Blog – First Tee – Sandhills

Inside the ropes and behind the scenes: How First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is highlighting opportunities in golf

For most golf fans, the PGA Championship is something you watch from the gallery or on television. For four young people from First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, it’s where they’ll go to work.

Lewis Cantres, Jake Ruppert, Hank Charlton and Andi Jones will serve as standard bearers at this year’s PGA Championship, walking inside the ropes alongside the world’s best golfers. It’s the kind of experience that doesn’t just make for a great story. For participants who are beginning to think seriously about their futures, it’s a glimpse at what a career in golf can actually look like.

That glimpse is something First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is intentionally creating.

The week before the tournament, dozens of participants attended the PGA’s Career Exploration Day, an event designed for young people who are curious about the golf industry, whether that’s merchandise and marketing, technology, engineering or tournament operations.

Participants rotated through stations covering each of those areas, getting a firsthand look at what it takes to pull off one of professional golf’s major championships. They’ll also receive a ticket to attend a practice round the following week, so the learning doesn’t end when the event does.

Learning the craft

First Tee – Greater Philadelphia’s 2026 Caddie Academy graduated 67 new caddies this year, including seven girls, and several have already taken their skills onto real courses, including 14-year-old Sydney Schafer, who completed her first loop at Philly Cricket Club.

“The Caddie Academy was an incredible experience for me. The trainings taught me all the rules I needed to know, along with respect for the players and the course,” Sydney said. “The training helped me realize the responsibility I need to take on for a job, caddying and beyond. The Caddie Academy has really set me up for success and prepared me for my future.”

For these participants, caddying is more than a job. It’s professional experience in the golf industry, made possible through the training and connections of First Tee – Greater Philadelphia.

In 2025, the chapter launched a new initiative in partnership with other local organizations: a greenskeeper training program designed to prepare students for careers in golf course management.

The program reflects the chapter’s broader belief that the golf industry needs people who understand how to build and maintain the game from the ground up and that those people should reflect the diversity of the communities First Tee serves.

Making sure the door is actually open

To make First Tee’s golf and life skills programming more accessible, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia’s Access 2 Golf initiative provides transportation and meals to participants from partner organizations in specific zip codes from which getting to a golf course is a genuine challenge.

In 2025, Access 2 Golf reached 21 partner organizations and 545 students, 88% of whom came from diverse backgrounds.

From the standard bearer assignments at a major championship to the students caddying their first loops, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is building something more than a youth golf program. It’s building a pipeline, one that connects young people to real opportunities in an industry that has historically been hard to break into.

This spring, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia participants will walk through the gates of the PGA Championship not as fans, but as future professionals exploring what’s possible.

From the golf course to college: Addison Seban’s journey with First Tee – Golden Isles

Growing up in the Golden Isles, Addison Seban began playing golf because it meant time with her grandfather.

“He would bring me out to the golf course with him, and those are some of my favorite memories,” she said. “I didn’t really know much about the game at first, but just being out there with him made me fall in love with it. He was always really patient with me and encouraged me to keep trying, even when I got frustrated.”

Those experiences lit a spark in Addison that she carried to First Tee – Golden Isles, where she would go on to develop her golf game and grow as a leader.

Candles, clubs and commitment

Along the way, Addison found a creative solution to a familiar challenge: She wanted to play more golf, but new clubs weren’t in the budget. She started making and selling candles. What began as a practical workaround became a passion.

Her favorite scents? Pine during the Christmas season for that classic, cozy feeling, and eucalyptus.

All her hard work on the course, in the classroom and in service to others as a First Tee junior coach recently led to a major milestone. She earned an Evans Scholarship, a prestigious honor for young caddies.

“Finding out I earned the Evans Scholarship was honestly such an exciting and emotional moment,” Addison said. “I felt really proud of myself, but also just so grateful for everyone who supported me along the way. It made me reflect on all the time and effort I’ve put into golf, school and volunteering, and it felt amazing to see that pay off.”

The lasting impact of First Tee

As she heads to college, Addison said she’ll continue to use the values she learned at First Tee – things like integrity, confidence and perseverance. “Those are things that apply to so much more than just golf. First Tee has taught me how to stay positive, work through challenges and carry myself with respect both on and off the course.”

Those aren’t just words for Addison. They’re the foundation of everything she’s built and everything she’s building toward.

