In addition to financial support, First Tee Scholars receive mentorship and professional development opportunities
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce its incoming class of Scholars, welcoming 23 exceptional young leaders into the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Selected from chapters across the country, the incoming Scholars represent the organization’s highest ideals, demonstrating outstanding commitment to academics, community service and the values they developed through years of First Tee participation.
Young men and women from 20 First Tee chapters comprise this year’s Scholar class, including three collegiate golfers and four first-generation college students. They will arrive at universities across the country this fall, studying subjects including engineering, sports management, business, biology and more. On average, incoming Scholars have spent an average of 9.3 years with First Tee and boast a weighted GPA of 4.3.
“The exceptional participants who make up this year’s Scholar class represent the very best of what First Tee stands for: a relentless commitment to excellence in the classroom, in their communities and to their character,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The First Tee College Scholarship Program exists to ensure that these exceptional young leaders have the resources they need to reach their full potential, and we are grateful to the donors and corporate partners who make this program possible.”
New Scholars will be invited to attend a Pre-College Retreat in Ponte Vedra Beach this summer, where they will meet their peers, network with professionals and attend workshops to help them prepare for their first semester of college.
Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program provides selected alumni with financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities designed to help them succeed in college and beyond. Scholars participate in workshops, gain access to an expansive professional network, and receive ongoing guidance as they navigate their college journeys.
Candidates are selected based on academic achievement, dedication to service and commitment to their First Tee chapter and community. The program reflects First Tee’s broader mission of using golf to teach young people life skills that develop character, extending well beyond the course.
The full list of incoming First Tee College Scholars is below.
| Name | Chapter | University | Major |
| Riley Albright | Central Ohio | Ohio State University | Sports Management |
| Natalie Chen | Silicon Valley | Stanford University | Business |
| Noelle Gagnon | New Hampshire | Connecticut College | International Relations |
| Lilyanna Hathaway | Colorado Rocky Mountains | Colorado Mesa University | Marketing |
| Justin Hsieh | Raritan Valley | Rutgers University | Aerospace Engineering |
| Nick Huang | Greater Seattle | Northwestern University | Electrical Engineering |
| Riley Jamison | Tennessee | Palm Beach Atlantic University | Communications |
| Joshua Ju | Tennessee | Vanderbilt University | Pre-Medicine |
| Carlie Matengula | Greater Austin | Howard University | Political Science |
| Jasmine McGhee | Greater Chicago | Cornell University | Psychology |
| Colby Palacio | Raritan Valley | Rutgers University | Accounting |
| Ishani Patel | Metropolitan Oklahoma City | University of Oklahoma | Biomedical Engineering |
| Kailyn Peterson | Idaho | Boise State University | Nursing |
| Jack Polansky | Greater San Antonio | Berry College | Environmental Science |
| Lula Rivera | Greater Wilmington | North Carolina State University | Engineering |
| Alexis Roth | Greater Charlotte | University of South Carolina | Sports Management |
| Isabella Russo | Florida Gold Coast | University of Central Florida | Engineering |
| Aarya Shewale | Greater Houston | Texas A&M University | Aerospace Engineering |
| Sydney Socha | Toledo | University of North Florida | Business |
| Anabella Van Cotthem | San Diego | University of California, Irvine | Biology |
| Weston Wakefield | Central Arkansas | Southern Nazarene University | Kinesiology |
| Ashton Washington | Tampa Bay | Florida A&M University | Finance |
| Bailey Webb | Colorado Rocky Mountains | Ohio State University | International Business |
Since its inception, 120 First Tee Scholars have benefited from this comprehensive support system. The First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of individual supporters and corporate partners. Learn more about supporting First Tee.
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
The mission of First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR and many other organizations, foundations, companies and individuals. Over nearly 30 years, First Tee has reached millions of young people through its network of 150 Chapters, nearly 12,000 schools and nearly 2,000 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. The First Tee’s Honorary Chair is legendary CBS Sports commentator, Jim Nantz.
