First Tee - Coachella Valley

Shining stars First Tee alums on the road to success T wo of the brightest stars to come through First Tee – Coachella Valley began their college careers this fall, but they were each able to participate in one final valuable learning ex- perience before they left. Caroline Wales, currently at- tending the University of Kansas, participated in the first-ever First Tee National Championship, and Trinity Hernandez, who is enrolled at Chico State University, took part in the inaugural First Tee Leader- ship Summit in partnership with PGA Tour Superstore. Wales competed at The Walker Course at Clemson University June 22-24, and tied for ninth place in an event that featured 48 of the First Tee's elite golfers from across the country. The national cham- pionship provided an opportunity to show how the First Tee has helped build the strength and character needed to play at the col- legiate or next level. Hernandez was selected to at- tend the August 2-13 Leadership Conference, an event designed to strengthen the 40 participants' skills through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities. The event was held in Montana at the West Creek Ranch of PGA Tour Superstore Chairman and PGA Tour First Tee Foundation Board Member Arthur M. Blank. The best part, Hernandez said, was hearing stories from former NFL quarterback and motivational speaker Michael Vick and the PGA Tour Superstore Senior Leaders. "They shared their stories about what it took to get to their position and memories that played a role in their successes," she said. "This week in Montana will help me be- come a better leader. I've strength- ened many skills and values such as communication, confidence, empathy, and accountability." First Tee – Coachella Valley Magazine • Fall 2021 • 3 P GA golf professional and former elementary school teacher Charles Delorey has the perfect skill set for his role as Program Director for First Tee – Coachella Valley. The 53-year-old joined the team in January, 2020, and has been helping impact kids in the pro- gram ever since. We spoke to Delorey about his role: What are your responsibilities? I oversee the opera- tional side of the program and help to create a fun experi- ence for participants to learn golf skills, life skills, and healthy habits. What do you enjoy most about the job? My favorite part is see- ing the excitement our students get out of our program. How would you describe the programs the First Tee offers? The First Tee is a junior devel- opment program that uses the game of golf to teach life skills to our students. We provide ac- tive learning experiences that develop inner strength, self- confidence and resilience that kids can carry into everything they set out to accomplish. Why would you recommend a kid participate in the First Tee? It's a great way for kids to learn invaluable life skills while playing the great game of golf. Q&A Program Director Charles Delorey Names in the game Caroline Wales Trinity Hernandez

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