As for what comes next, Addison has her sights set on a career in professional golf, not as a player but behind the scenes. She hopes to work with the PGA TOUR and be involved in tournament operations someday. “I think it would be really exciting to be part of organizing or running events and being around the sport at that level,” she said. “Golf has been such a big part of my life, so I’d love to stay connected to it and build a career around it.”

With the Evans Scholarship opening new doors and a lifetime of lessons from First Tee behind her, there’s every reason to believe she will.

Participant Spotlight: Meet Welles!

Each Wednesday at Pinewild, Welles shows up with a positive attitude that is consistent and contagious, quietly setting the tone for everyone around him. Whether he’s practicing a drill or encouraging a teammate, Welles brings an energy that reflects a love for the game and a deep respect for the people he shares it with. His enthusiasm to include others and lift them up makes him stand out in a way that goes far beyond his golf skills.
What truly defines Welles, however, is his grit. Even after recently injuring his ankle, he has insisted on continuing to attend First Tee sessions, showing incredible determination and commitment. While he was not physically at his full strength, his effort and spirit never wavered. He approaches each session with the mindset of doing his best, regardless of the circumstances, which is a powerful example for his peers.
What Welles loves most about First Tee is the opportunity to learn new golf skills while being part of a positive and encouraging environment. He looks forward to being around coaches and friends who support each other. His advice to peers is to “always try your best, have a good attitude, and never give up”. Believing that golf is a game that teaches patience, confidence, and how to have fun while learning.
Coach Stephen described “one moment that captured Welles’ character came during a recent putting session. He intentionally called out to and included another participant who sometimes finds himself on the outside. While others might overlook these moments, Welles leans into them, making sure everyone feels seen and valued. His consistent encouragement—before, during, and after each session—creates a more supportive and welcoming environment for everyone. Welles reminds us that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice, but about making others feel they belong.”

Here’s why mentorship matters for kids

First Tee coaches feel proud when a new player launches a drive or sinks a putt for the first time. But the true magic of our program happens off the course when a participant overcomes a tough obstacle at school or when an alumnus achieves a big goal.

Those moments highlight how much mentorship matters.

A landmark 30-year study by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America found that young adults with mentors earned 20% more than their peers. The same research determined that mentorship is one of the most cost-effective youth development interventions available.

Drawing on results from over 70 program evaluations, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership has found that mentoring supports improved grades, test scores and educational attainment, while also improving classroom behavior and school attendance.

But accessible mentors aren’t always easy to find

For all of mentorship’s documented benefits, access to mentors isn’t equal — and the gap is widening.

A 2024 report by MENTOR found that today’s 18–21-year-olds are 9% less likely to have had a mentor growing up compared to the Millennial generation. More than one in three young adults say they grew up without the support of any mentor at all.

The research is clear that mentoring relationships promote a strong sense of belonging, an asset that’s essential for healthy youth development. For the young people who most need a caring adult in their corner, that connection is often unavailable. It’s a gap that programs like First Tee are uniquely equipped to fill.

More than a game

According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 88% of parents with coached children say their child has become more likely to speak up for themselves in other areas of life since participating in coached sports. An even larger majority — 94% — believe sports help children grow their confidence and social skills.  

First Tee coaches teach participants how to introduce themselves to playing partners, and participants learn the A-L-R method for engaging in conversation:

A: Ask questions to learn about someone.
L: Listen to their response. Make sure you’re listening to understand rather than thinking of what to say next.
R: Reflect and respond thoughtfully with a follow up question or by sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic.

The impact of coaching lasts well into adulthood. Among parents who had coaches in their own youth, 67% say they wouldn’t be where they are today without those adults. They credit their coaches with teaching them to collaborate, lead and overcome challenges.

Most First Tee coaches are not golf professionals and that’s OK – not every First Tee participant aspires to play competitive golf, but we ask our coaches to lead by example as great listeners, cheerleaders and positive role models for the next generation.

Support First Tee’s efforts to provide quality mentors for our future leaders. Become a Donor Ambassador today.

How to help shy kids make friends through sports

Being shy can come with lots of overlooked benefits. Shy people tend to observe carefully before jumping in, which means they can notice details others miss. They’re often good listeners, empathetic and self-aware.

