The Golf Channel Features Alum Sophia Pangallo and Her Six Siblings
Through golf, Sophia Pangallo not only found an activity she can enjoy with her 6 siblings, she also discovered a passion for working with individuals with disabilities. After encouragement from her coach at The First Tee, she decided to pursue a degree in special education. She earned a full college scholarship and is now a sophomore at Gonzaga University chasing her dreams. The Golf Channel caught up with Sophia to learn more about her journey.
Watch below:
Khanh Nguyen
Participant since 2012
Graduated from: Liberty High School
Next steps: Khanh is headed to Seattle University to study nursing.
“The most important core value to me is perseverance because it’s the core value that has helped me throughout my life. Perseverance has taught me to never give up, no matter the situation, and to always keep moving on with life. It’s helped me with my golf game because I would’ve never been the golfer I am without being persistent. Perseverance is something that will I carry with me my entire life.”
Haley Chinn
Participant since 2004
Graduated from: University of Washington
Next steps: Haley is working for a private equity firm in San Francisco.
Makenzie Milton
Participant since 2008
Graduated from: Kennedy High School
Next steps: Makenzie is headed to Bellevue College to study criminal justice and play on the golf team.
“My teenage years were some of my hardest times. I had to learn to make decisions and hoped they were the right ones. After two weeks in a traditional school, I transitioned to online school. It was a very different experience for me and it was a roller coaster ride of emotions, triumphs, lessons, and failures –mostly failures, academically and personally. But those were the years I felt defined my character the most, and helped me overcome my failures. They were also the years I spent my summers as an intern for The First Tee.
The First Tee taught me many things growing up. I always thought it was odd how you can relate the game of golf to life, but it does work out. When making your first shot, know your options, envision your goal, and build contingency plans. When taking that swing, keep your eye on the ball, focus on the task at hand and don’t get distracted. When putting on the green, calculate, line up, and be patient because this is the most important shot. If you miss, keep trying. This all applies to life as well–know your dreams, plan your goals, don’t stray from the path you intended, and if you miss, just keep trying.
I believe these lessons brought me through high school and beyond, mainly due to The First Tee Nine Core Values that the program instilled in me. I honor every single core value I learned but I particularly value integrity. Integrity is not what other people tell you that you are. Integrity is who you decide to be and how you treat yourself and others. Your integrity tells others what you do when no one is watching. It can be as small as picking up trash or stepping over it. It can be as big as helping someone without hesitation or remaining a bystander like everybody else.
The First Tee program and the people involved have helped me turn my failures into successes. I am always grateful for what I’ve learned and experienced and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
As for my plans, even out of school I’m still learning and that’s something that will never stop. I currently work in a hotel downtown and in a new restaurant in Pike Place. When the time is appropriate, I plan on owning my own establishment here in Seattle, first as a food truck and eventually in a building.”
For eighteen-year-old Nic Ross, science was not his favorite subject in school. In fact, it wasn’t even an area of interest. But the worlds of chemistry and biology were transformed for him after a day on the golf course.
Last summer, Nic participated in The First Tee’s Careers on Course Academy at Snoqualmie Ridge. Through the program, professionals from the golf industry led hands-on workshops on the elements of maintaining the golf course. The group explored everything from water management, soils and fertilizer technology, to managing green speeds. Over the course of the academy, Nic saw chemistry and biology go from homework assignments in school to the driving force behind what keeps his favorite golf courses in championship condition. That day, Nic knew he had found his career aspiration. “The experience showed me what a superintendent truly works on and how important that work is to maintaining the golf course,” said Nic.
Equipped with a vision, Nic set out to make his new dream a reality. He participated in a behind-the-scenes job shadowing experience at Snoqualmie Ridge during the PGA TOUR Champions’ Boeing Classic week and spent his senior year in high school planning his next steps.
His perseverance paid off. This fall, Nic will be heading to Walla Walla Community College. He has a direct transfer to Washington State University’s Turf Management Bachelor’s program in two years.
Nic has been a participant in The First Tee for the last nine years. His desire to make a difference in the game extends beyond his interests in turf management. Nic is an ACE student at The First Tee, the highest level in the program. When he is not taking classes, you’ll find Nic out on the course weekly, mentoring other students as an Assistant Coach. Nic also serves as a member of The First Tee’s Junior Advisory Board, where he graciously gives countless hours to helping resize clubs for our organization’s quarterly garage sales.
