Introducing Olivia Ivey: A Full-Circle Journey Back to First Tee – Sandhills!
We’re beyond excited to welcome Olivia Ivey to the First Tee – Sandhills team! A familiar face in our community, Olivia brings a unique mix of personal connection, professional skills, and passion for youth development. Let’s dive into her story, her goals for this role, and the energy she’s bringing to the program!
From Moore County Roots to Disney Magic and Beyond
Born and raised right here in Moore County, Olivia’s journey comes full circle with her new role at First Tee – Sandhills. Her connection to our program runs deep—her dad was a coach for the chapter, and Olivia participated in First Tee programs throughout her elementary and middle school years. She credits those experiences with shaping her character and igniting her love for sports and mentorship.
After graduating from Belmont Abbey College in just three years, where she played on the soccer team and earned a degree in Marketing, Olivia ventured to Walt Disney World for a six-month internship. There, she gained invaluable experience in communication, creativity, and guest engagement. Now, she’s bringing that same energy and expertise to First Tee – Sandhills, eager to give back to the organization that played such a big role in her life.
Excitement for the Role: Inspiring the Next Generation
Olivia’s enthusiasm for her role at First Tee is contagious! She’s thrilled to combine her marketing background with her passion for working with kids. Her mission is to inspire young people in the Sandhills area, just as she was inspired as a child. By building on the values she learned through First Tee, Olivia is determined to help children grow in confidence, character, and life skills, both on and off the golf course.
Active Living and a Passion for Sports
When Olivia isn’t working, you’ll likely find her staying active. Growing up playing sports has given her a love for soccer, golf, hiking, paddleboarding, and running. This active lifestyle keeps her grounded and helps her connect with the kids in our programs, inspiring them to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and outdoor fun.
Advice for Working with Kids: Embrace Your Inner Child
Olivia’s advice for anyone working with kids is simple yet powerful: “Channel your inner child and have silly moments. When you show you can have fun too, even as a coach, the kiddos always tend to love that and feel more comfortable.” Her playful energy and approachable nature are sure to make every child feel seen, valued, and supported.
Goals at First Tee: Expanding Impact and Building Connections
In her new role, Olivia is excited to bring fresh ideas to First Tee’s marketing efforts while fostering meaningful connections within the community. Her goals include enhancing program visibility, engaging more families and participants, and highlighting the incredible stories of growth that happen every day at First Tee – Sandhills.
Join us in welcoming Olivia to the First Tee family! We can’t wait to see the positive impact she’ll make, and we know the kids (and the entire community) are going to love her energy and dedication. Let’s make this season unforgettable!