities

Programming:

Help develop and implement First Tee curriculum as outlined by the Program Director and Holland Area Director
Coordinate registration, schedules, transportation and lesson plans for clinics and programs with other youth serving organizations and schools
Identify, meet, and partner with area organizations and schools who work with First Tee’s target demographic (lower-income populations)
Lead (Coach) First Tee’s six-class sessions and various other parts of programming with kids and teens 3-4 days/week
Support and/or lead a First Tee Booth at Community Engagement events like Festivals, Celebrations, Holiday Gatherings, and other events promoting First Tee in the greater Holland community
Provide a safe environment for all students and coaches
Make the game and experience fun for participants
Maintain the quality of the equipment and all instructional areas
Empathy, patience and excitement to serve and work with students from challenging backgrounds
A knowledge of the game of golf, and an ability and desire to work directly with students
Attend all First Tee events including outings and golf marathons

Administrative:

Help track participants’ information and progress through First Tee online participant databases (Salesforce & Parent Portal)
Manage student registration for Holland programs
Communicate with parents through website, email, text, and phone calls
Help with the scheduling of coaches and volunteers for all programs
Other data entry that the Area Director needs help with
Assist in the creation of promotional materials to increase the awareness of the programs

Coaches/Volunteers:

Help recruit part-time Lead Coaches and volunteers
Identify and attend events and golf leagues to promote First Tee and actively seek out volunteers/coaches
Evaluate Lead Coaches on a yearly basis

Qualifications

The following characteristics are necessary for success in this position:

Communication Skills

Strong use of the written English language, including grammar, spelling and punctuation
Active listener
High emotional IQ
Ability to multitask

Technical Skills

Computer savvy
Comfortable learning online database systems
- WhenIWork, PandaDoc, Hubspot, G-Suite, Asana, SalesForce, Slack, are used with frequency
Golf swing knowledge a plus
Youth/coaching experience

Personal Characteristics

A love for youth (age 7 to 17)
High Integrity
A servant heart
High attention to detail
Strong memory
Ability to focus in a high-energy environment or as an individual
Flexible
Organized
Personally accountable
Outcome driven
Efficiency seeker
Challenger
Patient

Job Benefits

3% Simple IRA match
Health Insurance group rates + HSA Match & Lump Sum available
Paid Time Off
Holidays Off (New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)

Interested?

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to the following email: [email protected]

Contact: David Hondorp, Talent Specialist

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 616-208-1177

Website Address: www.thefirstteewestmichigan.org

Operations & Administrative Generalist

Position Posted: January 14, 2025

Apply Before: February 25, 2025

Salary/Wage: Full-time Hourly, ($18-$21.50/hour)

Location: Grand Rapids, MI, In-Person Role, 4-5 days/week (no remote applicants considered), including summer

Job Category: Full-time employee

Relevant Work Experience: See Below

Career Level: 2+ years experience

Preferred Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, HR

Organization Overview

The Lake Michigan Junior Golf Association was established in 2006 but soon shifted its focus to creating a chapter of the First Tee. First Tee – West Michigan officially became a chapter on June 23, 2011.

First Tee – West Michigan is one of 150 First Tee chapters worldwide. First Tee was created in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation to use golf and character education to provide kids and teens of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life-enhancing values like honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. By engaging in a combination of life skills, leadership, and golf activities, First Tee’s programs will help kids and teens become valuable assets in their community and eventually, high-character, high-integrity men and women.

At First Tee – West Michigan, we are highly focused on reaching out to at-risk and disadvantaged youth. We want kids and teens to see the beauty of the golf course, learn the skills they need to succeed in life, and build relationships with those who care for their well-being. In 2024, we worked with more than 2,300 participants and managed payroll for eleven full-time staff, 70+ part-time Lead Coaches, and 50 junior coaches across a regional territory that includes Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and Holland.

Position Description

The purpose of this position is to assist the Operations Director in all the office and operational dimensions of our a non-profit. The ideal candidate will be someone who can work independently, has a high attention to detail, has some accounting experience/education, and be able to work with kids and high-level donors. This candidate must be outstanding in written and verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, have an optimistic ‘can do’ attitude, and be proactive and flexible. In addition to his/her administrative role, this candidate must be willing to coach in our life skills experience 1-2 classes a season (4-7 hours/week).

