First Tee launches new PSA honoring youth coaches as ’Game Changers’ in kids’ lives

Debuting during First Tee Week, the national “Dear Coach” PSA underscores the lifelong impact of youth sports coaches and calls on communities to celebrate their role in shaping the next generation.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (May 21, 2025) – As part of its inaugural First Tee Week celebration, leading youth development organization First Tee has announced a powerful new public service campaign titled “Dear Coach.” The campaign honors the thousands of First Tee coaches across the country who use the game of golf to help kids and teens build character, confidence and resilience. 

Airing nationwide on digital and social platforms, the PSA features heartfelt messages from kids that showcase the deep and lasting impact of coaches, who are often described by parents as the “unsung heroes” of youth development. Additionally, First Tee participants and alumni will be sharing their personal stories through social media and First Tee’s website.  

“A great coach does not just teach the game of golf but also the incredible life lessons and values that are inherent to the sport, including believing in yourself, acting with integrity, building resilience and playing with sportsmanship,” said Jane Fader, senior vice president of marketing and communications at First Tee. “This PSA reflects the gratitude we hear every day from kids, parents and alumni about the coaches who helped them believe in themselves.” 

Shot with real participants and coaches from First Tee – Metropolitan New York, the PSA is a centerpiece of First Tee Week, a national awareness campaign running May 19–25, designed to celebrate First Tee coaches and inspire communities to get involved in youth character development through sports. 

In addition to the PSA, First Tee Week includes: 

  • Community activations and coach appreciation events at First Tee chapters across the country 
  • An alumni event at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, featuring a panel discussion on the impact of coaches 
  • Corporate partner engagement, spreading awareness across leading sports and media platforms 

First Tee coaches undergo a robust training program grounded in positive youth development research and now serve kids at 150 chapters across the globe. 

Perspectives: JUST a coach 

During First Tee Week, we celebrate the coaches who make First Tee a safe and special place for kids to learn golf and life skills.  

As vice president of programs, Ryan Graff meets First Tee coaches from across the globe. He knows they’re the beating heart of First Tee but finds they don’t always take credit for their incredible impact.  

According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, parents believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and show resilience in the face of challenges (88%). 

Ryan shared his perspective on the power of coaches after attending a coach training in Denver: 

As I travel and meet with the amazing people who volunteer and work at First Tee chapters, our conversation leads to me asking, “So what do you do at your chapter?” A common response is, “Oh I am just a coach.”  While I rarely correct people on the role they serve – because what do I know? – in these cases, I have to respond with, “You are not JUST a coach … you are a COACH.” 

So many thoughts fire off in my brain: Do you know the power you have in the lives of participants?  Do you understand the impact of your engagement and interactions with these kids and teens?  Do you realize they are watching and listening to how you carry yourself? 

When observing a First Tee class, it may look like play, fun and learning a lifelong sport. But there is serious work going on underneath the game.  

  • There are decisions being made on which club to select or shot to play (using good judgment) 
  • Participants are selecting targets (pursuing goals) 
  • They’re learning to navigate obstacles on the course (growing through challenge) 
  • They’re having moments of success and connecting their actions to outcomes (building positive self-identity) 
  • They’re learning how to cooperate and show respect to others in their class (collaborating with others) 

At best, a golfer left to their own devices has a 50/50 chance for these skills to transfer and apply to their life off the course. But with a trained coach guiding them through the process, this will increase those odds to 80% or higher. While I am not a gambling man, I like those odds.  

The word “coach” is derived from an old English term for a horse-drawn carriage. Coaches took important people where they wanted to go. It’s no different today; kids and teens are important people and coaches assist them to get where they want to go in life.   

I get it: As coaches, we often do not see the fruits of our labor. Sometimes, we never know the impact we had. But you are not JUST a coach; you are playing a critical role in the development of a human being – the development of their character, their moral compass, and assisting to shape their values.   

Coaches are role models, and the actions they display imprint and affect how kids and teens show up in this world, carry themselves, and interact with others.   