Still for parents of shy kids, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle to connect with their peers. You want them to experience the joy of friendship, but pushing too hard can backfire. Sports offer a unique environment where shy kids can build friendships at their own pace. In fact, our research with The Harris Poll shows that 94% of parents believe playing sports helps children build confidence and social skills.

Compared to many team sports, golf provides a more measured environment. There’s time between shots for conversation, opportunities to observe others before acting and a shared focus that takes the pressure off constant eye contact or quick responses. At First Tee, we’ve seen countless shy children blossom as they discover that the golf course is a safe space to practice being themselves.

But making friends doesn’t happen automatically. Even in the most welcoming environment, shy kids might benefit from a little coaching on how to connect.

Facilitating connections with A-L-R

At First Tee, we teach a simple framework that can transform how shy kids approach new friendships: Ask, Listen, Respond.

Ask questions: Encourage your child to become curious about others. Asking questions isn’t about filling awkward silence but about discovering who someone really is. Help your child understand that questions about a person’s background, experiences or interests can reveal commonalities they never expected.

Listen to understand: Many shy kids are already good listeners by nature, but in social situations, they may be preoccupied by worrying about how to respond. Introduce the concept of active listening: focusing genuinely on what the other person is saying because you’re interested, not because you’re preparing your reply.

You can practice this at home during dinner conversations or car rides. When your child shares something, model active listening by giving them your full attention, asking follow-up questions and reflecting back what you heard. Then gently encourage them to do the same when others are speaking.

Reflect and respond: The final piece is showing others that you were truly listening. Teach your child that responding doesn’t mean having the perfect comeback or the funniest joke. It means acknowledging what was shared and building on it.

A simple, “That sounds really cool. What was your favorite part?” or “I’ve felt that way too,” can be enough to keep a conversation flowing and signal genuine interest.

The beauty of First Tee is that it provides natural, repeated opportunities to practice these skills. As a parent, you can support this process by encouraging participation in group activities, celebrating small wins and being patient; some friendships develop quickly, while others take a full season to form.

Learning to ask thoughtful questions, listen actively and respond with authenticity can help prepare your child for success in school, future careers and all of life’s relationships. At First Tee, we’re committed to creating an environment where every child can discover their potential both on and off the course, because golf isn’t just about the game; it’s about the friendships formed, the confidence built and the life skills that last forever.

Board Member Spotlight: Janeen Driscoll

Janeen Driscoll during the first round of the 2023 U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst Resort & C.C. (Course No. 6) in Village of Pinehurst, N.C. on Monday, July 10, 2023. (Robert Beck/USGA)

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Janeen Driscoll’s heart bleeds black and gold. The blue-collar, friendly town significantly shaped her work ethic, what she values most, and the premium she places on people and relationships. While her school bus passed a small par-3 course every day growing up, golf held an unapproachable mystique to her. Now, she is passionate about having affordable, accessible golf in small communities. Janeen said that golf “teaches life skills, values, and integrity, and you meet extraordinary humans through it”.

Janeen has had multiple points in her career bring her to the Pinehurst area. From working at Pinehurst Resort and opening Golf House Pinehurst for the USGA, the community has become her family’s forever home. The 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, her first working for the USGA, was Janeen’s first interaction with First Tee. The USGA was a founding partner of First Tee, and she wanted to learn more about their impact at a local level. Learning more about First Tee and how the youth in the community benefit led her to pursue a more active role. Passionate about the First Tee mission of building character among our communities youth, Janeen describes becoming a board member “a pretty easy choice”.

Janeen’s favorite memory with First Tee – Sandhills “was a summer STEM camp at Pinehurst in 2024, when we used the U.S. Open course to teach kids about how the course was maintained. I’m a huge fan of sustainable courses, and know the kids had a lot of fun using moisture meters, designing golf holes and planting native plants. They all appreciated where they play after that day, and the people that provide those terrific playing surfaces. Memory of a lifetime.”

Volunteer Coach Spotlight: Aubrey Proud

Born in Wallingford, PA, near Philadelphia, Aubrey Proud was introduced to golf when his grandfather gave him his first set of golf clubs when he was 8 years old. He was involved in many sports growing up, including golf, soccer, and baseball, but after several knee injuries in high school, he focused solely on golf. During his time at Davidson College, he was a four-year team member and co-captain on the golf team. After graduation, he continued playing recreationally and from 1997-2002 had the good fortune to work as Tournament Manager and then Tournament Director for the World Junior Golf Cup. This junior golf tournament series included leading a U.S. team of 15 juniors against a Canadian team of top juniors in a Ryder Cup style competition in St. Andrews each summer. Learning many life lessons through golf, he now enjoys being a part of many golf memories with his family.