Job Summary

Essential Job Functions:

Update and maintain multiple databases, including G-Suite, Hubspot, Donorbox, RingCentral, TextMagic, Salesforce, Quickbooks, Shopify, and Wufoo (training and support provided).
Answer the phone in the office, manage incoming office guests and equipment donations
Make equipment orders for staff, volunteers, and participants through various online portals (TaylorMade, Callaway, etc.)
Print, sign, and seal thank you notes and tax receipts for donors
Schedule meetings with appropriate staff and committee members for various initiatives and needs
Manage Play 9 Program, connecting volunteers and participants via text for 9-hole playing opportunities
Manage required background checks and SAFESPORT training for all active staff and volunteers (200+ active accounts)
Accounting functions including invoicing, and credit card allocations, and receipt collection (with training and support)
Manage annual raffle sales and distribution of tickets
Data Clean-up initiatives in various systems
Coach and facilitate youth development with students ages 7-17 and volunteers from all backgrounds and experience in the game of golf.
Maintain a clean and professional work environment at the office.

Qualifications

The following characteristics are necessary for success in this position:

Communication Skills

Strong use of the written English language, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Active listener
High emotional IQ
Ability to shift tasks and prioritize on the fly through various requests

Technical Skills

Comfortable learning online database systems
- G-Suite (Google), Quickbooks, DonorBox, Hubspot, Shopify, Stripe, Slack, are all used with frequency
Ability to understand and produce thank you notes and tax receipts for donors.
Golf swing knowledge
Youth/coaching experience

Personal Characteristics

High motor
A love for youth (age 7 to 17)
High integrity
A servant heart
High attention to detail
Ability to focus in a high-energy environment (open office)
Flexible
Organized
Personally accountable
Outcome driven
Efficiency seeker
Challenger
Patient

Job Benefits

Mileage reimbursement for in-work travel
3% Simple IRA match
Health Insurance group rates + HSA Match & Lump Sum available
Paid Time Off
Holidays Off (New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)

Interested?

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to the following email: [email protected]

Contact: David Hondorp, Talent Specialist

Telephone: 616-208-1177

Website Address: www.firstteewestmichigan.org

First Tee Spotlight: Elias Aouad

Elias Aouad | 26 years old | First Tee Alum | Bethany Christian Services

Winter at First Tee Yields Immediate and Future Fruit for Aouad

Elias was our very first participant in 2012 at Homework & Hitting, our winter tutoring and swing training program. Hear from Elias how Homework & Hitting made an impact on his game, his school, and now his career:

First Tee alumni Elias Aoaud on the impact of Homework & Hitting

Support First Tee through a Marathoner!

After one six-class session at First Tee in the fall of 2011 in Grand Rapids, Elias was hooked on golf. He wanted to play high school golf the following spring. So Executive Director Tyler Smies bought a hitting net and began working with Elias in the basement of the Elks Lodge at the Highlands. The following spring, Elias made the high school golf team, and thanks to golf training and academic assistance Elias received, Homework & Hitting was born.

Elias at Homework & Hitting in 2013 at The Highlands Golf Course

More than 10 years later, Homework & Hitting is going strong in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, and Kalamazoo. More than 200 participants will receive tutoring and swing-training help at 20 area locations in West Michigan this winter. But it all started with Elias.

Elias shared, “It’s hard to believe that it’s been 12 years since Homework & Hitting started. I remember when the idea of it was first brought up. To say I was excited was an understatement. The program allowed for year-round coaching and allowed me to learn about the game as well as keep up with my studies.

“Help with schoolwork was especially important for me – having dedicated study time where I could focus on my school work and get help if I was stuck. “

Keeping good grades meant I was able to continue playing for my high school team and with help from Homework & Hitting, it allowed me to do just that.”

Elias, with golf legend Jack Nicklaus in 2013

Now a Network Administrator for Bethany Christian Services, Elias was First Tee’s first graduate in 2015 and went on to get his bachelor’s at Davenport University. During his time at Davenport and years after, he’d come back to volunteer at Homework & Hitting.