“The most important lesson of The First Tee for me has been perseverance,” says Nic. “If you stop trying, you won’t accomplish anything. If you keep trying, you can accomplish anything you want.”
How many holes can you play in a day?
Many of us can only dream of the answer to that question but 13-year-old McKenzie Enright knows the answer: 100.
McKenzie competed in the The First Tee’s 1st Annual Junior Golf-A-Thon. She was relatively new to the game of golf but with her dad/caddy by her side, McKenzie set out to have a great time while raising money for The First Tee. She wasn’t concerned with her score. She simply wanted an opportunity to push herself and get in a lot of practice.
The pair set out on the first hole at Jefferson Park Golf Course at 9 AM. Eighteen miles of walking later, with the moonlight at their backs, McKenzie and her dad finished up their 100th hole at 10 PM.
With the 
The First Tee Nine Core Values and the way they are taught through real life experiences are very powerful. We learned values in elementary, middle, and high school but the impact was nothing like The First Tee because The First Tee adds many more steps to that learning process. The First Tee teaches the nine core values but then also models them through coaches and staff. For a kid, that has a huge impact. As a student, we are asked to use them in action during our golf session after we learn them. Now we have heard it, seen it, and we have to do it. On top of that, we even get the chance to teach it by being an intern, coach, or volunteer. What that all meant to me was that it gave me a chance to really learn what these values were and what they meant. The First Tee made me think about how important these values were to me, what I stood for, and who I wanted to be. They have impacted me all through my high school experience and continue to impact me now as a student at the University of Washington in the Foster School of Business.
The First Tee gave me a chance to appreciate diversity in a new way: age diversity, ethnic diversity, economic diversity, cultural diversity, and more. I think about how age diversity helped me while at the UW when I went through recruitment and joined the professional business fraternity. Most of the people going through recruitment were upperclassmen but because I had coached students that were much older than me at The First Tee, I felt comfortable being younger. I even had the confidence to run for VP of my pledge class despite everyone else being upperclassmen and having a lot of internship experience. I did not get it but I had the perseverance to run for the chair of Professional Development and got it. In that, I have been applying what I learned through The First Tee: how to plan events and think through all the steps needed, how to work with people, and how to plan and lead. Through all of this, having had the experience working with such diversity at The First Tee has really helped me work with people within my business fraternity.
What I’ve learned as a person is much more valuable than what I have learned in my golf game, although that was great, too. I’ve learned a lot from the other participants in the program who come from diverse backgrounds. I was able to be in a community with them and that has given me insight and had an impact on me. Most importantly, I’ve learned so much through the great mentors, coaches and staff who work for The First Tee. Evan, Kimberly, Heidi, and Coach Eli have all been really valuable models and mentors for me. The way they communicate, encourage, and support The First Tee values in people like me has been incredible. I hope I can be that good one day. I know I’m a better person and a more successful leader because of the four of them and The First Tee. I know that in the future I will continue to give back to The First Tee whether that is through time, money, or mentoring others. The First Tee has taught me so much and I’m so grateful for everything I have learned and will continue to learn.” 
We know that mothers are super heroes. The hours are long and the job comes with its challenges. That’s why when moms like Becky Haldeman go above and beyond to support kids in their community, we are in awe.
Becky serves as a Volunteer Coach in The First Tee classes at Jackson Park. After watching the coaches in action during her daughter’s class, Becky knew she wanted to join the team. She has jumped into The First Tee with both feet. She coaches classes weekly and even attended The First Tee National Coaches Training in New Orleans to learn new techniques to empower kids through the game. We asked Becky about her experiences with The First Tee so far. Here is what she had to say:
How did you first hear about The First Tee?
I stopped by Jackson Park Golf Course to inquire about lessons for my daughter and learned about The First Tee from the staff at the shop.
What inspired you to get involved as a coach with the program?
My daughter and her friends had such a positive experience at their lessons and with their coaches. I was impressed with how quickly the coaches established a rapport with the kids. I also appreciated that The First Tee focused first on The First Tee Nine Core Values and secondly on the game. In that way, it was different than other youth sports programs I’d been involved with.
What stands out to you about The First Tee Life Skills Experience?
One of the main reasons that I have continued my involvement with The First Tee is the emphasis on life skills. Regardless of background, it is so important that youth be equipped with a strong foundation rooted in values like integrity, responsibility and judgment so that they can navigate whatever it is that life may throw at them.
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I love working with young kids, especially those who need extra encouragement to realize their potential and gain confidence. It is rewarding to watch kids develop, even over the course of a single season. I also love that much of the classes are held outdoors.