So, let’s drop the JUST. Being a coach is the highest honor and position one can have in the life of a kid or teen. Coaches leave lasting lessons and shape the character of participants lives, long into the future. If you are a coach, be proud and know you are making an impact on your participants.  Future generations depend on you!   

Interested in getting involved? 

You don’t have to be a great golfer to become an impactful First Tee coach. We train all of our coaches to deliver our proven curriculum.  

Find a chapter near you. 

From first swing to future impact: Maria Ramos’ journey with First Tee – Greater Philadelphia

Maria Ramos tried her hand at several sports before fate intervened. Her grandfather was a talented golfer and caddie. Though they never met, his legacy helped shape the path she walks today. With his memory in mind, Maria’s mom encouraged her to try golf.

Watching tournaments on TV, Maria noticed there weren’t many players who looked like her. Still, the presence of trailblazing players like Lorena Ochoa and Maria Fassi helped her envision a place for herself in the sport. “One day, we went to First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, and there was this overwhelming sense of kindness and care for students,” Maria said.

She quickly discovered that First Tee offered more than golf instruction. One lesson that left a lasting impression is the importance of using good judgment, Maria said. On the course, this means evaluating your shot from every angle, making a decision and executing with confidence, Maria explained. Off the course, it’s the mindset Maria brings to solving computer algorithms — thinking critically and acting with clarity.

College, community and continued growth

Maria now studies artificial intelligence at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s a member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program, which provides financial support, professional development opportunities and mentorship to standout First Tee alumni.

The program has helped Maria sharpen her networking skills, and she’s built strong bonds with her fellow Scholars, she said. “Now, as an adult I represent the future of First Tee,” she said. “I have no doubt we will all be friends for the rest of our lives and maintain involvement.”

Maria’s commitment to making a difference was recently rewarded by First Tee Trustee, Accenture. Maria teamed up with classmates to win Accenture’s 2025 Innovation Challenge an opportunity she learned about through Accenture’s partnership with First Tee.  During the competition, Maria and her teammates consulted for the Special Olympics, integrating technology and social impact.

“Partnering with the Special Olympics for this year’s Accenture Innovation Challenge was a delight,” said Christy Sovereign, senior managing director at Accenture and president and CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “Being able to witness how the next generation of leaders applied technology and teamwork to make a real difference in the lives of athletes and their communities was truly inspiring. Congrats to Maria and team for launching their Impact Passport program that empowers individuals with IDD to build social connections, track progress and engage with Special Olympics communities.”

Maria also explored her passion for making a difference through technology while studying abroad in Costa Rica. “I saw that some rural farmers had engineered amazing technologies that would likely never make it to market,” she said. “With my engineering background, eventually I hope to work in impact investing, focusing on technologies made by or for marginalized communities.”

Maria has big plans for this summer as a USGA Pathways Intern, which means she’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 U.S. Open.

The First Tee Alumni Network is your resource for job listings, networking and access to First Tee alumni meetups. Learn more.

Meredith Speer’s journey from First Tee to a golf career

The game of golf is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful vehicle for personal growth, leadership and community. For Meredith Speer, First Tee has been an integral part of her journey, not just to become a skilled golfer but to pursue a career in the industry. Her story highlights the transformative impact of First Tee programs, which have helped shape her path on and off the golf course.

Meredith joined First Tee – Greater El Paso at 6, and when her family later moved to Cedar Park, Texas, she became involved with First Tee – Greater Austin. Female leaders at both chapters became mentors for Meredith, who soon realized she wanted golf to be a big part of her life.

“Kristi Albers started my love for the game by taking me under her wing and giving me lessons after every Saturday class,” Meredith said. “And Jennifer MacCurrach has been a mentor in so many aspects of my life – in and outside of golf.”

Meredith is currently enrolled in the PGA Golf Management Program at Sam Houston State University, where she was recently elected president of the PGM Student Association. This summer she’ll intern at Southern Hills Country Club, which has hosted three U.S. Opens and five PGA Championships.

“At this internship, I will be working in the golf performance center learning all about giving lessons and club fittings,” she said. “Along with that, I will get more experience working outside services and inside the golf shop getting more experience with merchandising.”