“I knew that once I was no longer a student with First Tee, I wanted to give back in some way. Shortly after my graduation, I asked about volunteering at Homework & Hitting.

“Coming back to First Tee as a volunteer after graduating and being able to help those who were in my shoes was beyond gratifying.“

Helping students learn more about the game of golf, correcting swings, and teaching them that golf is a fun sport.

“First Tee opened doors for me professionally, too. I was able to secure my first job in my career through the connections I made with other volunteers after I graduated.”

Support a Marathon Golfer today!

“I have nothing but gratitude for First Tee as they helped shape me into the adult and golfer I am today.” – Elias Aouad, 2015 graduate

The Next Generation is here

Finally, Claudia is at the beginning of her journey and just wrapped up Homework & Hitting for the first time this winter. On her first day of class, Claudia immediately grabbed a putter and told Coach Brian she wanted to become the best putter in the class. At just seven years old, Claudia already outperformed the older boys in the class on the putting course. In addition to her Homework & Hitting sessions with Coach Brian, she’s also receiving discounted lessons from the PGA Professional, Kosta Ramirez through First Tee. First Tee will be with her as she learns and grows through the game of golf.

Your support helps the next generation of kids like Elias become better versions of themselves on and off the course. Give today and support deeper level impact like Homework & Hitting.

Support Claudia through a pledge to a Marathon Golfer!

First Tee Spotlight: Lindsay Reens

Lindsay Reens | 23 years old | First Tee Alum | Kindergarten Teacher, Holy Trinity Catholic School

A Heart for Education: How First Tee’s Junior Coach Program Ignited a Teen’s Teaching Career

Lindsay was one of our first four junior coaches. Hear from her how junior coaching made an impact on her life!

Lindsay reading to her kindergarten class this fall.

Support and help other First Tee students find their career!

Lindsay began at First Tee at the age of 13 in 2013. From the outset, she was dedicated to improving and had aspirations of playing college golf. With Lindsay so dedicated to her game and First Tee, she got a multitude of opportunities to learn and grow through the program.

Lindsay, age 14, with LPGA star Paula Creamer in 2014

Lindsay applied and was selected to participate in Life Skills and Leadership Academy and the First Tee Champions Challenge, traveling free of charge to Philadelphia, PA and Naples, FL when she was 16 and 17 years old. She also got to caddie for a round with LPGA winner Megan Khang at the Meijer LPGA Classic upon graduating high school and met Paula Creamer as she just started in First Tee.

Lindsay, age 18, preparing to caddie for LPGA winner Megan Khang

Lindsay, at age 16 alongside First Tee grad Robert Butler meeting Masters Champion Larry Mize on her all-expense paid trip to Naples, FL in the First Tee Champions Challenge.

Donate today! 90% of Expenses covered by your donations!

Even with all these experiences playing and learning through golf herself, Lindsay knew she wanted to try her hand at coaching. So, in 2017, Lindsay started as one of our first four junior coaches – a paid position for teenagers in the program, built to develop leadership and organization habits. During that time, she fell in love with teaching kids.

“The junior coach program helped me realize I wanted to be a teacher. Being on the course also allowed me to practice teaching and learn the qualities of being a great teacher and a mentor to the younger participants.”

What Lindsay helped start is now a fundamental development and leadership program of the chapter. This summer, more than 25 teenagers who grew up in First Tee were junior coaches, assisting or leading 1-5 classes per week, depending on their availability and interest. This year, more than $50,000 in payroll was paid out to current First Tee students or Alumni in the form of coaching or job training experience in fields like marketing, event planning, fundraising, and accounting. In addition, The Phil DeBoer Memorial Scholarship helped pay an additional $13,000 in college scholarships to nine First Tee – West Michigan grads this year alone. Lindsay was multiple-time winner of the scholarship, being awarded in 2020 and 2021.