You recently attended The First Tee National Coaches Training. What were your biggest takeaways?
I had a great time at the coaches training in New Orleans and learned a lot from the trainers, curriculum and fellow coaches. I was fortunate to travel with two other coaches that I knew. We had a wonderful time building relationships with each other and exploring the city in the evenings. What I remember the most from the training sessions was how many of the coaches absolutely transformed when they brought students in for us to coach. Formerly stoic and reserved individuals suddenly became lively and engaging as they led the players through their lesson plans. It was a very encouraging experience!
What is one fun fact that people might not know about you?
I competed in the Head of the Charles Regatta as a varsity coxswain in college.
Are you interested in getting more involved in The First Tee like Becky? Visit 
Life often sends quiet reminders that time is a gift. Three years ago, Tom White’s reminder came in the form of a diagnosis. Doctors told him he had brain cancer and that it was terminal.
The first two years after his diagnosis were difficult. Treatments and doctors appointments left him physically exhausted. His tumor, which impacts the portion of his brain that controls speech and language, took its emotional toll as well. But after spending time grappling with the new realities of his life, Tom was more determined than ever to live in a way that helped others. That’s when he decided to get involved in The First Tee.
You can now find Tom at Jefferson Park three days a week, helping coach countless kids in The First Tee with their golf swings and serving as an inspiring role model of perseverance. On some days, Tom can be seen smiling as he coaches a class of high-energy 7 and 8 year olds on the importance of confidence and meeting-and-greeting. On other days, he coaches an outreach class of young men from a boys’ home, many of whom are seeking refugee status and all of whom have never played golf before coming to The First Tee. Seeing Tom’s grin from ear to ear, it is clear that he has found a place where he is no longer a cancer patient. To his students, he is simply Coach Tom.
“I just love the kids,” says Tom. “Because of my issue with cancer, I have a lot of opportunity to give back. I feel very privileged that I have been given some period of time to do so.”
Tom’s brain cancer may be challenging his speech but it is no match for his sense of purpose. When he thinks back to his own childhood, Tom fondly remembers summer days when his parents would drop him and his older brother off at the golf course. The brothers would spend the whole day at the course together building a love for the game that has lasted Tom more than 60 years. He wants to give more kids those fond memories playing the game while helping teach the lessons that matter in life.
“Time is precious to everyone and it certainly is precious for Tom,” said Evan Johnsen, Program Director. “We often use lack of time as an excuse, but if Tom can find the time to give back then we all can.” 
Khanh Nguyen, 17, is no stranger to competition. As an ACE level participant at The First Tee, she knows how to use values like confidence and perseverance to keep her cool under pressure. But recently, Khanh has found the lessons of The First Tee helping her in competitions off the golf course as well.
Khanh is a member of her school’s DECA program, a program that introduces students to the world of entrepreneurship, marketing and finance through business projects and competitions. When asked to picked an enterprise to analyze, Khanh went straight to her passion and immediately thought of The First Tee. Her project partner had visited a class at The First Tee with Khanh during a “Bring A Friend” day and was sold on the idea too. The two set out to learn more about The First Tee’s marketing strategies and designed a plan to engage the organization’s target market through social media and mobile platforms.
Khanh and her partner presented their marketing plan during the Washington State DECA competition this March in Bellevue. Their strategic thinking and innovation secured them a trip to compete at DECA nationals in Anaheim, CA this week!
Khanh is a leader in many arenas. She has been participating in The First Tee with her sister since 2011. In addition to taking classes, Khanh serves as a intern with the program and is a member of The First Tee Junior Advisory Board. She was recently named a national First Tee Scholar for her dedication to and leadership within the program and in her community.
While Khanh clearly has the talent and skills to be a successful marketer, her heart is for healthcare. Khanh will be studying nursing at Seattle University starting this fall.
This week, 28 students from Tolt Middle School kicked off Masters Week with a field trip to Blue Heron Golf Course. The students were greeted by excited coaches from The First Tee and a host of activity stations around the course that gave them a chance to put their skills to the test. Whether on the driving range or around the greens, the students spent the morning building confidence in new ways and in new spaces.
Through The First Tee’s DRIVE program, these middle schoolers have been learning the elements of the game during their P.E. class. DRIVE, which stands for Develops Rewarding, Inspiring Values for Everyone, gives young people a chance to learn about golf and develop character through fun golf games in any environment. The First Tee of Greater Seattle partners with more than 190 schools to introduce the game and its values during the school day to more than 100,000 students throughout King County.