The First Tee College Scholarship Program is shaping future leaders

Meredith is a member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. As a Scholar, she receives access to professional development opportunities, a dedicated mentor and financial support.

“The First Tee Scholarship Program has supported me in so many ways academically and socially,” she explained. “It’s given me the confidence I need to pursue a career in golf, and I’ve had the opportunity to hear from women who are already in the industry. Their stories have inspired me and assured me that success is possible.”

The First Tee College Scholarship Program is supported by generous partners like Chevron, which hosted a group of First Tee alumni at The Chevron Championship in Woodlands, Texas, last week. Meredith attended the event and networked with a variety of golf industry professionals.

“The alumni meetup at The Chevron Championship was one of the most amazing experiences,” Meredith said. “Getting to meet up with my fellow First Tee friends and watch the amazing LPGA golfers only solidified my choice of working in this industry.”

The First Tee Alumni Network helps connect past participants, providing networking opportunities, social events and job listings. Join now.

First Tee alumna Lauryn Nguyen tees it up at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur 

Lauryn Nguyen received her first set of clubs at age 5 and her lifelong love of golf began shortly after. Her mother, a golfer herself, enrolled Lauryn in classes with First Tee – Greater Seattle while she was in kindergarten and Lauryn quickly picked up the game as well as found a golfing community. 

“It was a great introduction to the sport and a great way to be surrounded by other people who were interested in golf,” Lauryn said about her early years in First Tee.  

As her love for golf grew, so did her passion for giving back to her community. As Lauryn began to make the transition to playing competitive golf, she continued to stay involved with First Tee as a junior coach to share the knowledge she had learned and mentor other participants growing up through the program.  

Through her time involved with First Tee, Lauryn not only learned golf, but also found a community of like-minded individuals. While junior coaching, Lauryn met and began mentoring a group of young women who shared her last name. Although the girls are not related, they share similar life experiences as first-generation Americans who found their community through the game of golf. They all became fast friends and together they founded the Nguyen Junior Am, a golf tournament that gives back to First Tee – Greater Seattle and the Washington Junior Golf Association.  

“They’ve done so much for us and our upbringing. We wanted to give back to the organizations that gave so much to us,” Lauryn said.  

Lauryn continues to excel both on and off the golf course.  She is currently a senior at Northwestern University where she is studying marketing and communications and playing on their Division I golf team.  

This year, for the second year in a row, Lauryn has been invited to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, a tournament that highlights the top talents in amateur women’s golf and takes place at Augusta National Golf Club the week before the Masters Tournament.  

As she continues to prepare for the week ahead, her community at home is never far from her mind. Lauryn recognizes that each time she tees it up, she’s representing everyone who has played a part in getting her there, all the way back to her first class at First Tee at age 5.  

“I’m playing for myself, but I’m also playing for something so much bigger,” Nguyen reflected.  

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.

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

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.”

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.

Cleveland teacher introduces First Tee programming to 5 Title I schools 

Lisa Longino has over 30 years of experience in education with a focus on health, physical education and wellness. As the physical education specialist for the East Cleveland City School District, she is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive physical education and intramural programs for Pre-K through sixth grade students. 

At the beginning of this school year, Lisa inquired with First Tee about implementing the School Program into the five Title I schools where she teaches. She was first introduced to First Tee through her interest in incorporating diverse programs into her curriculum.  

“First Tee’s focus on integrating life skills into golf education is more than just an innovative approach,” said Lisa. “It’s a transformative opportunity for my students.” 

Through a grant, Lisa was provided with training, golf equipment and lessons plans that integrate life skills and values with the game of golf at no cost to herself or the district. She will now be able to introduce First Tee programming to students at all five schools.  

“I’m truly excited to bring this program into our schools because it goes beyond teaching a sport,” said Lisa. “By providing equipment designed specifically for youth, I can create a safe and engaging environment where students can develop fundamental skills, both in golf and in life.” 

As Lisa begins to integrate First Tee programming into her classes, she will have the support of First Tee – Cleveland as well as an online community for teachers and youth leaders that deliver First Tee programming across the country. She looks forward to seeing how these activities will help students overcome barriers, develop resilience and build social and emotional strength that extends into their academic lives and beyond.  

