Category: Participant Spotlight

Madelyn, known by her coaches and friends as Madie, began participating with First Tee in the spring! Although Madie has only participated for three seasons, she has already grown tremendously in her character, alongside her golf game. Madie shows up to every class with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She encourages her teammates and is always willing to offer a helping hand. Beyond golf, Madie enjoys playing soccer, building Legos and anything related to Star Wars. She also helps take care of her boxer, Tommy!

“Madie is so happy and cheerful each week when she arrives at First Tee. So much so, the coach’s nicknamed her is “smiley”! She has a great way of making all the players in her group feel welcome and her positive attitude is contagious! Madie is the ultimate team player by always encouraging others to do better. She typically ends each session with givings hugs to all her teammates and coaches”, said Coach John T.

Aubrey has been with First Tee – Sandhills since she was 10 years old. Throughout her time with First Tee, Aubrey has made many friends, strengthened her skills and learned valuable lessons on and off the golf course. Her favorite aspect of the program is the fun, inviting environment she is able to learn in. Beyond golf, Aubrey also enjoys theater, art, photography, cheerleading and playing piano. She also has younger twin brothers that keep her busy. Aubrey encourages her friends in the program to ask questions because someone is always willing to help!

“Aubrey has been one of my participants at Gates Four for 6 seasons now. She is a great representation of First Tee, by always being enthusiastic during our games and showing great sportsmanship no matter the outcome. I have had the pleasure to watch her grow through challenges over the seasons building her confidence in herself and her golf game. I am excited to see how she continues to grow throughout this fall season,” said Coach Sarah Sontowski.

Paxton is 7 years old and joined First Tee – Sandhills for the first time this spring! His favorite game to play is capture the ducky where he can practice his chipping skills. He suggests everyone try out First Tee because it is fun and they will learn about the many aspects of golf. Beyond golf, Paxton plays basketball and baseball. He also enjoys swimming and taking walks around his neighborhood with his dog and younger sister.

“Paxton is a super happy and positive golfer. He has the right energy every time he shows up at class. He is always engaged in drills and listens to the coaches the first time around. He is a pleasure to have in every class,” said Coach Mandy Zeller.

Zoey is 11 years old and has been participating in First Tee – Sandhills since summer of 2019. She loves going to class to sharpen her golf skills and make new friends. As a fourth year participant, Zoey understands how important having perseverance is. She encourages her friends and peers to join First Tee so they, too, can grow through challenge. When Zoey is not at First Tee, she enjoys reading, writing, and telling stories. She also spends many of her afternoons playing with her dog, Walter.

“Zoey is a leader in class. She always listens and follows directions. I like her determination to succeed in all activities: putting, chipping and driving. She is very positive with her team mates. I feel no matter what she decides to do in life she will succeed,” said Coach Rita Pearce.

Alexandra is 7 years old and has been a First Tee – Sandhills participant since the spring of 2022. Her favorite part of the program is learning new information about golf and doing “full swings” at practice. When Alexandra is not at First Tee she enjoys playing basketball, soccer and hiking with her little brother, Teddy, her dog, Penny, and the rest of her family. She encourages her peers to try First Tee because it’s fun and they will learn about golf through fun games!

“Alexandra has been in my class for two seasons now. She is always prepared and ready to learn with a smile on her face. She gives 110% every class and encourages her teammates. She is a wonderful representation of First Tee. I can’t wait to see how she continues to grow throughout the season,” said Coach Riley.

Congratulations Alexandra! Keep up the great work!

Allison Robinson is headed to Philly!

At First Tee, we help kids discover what’s inside of them, guide them to strengthen it and mentor them to put it into action in everything they do. Using golf as our platform, we believe in creating spaces of belonging for every kid – no matter what walk of life.

This July, First Tee Headquarters is hosting a new national participant event, First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ninety Six participants nationwide were selected to attend this five-day learning and empowerment academy. They will participate in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. Participants will be facilitated in engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by nationally trained First Tee coaches. The Academy builds throughout the week into a final outreach project in collaboration with DE&I leadership in the local host community.

This Academy is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

Being one of ninety six to attend this all expenses paid opportunity is no simple feat.

Participants must first meet minimum requirements regarding their time spent in First Tee programs here in the Sandhills, age and grade in school. From there, the application process includes a school and community activities chart, golf resume, personal biography, three essays, and a letter of recommendation.

In the biography portion of Allison’s application, she was asked to explain how First Tee has helped equip her to take on new experiences and challenges. She explained, “throughout my time with First Tee, I have been able to power through my anxiety, become more outgoing, and gain a community of friends that I now call my family.”

Continuing, “when I first began, my favorite life skill to exercise was introducing myself to others and giving a firm handshake! To begin our class, coach would divide us into two lines facing one another, we would go down the line and practice greeting one another with a handshake, our name and one interesting fact about ourselves. This helped me to strengthen my people skills and my ability to talk not only to donors, coaches, fellow participants, but also anybody that I meet in my daily life.”

A First Tee kiddo, and now teen alum, Allison will attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in the fall where she plans to Major in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

But, for now, she’ll close out her eight year run by taking advantage of every experience, challenge and life lesson First Tee has to offer while continuing to prepare for her next opportunity.

A big congratulations to Allison Robinson from the entire First Tee – Sandhills community!