While many aspire to turn their greatest passions into a career, alumni Jessica Kent is doing just that. Jessica is an undergrad at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. As part of the Entrepreneurship program, Jessica and her classmates were charged with launching a profitable business in just 10 weeks.
They say necessity is the mother of invention and Jessica and her team needed to succeed. If the business fails, they fall the class, so Jessica and her team were determined to find a need in the market. From there 
Many of our competitors market expensive, clunky large aids that physically restrict head movement by coming directly into contact with the golfer. GolfScope provides a discreet, less invasive solution that uses a visual guide that golfers look through during the swing to provide a natural, subconscious way to correct head movement problems and promote a consistent spine angle. The secret to GolfScope is during the swing, the golfer can see if the golf ball is centered in the “scope” or the circle piece of the device. If there is any swaying or “popping” out of the proper spine angle during the swing, the ball would no longer be centered in the “scope.” After hitting several balls with GolfScope, you will be able to understand and feel what is the proper body position, and start to strike the ball more solid which will result in increased accuracy, lower golf scores, as well as assist in reducing lower back pain by eliminating excess twisting of the spine during the swing.
Are there any lessons of The First Tee that you have found yourself using in the process of developing and marketing your product?
When given the task to create a fully launched company in 10 weeks, it’s easy for stress to take over because you have to constantly think on your feet to quickly adapt to changing situations. The First Tee life skill Replay, Relax, Ready, Redo also known as the “4R’s,” were the four words I found myself constantly referring to when persevering through challenges our business faced. Our team has undertaken a lot of risks regarding decisions when designing our product, choosing manufacturers, as well as choosing how to allocate resources among marketing strategies. Not all of these risks worked out as planned, but it made us stronger as a team. For example, when our team’s initial distribution channel to reach customers was not performing as well as expected, we “replayed” the situation and took a step back to “relax” and analyze how we could learn from this experience. With a new vision for our business, we were “ready” to “redo.” By learning at each stage of our business, we have continued to grow with steady sales.
Tell us about introducing Jermaine Kearse to GolfScope?
You’ll never know when The First Tee’s meet and greet taught at the PLAYer level will come in handy! Needing to create a “how to” video for our golf training aid, Nic Larrivee (my teammate) and I headed to the driving range to film. Carrying a golf bag, a camera, two tripods, an ipad, and multiple GolfScopes for the video shoot, we were attracting curious side glances from those at the driving range including one particular patron, Seahawk Player and UW alumni Jermaine Kearse! Using The First Tee’s meet and greet, we approached Jermaine by introducing ourselves and asking him if he would be interested in trying out our product. He agreed and participated in a before and after video swing analysis with our training aid. Afterwards he purchased a GolfScope!
College can be a challenging time. What challenges have you found yourself overcoming during your college years and how did The First Tee prepare you?
The biggest challenge I faced in college was putting myself out there to meet new people to form teams and pursue new opportunities. Before I enrolled in The First Tee, I was extremely quiet and preferred to stay in my comfort zone. Today, I am an invited member of the Lavin Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Washington where we actively engage with successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalist in the Seattle area to learn from their experiences. Inspired by these entrepreneurs, I enrolled in a startup class and have received funding to launch our golf training aid startup “GolfScope.” These are all things I thank The First Tee for because The First Tee provided me an environment of coaches who helped me build the self-confidence needed to overcome hesitations I had towards public speaking and trying new things. Through attending The First Tee’s national opportunities, I was able to learn from world leaders such as Hall of Fame Golfer Annika Sorenstam and Ben Bernanke, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, to accomplish high goals by building powerful teams, visions, and effective communication. In college, there so many opportunities and resources open to students. You just have to be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone to pursue your goals and visions.
What are your plans for after college?
Growing up with The First Tee program, sports shaped me into the person I am today. Through my involvement with The First Tee, I see the empowering impact sports have in instilling core values such as self-confidence, perseverance, and integrity that help participants succeed not only in sports but in life. I strongly believe the best athletes are those who give back to inspire other athletes. I plan to go into marketing and utilize my creativity side in digital media to create marketing campaigns to capture and empower athletes. Through working with The First Tee and interning at the PGA TOUR, I have already accomplished mini steps of my goal ladder. I plan to graduate with a double degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, as well as a Minor in Dance at the University of Washington next year and accomplish my goal of pursuing a career in the sports industry after college. 