“For many of our students, this will be their first introduction to golf, and I’m confident that it will open doors to new opportunities, build confidence, and inspire a love for golf that can stay with them throughout their lives,” Lisa said.  

Since 2004, First Tee has been integrating its curriculum into PE classes in schools in the United States and Canada. We’ve trained educators at nearly 12,000 schools to teach our program and in 2024, we reached more than 2.4 million kids at these schools.  

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.  

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.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day: ‘It gave me the courage to try new things’ 

Youth sports participation can be a game changer for kids and families. Sports can help kids develop healthy habits and strong motor skills, but the benefits aren’t just physical.  

Parents agree that sports create opportunities for teamwork, improve children’s mental health and provide supportive adults to strengthen character development, according to research from First Tee and Harris Poll. 

But opportunities to participate in sports can be more limited for girls. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play high school sports compared to boys. 

Enhancing access to sports is one of the aims on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which celebrates the accomplishments of female athletes and highlights the benefits that come with playing sports, both on and off the field. 

Lauren Kyaw manages the coach program at First Tee. As a collegiate athlete now working in youth sports, she’s seen and experienced its benefits firsthand. In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, she shared her thoughts on how sports have changed her life. 

FT: What have you personally gained from playing sports? 

LK: Playing sports has given me the confidence to try new things and fail. I used to feel like I always had to be “perfect” in school and in life. Playing golf, perfection doesn’t exist. 

Playing golf also gave me the opportunity to stay active while doing what I love and connecting with people. I love meeting new people and being able to network, especially with the women in my community.  

Playing golf has developed my self-efficacy and grit, where I feel comfortable setting goals and going after them. It helps me stick to something, even when it gets hard and to fight for what I want to achieve.  

FT: Do girls face additional barriers when it comes to playing golf? 

LK: I have been playing golf for over 10 years and am still intimidated when I’m the only women on the range, practice area or in my group. It sometimes feels like I don’t belong, but I push past that and want to be a role model for other girls who play. 

After playing collegiate golf, I have seen so many of my friends and teammates give up the game entirely. It can be very difficult to make time for golf and the things you love, but I think it’s so important to continue to invest in your happiness.  

FT: The benefits of playing sports extend beyond physical health. What lessons from sports can girls carry into adulthood? 

LK: From my experience, sports help so much with mental health and provide a great way to invest in my overall happiness. I am so grateful when I’m out on the course and love to look at nature, focus on my breathing and disconnect. It gives me the time and space I need to refocus and serves as a restart for me.  

Golf has also helped me so much with my body confidence, which is especially important for girls, who can feel pressure to look a certain way. I feel strong when wearing golf attire, especially hot pink! 

And on top of that, playing sports has helped so much with my time management. I play a lot of golf, and it takes a lot of time. To be able to do this, I must maximize my time at work and home so I can do what I love. This is so important as a student-athlete, as playing sports can feel like a full-time job. Our college coaches always said, “Good Human- Good Student- Good Athlete,” and it is something I live by.  

FT: How do sports serve as a platform for girls to challenge stereotypes and break through societal expectations? 

LK: When I play golf, I have often faced pressure to play the “women’s tee” or get looks on the first tee. It takes a lot of courage for me to stand up for myself and ability. I hope new golfers feel the confidence to do the same. 

As girls play sports, they showcase their strength and talent. It is amazing to see what our bodies and minds can do and overcome what people think we should be able to do. I always go back to you “swing like a girl”, “hit like a girl”, or “throw like a girl”. From the athletes I know, I would love to play like a girl and win as much as they do. 

FT: What role do sports play in promoting gender equality, both on and off the field? 

LK: In golf specifically, there are important conversations happening during rounds surrounding business, relationship building and networking. When women feel confident and empowered to play, it brings them into these important conversations and positions them as leaders and decision makers.  

When more women play sports, it grows representation and shows girls that they can do it to. I think of women like Ilona Maher, Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles who showcase their strength and ability and are advocates for women in sports. They spark tough conversations, stand up for what is right and push societal expectations so that women are equally recognized in their accomplishments. 

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.