Christian Brogdon – First Tee

Mental Health Awareness Month: Encouraging your child to ask for help

Sometimes, kids who are struggling don’t speak up … not because they don’t want support, but because they haven’t practiced asking for it. Asking for help requires a child to recognize what they’re feeling, believe that feeling is worth expressing and trust that the person they tell will respond well. That’s a lot of steps, and for many kids, they may feel unfamiliar.

At First Tee, asking for help is one three steps we teach for developing grit:

Be patient

Be positive

Ask for help

But as many adults know, asking for help can still be challenging. Research on youth mental health consistently points to one key factor: Children have better outcomes if there are adults in their corner who care. This doesn’t just mean parents, but coaches, mentors or teachers too.

A 2025 study from First Tee and The Harris Poll found that nearly nine in 10 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. That’s not a coincidence but an example of what consistent, trusting relationships with adults make possible.

Where the muscle gets built

Self-advocacy isn’t taught in a single conversation. It’s built through repeated, low-stakes moments of self-expression, and that’s exactly what well-designed youth development environments create.

Think about what it takes for a child to walk up to a coach after a frustrating round and say, “The pressure got to me.” Or to tell a teammate, “That comment bothered me.” While those moments may feel small, they’re helping kids build the skills they may one day need to say, “I’m not doing okay, and I need some help.”

Parents say a coach could impact a child’s ability to work well with others, respect others and be resilient in the face of challenges. Resilience is inseparable from mental wellness.

At First Tee, the golf course is a classroom for this kind of growth. Kids navigate conflict, pressure and disappointment with coaches who are trained to respond in ways that build trust – not shut it down. That consistency is what makes the difference.

The long game

The impact of a trusted coach doesn’t fade when the season ends. Among parents who had coaches in their own youth, 67% say they wouldn’t be where they are today without those adults in their lives, crediting them with building resilience, the desire to excel and the ability to lead. When a child learns early that it’s safe to ask for help and that the adults around them will respond with care, that lesson follows them into adulthood.

The most powerful thing a parent can do is make asking for help unremarkable. Praise it when you see it, and model it yourself. And if your child does come to you struggling, resist the urge to fix it immediately. Sometimes the most important response is simply: “I’m glad you told me.”

That moment of being heard is where self-advocacy takes root.

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.

Coach Kyle Believes in First Tee’s Positive Impact

Kyle Harris has been the Director at First Tee – Massachusetts for the past five years, but his involvement with First Tee started in Utah in 2012.

Originally from Cape Cod, Kyle attended The University of Massachusetts Amherst before working in college athletics as a Sports Information Director for 10 years.

Although Kyle began playing golf while in college, he did not find himself a part of the golf industry until being introduced to First Tee while living in Utah.

One of Kyle’s friends was working to establish the First Tee – Utah chapter and invited Kyle to join him at a participant recruitment event. The weather was miserable, rainy and cold, and Kyle didn’t understand why they were standing out in it. That was until he met KJ, a young boy who was more than happy to stand out in the rain to try golfing.

After missing the ball four or five times, he finally hit it and a big smile spread across his face. That was the moment that Kyle realized how impactful First Tee was and he has been involved ever since.

After that day, Kyle spent much of his time volunteering with First Tee – Utah’s chapter. He helped to get programs off the ground, was a volunteer coach, and oversaw the certification program to help advance participants.

“Always with this mindset, ‘Man if I ever had a chance to work with First Tee full-time I totally would,’” said Kyle.

Kyle’s wishes were answered when a position opened at First Tee – Massachusetts. . Although he said he would have taken a job with First Tee anywhere, he appreciates the opportunity to work with members of the community he grew up in.

“As an adult I’ve learned as much to apply to my own life as I’ve taught to the kids,” he said.

“I’m a better dad, I’m a better husband, I’m a better golfer, I’m a better person, I’m a better employee because of First Tee and holding myself to the standards that I want to hold the kids to.”

Kyle believes that if he had been a part of First Tee growing up, it would have given him a better outlook on the world earlier on. He continues to mentor and encourage participants so that they can foster that positive mindset from the beginning.

Coach Ron Castillo, First Tee – North Florida

Golf is a fun and challenging platform for growth, helping kids and teens build the confidence to show up to a challenge, the resilience to keep going when they fail, and the inner strength to do the right thing, even with it’s the hard thing. For today’s youth, First Tee provides mentors who help them write their personal growth story. Ron Castillo, First Tee – North Florida Program Director since 2017, has been a part of First Tee since 2001. “I moved back to Atlanta after working as an assistant golf professional in Hilton Head, SC. I called one of my professional mentors and told him I was looking for a job. His reply was, “yes, I’ll always have a job for you. Come by tomorrow.” I have been involved with First Tee ever since. Speaks volumes to having a Go-To Team!” For twenty years he’s been a coach, a mentor and a friend. He can tell you stories about numerous participants and families he’s gotten to know and how their kids have grown to be college graduates, doctors, entrepreneurs, husbands, wives, parents, and yes, professional golfers. When he joined First Tee, he was ready for the next stage in his career. He stays for something much more personal. “Simply put, I stay because I absolutely love what I do. Being a coach at First Tee has helped me be a better husband and father. I find myself thinking about First Tee lessons when advising my son and making decisions for my household.” Coach Ron shares with us why golf is the perfect sport for learning lifelong skills and fostering personal growth.

