Student Spotlight
Student Spotlight: Riya Finds Belonging, Resilience and Purpose at First Tee. October | 2026
Eight years ago, Riya Lakhihal did not expect golf to become such an important part of her life. Like many younger siblings, she simply tagged along to her older brother’s activities to make things easier for her parents. Golf happened to be one of them. She was skeptical at first. But at First Tee – Metropolitan New York’s Plainfield West 9 campus, something clicked.
Growing up, Riya had tried countless extracurricular activities without ever feeling truly connected to one. She remembers standing alone on the practice green during her first day at First Tee, expecting much of the same. Then Coach Pete walked over and introduced her to another participant.
That small moment changed everything. “First Tee gave me my first real sense of belonging. The golf course transformed from just a place I visited into a second home, filled with encouraging coaches and staff.” Today, Riya is a senior at John P. Stevens High School, and that nine-year-old participant has become a Junior Coach, helping create the same welcoming environment for the next generation of First Tee students.
Throughout her eight years with First Tee – Met New York, Riya has taken advantage of opportunities that have challenged her to step outside her comfort zone and grow as a leader. One of the experiences she is most proud of is attending the First Tee Innovators Forum and receiving an Innovators Forum Scholarship. But getting there did not happen on her first try. Riya initially applied to the program and was not selected. With encouragement from her coaches and peers, she decided to apply again.
This time, she was accepted. She went on to participate in the Forum and bring her own community project to life—watching ideas she had once imagined become something that could positively impact others. For Riya, the experience became an important lesson in resilience, and she credits Coach Pete with helping her learn it. “Coach Pete has been my biggest supporter. He is always pushing me toward opportunities that help me grow, standing by me through every setback and success. When I was rejected from the Innovators Forum the first time, his encouragement was the reason I kept going and reapplied.”
Another defining First Tee experience came when Riya attended the PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Academy in Atlanta, where she spent a week alongside First Tee participants from across the country. The experience introduced her to new perspectives, strengthened her leadership skills and created friendships she still maintains today.
Those lessons extend well beyond organized programs. Through First Tee, Riya says she has learned to lead with empathy, make sure others feel included and approach challenges with optimism. Even the lessons learned through golf have become tools she uses in everyday life. A difficult grade, a disappointing application result or another setback can be approached much like a difficult shot on the course: learn from it, reset and keep moving forward. That mindset now shapes how Riya approaches her role as a Junior Coach. The sense of belonging that meant so much to her as a young participant is something she now has the opportunity to create for someone else.
It is a fitting continuation of a First Tee journey that began because she was simply tagging along with her brother. As Riya looks beyond high school, she hopes to pursue a career in law, driven by a desire to advocate for justice and support her community. She plans to carry the values and lessons she has developed through First Tee with her into that next chapter. “The First Tee has been vital in developing the person that I am today. The community has brought me immense support and has become a family that I can always turn to.” Eight years after Riya first stepped onto the practice green at Plainfield West 9, she isn’t just part of that community anymore. She is helping build it for the students who come next.
When Olivia Harrison arrived at First Tee – Met New York’s Weequahic Campus three years ago, she was looking for something fairly simple: a place to improve her golf game. Her journey began! September | 2026
A friend, Jada Fowlkes, and her mother introduced Olivia and her mom to First Tee during Olivia’s sophomore year of high school. Already playing on her school golf team, Olivia wanted additional coaching that could help her strengthen her game and prepare to compete in tournaments outside of school. She quickly enrolled in multiple classes each week, including regular sessions and Practice & Play. But it did not take long for First Tee to become about much more than golf.
Olivia found a community of other young golfers and began forming friendships with girls she may not have otherwise met. She also found coaches who helped her understand the game in a way that clicked for her, giving her a renewed sense of positivity and optimism about her future in golf.
“Joining First Tee has immensely impacted my social skills and self management,” Olivia said. “I’ve learned how to be in the moment instead of worrying too much about the past or future.” That mindset became particularly important for Olivia, who describes herself as a perfectionist. Learning to let each shot go—regardless of the outcome—and focus on the moment helped her rediscover her enjoyment of the game. Instead of dwelling on performance, she learned to appreciate the courses she played, the people she met and the experience of simply being on the golf course.
Her growth at First Tee soon extended beyond her own game. Olivia began volunteering at Weequahic before joining the First Tee team as a summer employee. Working alongside younger participants gave her the opportunity to put into practice the same care and mentorship she had received from her own coaches. “I think my biggest accomplishment while at First Tee has been being able to work with other kids and help them with their individual areas of growth and development,” she shared.