Upon high school graduation, Lindsay headed to Aquinas College, playing golf there but knowing that through her experience as a junior coach at First Tee, she wanted to become an educator. Each summer in college, Lindsay would return to work at First Tee, now leading the class with other adult mentors and younger junior coaches assisting her. Each of the past three summers, Lindsay has led our LPGA*USGA Girls Golf classes at Kaufman GC, all while gaining experience and schooling in how to become a teacher. In addition, she helped Cascade Hills CC Junior Golf Program after personally receiving instruction from their top-ranked instructor, Brandon Roby, PGA.

This fall, after graduating from Aquinas, Lindsay began as a kindergarten teacher for the first time at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Comstock Park. Her classroom was set up with one of her best friends from First Tee by her side, and many First Tee donors and volunteers pitching in for supplies.

“The junior coach program has shaped me into the teacher I am today. I wouldn’t be the same without the experience I had coaching for First Tee.”

Now, you can help support our next generation of junior coaches. Graduates like Lindsay are Game Changers right here in West Michigan – your gift helps First Tee cultivate our next generation of leaders!

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First Tee Spotlight: Andrew DeYoung

Andrew DeYoung | 25 years old | First Tee Alum – Ferris State University | PGA Professional at Deal CC in New Jersey & Division 1 Head Golf Coach at Monmouth University

From Supported to Serving Others – a 10-year cycle of transformation for DeYoung

Andrew participated in our chapter’s first and second national opportunities, applying to a nationwide panel of First Tee interviewees and being selected for trips to Naples, FL (First Tee Champions Challenge) and Washington D.C. (Perfect Sense Unified Challenge) to complete and learn together with students from other First Tee chapters around the country. Hear how his trip to Washington D.C. made an impact on his life!

Support First Tee for students like Andrew

Andrew joined First Tee at age 13 in 2011, attending the organization’s inaugural open-to-the-public class. Displaying a natural talent for golf, Andrew, who learned the game from his late father, became a valued member of the First Tee family. His mother, Kathi, enrolled him at The Highlands Golf Course, marking the beginning of Andrew’s journey.

Andrew, age 13, in his early days at First Tee

While at Kenowa High School, Andrew played golf for four years and consistently advanced through First Tee’s program levels. Despite occasional challenges in staying focused and making decisions affecting his academics and golf, Andrew’s potential shone through. His game also benefited from receiving free lessons from former Cascade Hills CC Director of Instruction and state-ranked instructor Brandon Roby, PGA.

Encouraged by First Tee Executive Director Tyler Smies, Andrew applied for a national opportunity to visit Washington D.C. Selected for the experience, he spent a week at Congressional Country Club, playing with PGA Tour Professional Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey and meeting Jordan Spieth. This transformative trip ignited a newfound focus for Andrew to mentor younger students.

Andrew with PGA Tour star Jordan Spieth in 2014 at the First Tee National Opportunity in Washington D.C.

“He came back different. It’s like a light bulb switched for him,” Executive Director Tyler Smies said. “After that trip to D.C., he was extremely focused on helping younger students and giving back. And he never looked back.”

Support First Tee and students like Andrew!

Post-trip and upon high school graduation, Andrew pursued a degree in Professional Golf Management at Ferris State University.

Andrew passing his Playing Ability Test as a Freshman at Ferris State University, to become a PGA Professional

Graduating in 2021, he returned to Deal Golf and Country Club in New Jersey as an Assistant Golf Professional, after interning there while at Ferris. Now Andrew runs the club’s junior golf program, and his dedication there led to his hiring as Head Coach of Monmouth University’s Division 1 Golf program at the age of 25 in the fall of 2024.

Andrew DeYoung, far right, Head Coach of D1 Monmouth University Golf Team this fall

“To see Andrew grow so much through First Tee – West Michigan, and then to have such an immense and immediate impact on kids and young men in his career – it’s tremendous. His journey went full circle – from being the teenager who needed someone in his life, to becoming that someone for other kids and young men,” Smies said.

Since Andrew’s trip, more than twenty First Tee students have embarked on national opportunities, broadening their horizons through golf, leadership, and travel experiences.

To ensure future students benefit from life-changing opportunities like Andrew’s, your support is crucial. Please consider supporting First Tee – West Michigan – 90% of our expenses are covered by donors like you!

Support First Tee by giving today!