In July 2024, his family of 5 moved to West End because of the opportunities for their daughter to pursue her equestrian interests and sons to pursue their golf interests. After settling into the community here in the Sandhills, he heard a lot about First Tee – Sandhills through his childrens school and community outreach. Shortly after Aubrey attended a First Tee Volunteer class and started to volunteer at Seven Lakes Golf Club in April 2025. His favorite memory as a coach has been “during a putting game to collect the most toys/stuffed animals, it was great to see the teams of two kids working together as friends cheering each other on while showing their improved skills.”

Participant Spotlight: Meet Isabella!

Throughout her involvement with First Tee – Sandhills over the past few years, Isabella truly embraces the program and participates with confidence and enthusiasm. Each week, she arrives excited, engaged, and ready to learn, consistently showing good judgment and respectful behaviors.

Isabella participates collaboratively with her peers, encouraging others and helping create a positive learning environment. She responds thoughtfully during life skills discussions and works hard each week to improve her golf fundamentals while setting and working toward personal goals.

“With her positive attitude, leadership, and joyful spirit, Isabella is a joy to have in every class and a wonderful example of what it means to grow through the game of golf.“

-Coach Shelby

How golf prepares kids to overcome challenges

Every golf parent has watched it happen. Your child lines up a putt, swings with confidence and misses. Maybe their shoulders drop. Maybe there’s a frustrated sigh. And in that moment, you might wonder: Is this good for them?

At First Tee, we’d say yes.

Golf is one of the few sports that puts a young person face-to-face with failure on almost every hole, and that’s exactly what makes it such a powerful teacher. When kids learn to navigate a missed shot, a bad round or a score that didn’t reflect their effort, they’re building something far more important than their game. They’re building resilience.

The scorecard doesn’t lie, and golf’s honesty can be uncomfortable at first. But over time, it teaches kids to take ownership of their performance — a life skill that carries far beyond the course.

At First Tee, our coaches create a safe space where that accountability feels empowering, not defeating. Young people learn that a bad shot isn’t a reflection of who they are. It’s information. It’s an opportunity to adjust, refocus and try again.

What bouncing back looks like

Resilience isn’t about pretending failure doesn’t hurt. It’s about developing the tools to move through it. At First Tee, we view failure as a “First Attempt In Learning,” recognizing there’s always a lesson to be gleaned when things don’t go right.

In First Tee’s curriculum, participants work on skills like emotional regulation, positive self-talk and setting goals, which all come naturally on the course. When a young person learns to take a breath after a bad hole and approach the next tee box with a fresh mindset, they’re practicing exactly the kind of response that will serve them in a tough exam, a difficult friendship or a challenging moment at work someday.

That kind of reflection doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because coaches are asking the right questions, creating space for young people to process their experiences and grow from them.

“We’ve watched Blayze transition from reacting to challenges to strategically managing them,” said Landon and Holly Chapman, parents of First Tee – Indiana participant, Blayze Chapman. “By applying the STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate, Respond) model, he’s replaced frustration with perseverance and judgment. Whether he’s navigating a double-bogey or a heavy academic week, he no longer lets a single moment define his day. He’s learned to ‘reset’ with a level of composure that most adults struggle to maintain, proving that his character is anchored in something much deeper than a scorecard.”

The role parents play in the process

Here’s something we hear from families all the time: The lessons don’t stay on the course. While First Tee programming is typically delivered in golf settings, the goal is for parents to see their children handling frustration differently at home, in school and in other activities Our aim is for participants to grow in patience and become more articulate about their feelings.

Of course, parents play a big role in that. When your child comes home after a tough round, how you respond matters. Instead of jumping to fix the problem or minimize their frustration, try asking open-ended questions: What was the hardest part today? What would you do differently next time? What’s one thing you’re proud of, even if the score wasn’t what you hoped?

These conversations reinforce what your child is learning at First Tee and help them internalize the idea that struggle is a normal, even necessary, part of growth.