President George W. Bush Surprises First Tee College Scholarship Program Recipients

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (June 10, 2020) – Seven high school graduates received a surprise personal congratulatory message today from President George W. Bush, Honorary Chair of First Tee, on their selection into the inaugural class of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. This Class of Scholars includes aspiring doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs, several of whom will be attending Harvard, Yale and Duke University.

“Your hard work has paid off,” said President George W. Bush, via video message. “The coming years will bring new learning, new friendships, new challenges and new opportunities. Remembering the values you have learned through the First Tee will help you for the years to come. Laura and I join your family and friends and recognize you on this special occasion, and we send our best wishes.”

First Tee’s College Scholarship Class of 2020 includes:

Luke Boldt, First Tee – Coastal Carolinas, East Carolina University
Luke has been an active First Tee participant since he was four years old. In that time, he has earned Ace certification, the highest level in the program, and developed into a leader on and off the golf course. He founded a special needs golf program with his twin brother, “Buddy Tee.” He is an Eagle Scout and played in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee with Jeff Maggert at Pebble Beach, Calif. Luke plans to major in Public Health at East Carolina University.

Blake Brantley, First Tee – Triad, Yale University
Blake will pursue golf at the collegiate level as a member of the men’s golf team at Yale University where he will major in Economics and Pre-Law. He was the captain and MVP of his high school’s varsity golf team and served as the captain of the Academic Team. He credits First Tee with inspiring him to give back to members of his community and co-founded a charity called “Golf For Life” in which he helped raise $50,000 for a scholarship fund for other First Tee participants. Blake has been a participant at his chapter for eight years, earning Ace certification and volunteering as a coach and mentor to younger participants.

Ricky Lam, First Tee – Tri-Valley, Harvard University
A first-generation college student, Ricky will attend Harvard University majoring in Economics. He aspires to become a leading financial advisor and entrepreneur. He is the Salutatorian of the Oakland Technical Class of 2020 and a National Merit Commended Scholar. He is a Boy Scout and peer tutor for AP Statistic students and plays on the varsity golf team. An Ace participant at First Tee, Ricky volunteers as a coach and mentor to the kids at his chapter.

Kelly Low, First Tee – Fort Worth, University of Texas at Dallas
Kelly has been a First Tee participant for five years, earning Ace certification and volunteering as a junior coach and member of the chapter’s Junior Advisory Board. She is a first-generation U.S. citizen and will attend the University of Texas at Dallas where she will major in computer science. Her passion for science extends beyond the classroom. Kelly was a member of the Rocket Science Club, interned at Lockheed Martin and volunteered at the River Legacy Foundation where she taught children about nature. She is also an AP scholar and member of the varsity golf team.

Nicole Monsalve, First Tee – Miami, Duke University
Nicole is an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Hispanic Scholar. She will attend Duke University, majoring in Pre-Med, Biology and aspires to be an NFL team doctor. A two-sport athlete in both golf and track, Nicole also spent her time volunteering with the First Tee – Miami High School Prep Bootcamp, providing young athletes help with schoolwork and time management. She also serves as the founder and director of “Box It Tournament,” raising more than $6,000 for a local homeless shelter. Nicole has been a First Tee participant for more than five years, serving as a junior coach and counselor while also an active member of the First Tee Junior Advisory Board.

Sara Rintoul, First Tee – Central Florida, University of Florida
Sara will attend the University of Florida and major in Health Sciences and International Studies. She is a recipient of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship, where she traveled to North Africa in 2019 to represent the U.S. and learn Arabic. Her extracurriculars include President of the Model United Nations team, Vice President of We Dine Together Club, promoting inclusion at school, and captain of her varsity golf team. She has been a First Tee participant for seven years attending the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy in 2018 where she was awarded the Renee Powell Outstanding Female Leader Award.

Remi Shendell, First Tee – Metropolitan New York, Emory University
Remi aspires to attend medical school and become a doctor for infectious diseases at the CDC or WHO. She will attend Emory University, majoring in Biology and Human Health. Remi is an AP Scholar with honors and was active at her school serving as captain of the golf team and Director of Public Relations for the Girls Learn International chapter, empowering middle and high school students to advocate for human rights, equality and universal education around the world. An Ace First Tee participant, Remi has been involved at First Tee – Metropolitan New York for nine years and serves as an tutor and junior coach.

The First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career. Each of the scholars will be paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year for four years, plus professional development workshops held in-person throughout the year. In addition, scholars will receive assistance with internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to providing active learning experiences that empowers young people to build their character through the game of golf.

“We are so proud of the First Tee College Scholarship Class of 2020,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are inspired by this remarkable group of young leaders who were selected from an impressive applicant pool of First Tee alumni candidates. We look forward to continuing to empower them to build their confidence and inner-strength as they set out to accomplish their dreams and make a difference in the world.”

The First Tee College Scholarship Program is open to active participants of First Tee chapters graduating from high school who meet the minimum requirements. Applications were received from participants at 32 chapters in 24 states across the nation. Following an online application process, 10 finalists were selected by a committee for one-on-one interviews. Applicants were considered based on financial need, academic performance, chapter involvement, volunteerism, community service and other criteria.

President George W. Bush has been First Tee’s Honorary Chair since 2009. He succeeded his father, President George H.W. Bush, who served as First Tee’s Honorary Chair since the organization’s inception in 1997.

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About First Tee

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission 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. Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach more than 3.5 million young people annually on golf courses, in elementary schools and at youth centers. Its headquarters are in St. Augustine, Florida, USA, with programs in all 50 United States and select international locations.