“Golf has given Blayze a quiet, internal confidence rooted in responsibility and integrity,” said the Chapmans. “Through First Tee, he’s developed the social dexterity to engage with mentors and the self-assurance to lead his peers.”

To support First Tee and its efforts to teach life skills and values through golf, consider becoming a Donor Ambassador today!

Izzy Kornmeyer shares the transformative power of golf

Izzy Kornmeyer didn’t know how to hold a golf club when she started at First Tee – Indiana in 8th grade. Now, as a high school senior and varsity golfer, she can’t stop thinking about the game that has completely changed her life.

“Golf has changed me for the better, and I am forever grateful for it,” she said.

Izzy’s golf journey started with Sunday mornings watching her dad and grandpa head out to play. When she decided to try high school golf, her mom signed her up for First Tee, hoping the program would give her daughter the foundation she needed.

That first tournament was humbling. After top-slicing her opening drive, Izzy shot 110. But instead of giving up, she leaned into the challenge. Several summer tournaments and countless practice sessions later, she returned to that same course and shot 83, proving what dedication and perseverance could accomplish.

Now Izzy is preparing to play collegiate golf at St. Thomas University in Miami, where she’ll be a first-generation college student.

Finding her voice

The transformation wasn’t just about golf scores. Izzy arrived at First Tee as a quiet, uncertain beginner who felt out of her element. Over four years, she evolved into a confident mentor and leader who now helps launch new First Tee – Indiana initiatives through the Leaders In Training Program.

Her leadership extends far beyond the golf course. Izzy serves on First Tee – Indiana’s Participant Advisory Council and was chosen as a Youth Deacon at Second Presbyterian Church.

Izzy’s approach to leadership is guided by her faith and the values she’s developed through First Tee. She lives by Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

“I now understand that true leadership isn’t about being in control,” Izzy said. “It’s about being present, expressing kindness and prioritizing other people before yourself.”

Whether she’s volunteering in the church nursery, creating encouraging TikTok content or being the first to help others at First Tee – Indiana, Izzy leads with kindness and compassion.

Making an impact

When she’s not competing, Izzy is often watching professional golf, practicing and or giving back to others. In 2024, she attended the First Tee Innovators Forum in Phoenix. During the event, participants plan service projects they execute in their communities. Izzy ultimately collected 700 full-sized hygiene products and $500 for the Julian Center, Indiana’s largest organization supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crises.

Her journey from a nervous beginner who couldn’t grip a club to a confident leader who helps others find their own path proves what First Tee has always known: With the right support, young people can achieve remarkable growth.

For Izzy, that growth has been about more than improving her golf game. It’s been about discovering her voice and leading with kindness – one shot, one challenge and one act of service at a time.

Coach Shayna: First Tee coaches are ‘building the future of the game and the character of the kids who will carry it forward’

Some people find golf. Golf found Coach Shayna before she could even see over the top of the flagstick. Growing up in Unionville, Missouri, Shayna was just 3 when her grandparents cut down a putter and packed her into their three-wheel Harley-Davidson golf cart, heading to their nine-hole course with sand greens.

“My grandparents were intentional about teaching me the game the right way,” she said. “They made sure I understood both the mechanics and the integrity behind golf.”

By 11, Coach Shayna was playing on real grass greens for the first time. By 13, she shot a 79 at the Timber Ridge Junior Golf Tournament in Memphis, Missouri — the best score of the day — with her Grandpa Gary, affectionately known as “Schoonie,” walking every hole beside her.

Blazing her own trail

Golf wasn’t always easy to access, especially for a girl growing up in rural America in that era. There were no First Tee programs nearby, no girls’ golf team at her school and no shortage of moments that tested her resolve. When she was excluded from a Father’s Day tournament because organizers believed there should be “no girls,” she didn’t walk away from the game. She found another way in.

Shayna earned a spot on her high school boys’ varsity golf team — and held her own in the top five all four years, competing weekly for the number one position. Golf was just one chapter in a standout athletic career that earned her 16 varsity letters across golf, softball, basketball and track. Her softball team was later inducted into the Missouri State Hall of Fame.

Finding her way back to golf

Coach Shayna stuck with softball through college, where she earned a degree in psychology before becoming a cosmetologist. Golf took a backseat as she moved to Florida and became a mom of five, but the love of the game never left.

“For years, I mostly daydreamed about it and occasionally hit balls in the yard,” she said. “But the desire to compete and be part of the golf community never left me.”

When Shayna began working with Dixon Golf, a tournament consulting company, the golf world started pulling her back in. The more she played, the more one organization kept coming to mind: First Tee.

“I knew firsthand how transformative starting young in golf could be,” she said.

About three years ago, she met First Tee – Gulf Coast executive director Marty Stanovich and signed on as a volunteer. In the fall of 2025, she achieved her goal of becoming head coach at Fort Walton Beach Golf Club.

The joy of coaching

Coach Shayna’s background is uniquely suited for the work. Her degree in developmental psychology, combined with raising five kids of her own, gives her a nuanced lens when working with young people.

“I know they are constantly growing,” she said. “They are resilient, perceptive and capable of more than they realize.”

With support from First Tee partner, Morgan Stanley, Coach Shayna recently reached another milestone – she attended First Tee’s Level 2 coach training in Tampa, where she learned more about the youth development organization’s Coach Philosophy.

“Being surrounded by others who care deeply about youth development and the game itself was energizing,” she said. “Learning together reinforced that coaching doesn’t have to be done alone.”

A message to future coaches

“My favorite part of coaching is all of it,” Coach Shayna said. “I love showing up, maximizing our time and creating an environment that is both fun and challenging. I see kids as intelligent, capable and full of possibility. My goal is to draw that potential out of them and empower them.”

For anyone on the fence about getting involved with First Tee, her advice is direct: Don’t wait.

It’s rewarding to impact not only children, but the broader community, she said. Almost every class, an older club member stops her or another First Tee coach to thank them for introducing the next generation to the sport they love.

“And that is what First Tee is really about — building the future of the game and the character of the kids who will carry it forward,” she said.

First Tee coaches shape character, build confidence and create supportive environments where every participant feels inspired to grow.

In collaboration with The Harris Poll, our research shows parents believe trained coaches are better equipped to teach new skills, demonstrate a dedication to safety and adapt to the needs of individual children.

Morgan Stanley donates $5,000 for each Eagle recorded at THE PLAYERS Championship to support First Tee’s coach training efforts. Over the last five years, First Tee has been able to send hundreds of coaches to valuable, in-person trainings, where they learn to teach golf and serve as crucial mentors for the next generation.

From the golf course to the spotlight: First Tee participant Cienna Collado brings her passion to TGL

First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant Cienna Collado aspires to a career in entertainment, and she’s found a unique way to boost her resume that incorporates her love of golf.

Through her First Tee chapter, Cienna earned the opportunity to serve as a ball runner for TGL, professional golf’s newest innovation. Her responsibilities include handing players their golf balls, announcing club selections and retrieving balls after they’re hit. But it’s the unexpected moments that make the experience truly special.

“My most memorable moment was when I was working one of the L.A. matches and Shonda Rhimes was sitting behind me the whole time,” Cienna said. “I was absolutely freaking out because I love her show ‘Scandal.’ After the match I actually got to meet her and she was the sweetest person. It will definitely be a memory I remember for a long time.”

A First Tee journey rooted in values

Cienna’s path to TGL began with her family’s decision to join First Tee. When her private golf instructor joined the organization, her family was drawn to First Tee’s values and mission. “It has come to be one of the best decisions we have ever made,” she said.

Through the program, Cienna has learned lessons that extend far beyond the golf course. “First Tee has taught me the importance of integrity,” she explains. “Especially on the golf course, no one is there to hold you accountable except for yourself. Through golf I’ve learned how much the game is a reflection of life. No one is standing by me all the time to hold me accountable, I have to do that myself.”

Breaking barriers in entertainment

While golf plays a significant role in Cienna’s life, her true passion lies in TV and film production. She’s heavily involved in her school’s production academy, competing at district, state and national levels. In her own time, she creates vlogs, produces and directs content, acts, anchors, reports and even hosts a podcast.

Looking ahead, Cienna has a clear vision for her future: pursuing a career in the entertainment industry while using her platform to inspire the next generation of female golfers.

“There is a severe shortage of female golf representation for young girls to look up to,” she said. “Even if I don’t play on the LPGA Tour, golf is a part of me and my story. I plan to be in a position where I would get to share that story and make an impact on the younger generation of female golfers.”

From the SoFi Center to the golf course and behind the lens, Cienna is well on her way to creating the representation she wishes to see in the world.