Through that experience, Olivia also gained a firsthand look at what it takes to successfully lead a program and work as part of a team. She credits Weequahic Program Director Joaquin Matti as an important role model who inspired her to become more comfortable collaborating with others and taking on greater responsibility. Now, Olivia is preparing to take the next step in her journey.
This fall, she will attend Drew University, where she will study finance and play collegiate golf—an accomplishment she says she doesn’t think she would have achieved without the guidance of her First Tee coaches. She currently hopes to pursue a career in wealth management and plans to seek internships and other professional opportunities throughout college. And although her time as a First Tee participant is coming to a close, Olivia hopes her involvement with the organization isn’t.
She would like to continue working with First Tee during her summers, staying connected to the community that has played such an important role in her life over the past three years. From a high school golfer searching for additional coaching to a collegiate athlete, mentor and aspiring finance professional, Olivia’s journey reflects how an opportunity to improve at the game can grow into something much bigger. “I am so grateful for the last three years I have been in the program and everyone I have met at all the Metro New York locations and events.”
Student Spotlight: Jordan Francis. August | 2026
From discovering a love for golf to pursuing a future dedicated to helping others, Jordan’s First Tee journey has been one of growth, leadership, and purpose.
Five years ago, when her mother was searching for a sport she might enjoy, Jordan gave golf a try through First Tee. What began as an opportunity to explore something new quickly became a passion that has shaped both her athletic and personal development. “I have been involved with the First Tee program for five years, and I first got involved through my mother signing me up,” she shared. “We were looking for a sport I’d be interested in, and golf was the one I stuck with.” Since then, golf has become much more than a game.
Today, Jordan serves as the Varsity Captain of Belleville High School’s golf team, helping lead the team to an outstanding season with only one loss across twelve matches—an accomplishment she proudly reflects on as one of her greatest achievements. While her success on the course is something to celebrate, she says the biggest lessons she’s learned have come from the values First Tee teaches off the course. “First Tee has aided me by giving me discipline and a proper work ethic through sports and education.” She also credits Coach Tom Grant as one of the most influential people throughout her journey. “Since day one, he has always been by my side, teaching me how to play and presenting me with opportunities to become a better player and person.”
One of her favorite First Tee memories was celebrating the opening of the clubhouse and getting to experience the new mini course and practice greens for the very first time—a reminder that some of the most meaningful moments come from sharing experiences with the First Tee community. As she looks toward the future, Jordan’s ambitions reach far beyond the golf course. She hopes to become a psychiatrist, driven by a lifelong desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. “I aim to become a psychiatrist and help people through more than just prescriptions.
Healing has always been my dream, and that has always meant the world to me since I was four.” For younger First Tee participants just beginning their own journeys, she offers advice that reflects both her experiences in golf and in life. “Put yourself out there—not just in First Tee, but also in life. Getting rejected multiple times is so much better than not trying at all, and you will thrive long term with continued perseverance.”
Her story is a reminder that First Tee is about much more than developing golfers. It’s about helping young people discover confidence, building resilience, and pursuing meaningful futures with purpose. As Jordan continues working toward her goals, she’s carrying forward the lessons, relationships, and values she’s developed through First Tee—both on and off the course.
Siblings Celebrating Academic Excellence: Ethan & Sachi Penha. July | 2026
At First Tee – Metropolitan New York, we believe that the lessons learned through sports extend far beyond the golf course. We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Ethan and Sachi Penha, whose dedication to education, personal growth, and community impact continue to inspire those around them.
Most recently, Ethan earned his Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Public Health Policy and Management from the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy. His academic journey reflects years of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to creating positive change. For his capstone project, Ethan focused on identifying strategies to assess and strengthen a telehealth intervention serving migrants throughout New York State. His research explored innovative approaches to expanding healthcare access for underserved communities, a topic that has become increasingly important in today’s healthcare landscape. As he begins the next chapter of his career, Ethan hopes to continue advancing equitable and accessible healthcare solutions that improve outcomes for individuals and families across diverse communities.
His sister, Sachi, has similarly distinguished herself through her academic achievements and passion for research. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh, Sachi went on to complete her Master’s degree in Psychology at St. John’s University. Alongside her studies, Sachi has embraced opportunities to broaden her perspective through travel, exploring destinations throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and across the United States. These experiences have deepened her understanding of different cultures and communities while further strengthening her academic and professional aspirations. Today, Sachi is pursuing neuroscience research opportunities as she prepares to apply for doctoral programs in Clinical Neuropsychology. Her goal is to contribute meaningful research that advances understanding within the field and supports individuals navigating neurological and psychological challenges.
From First Swing to Future Leader | Oyin Opawuyi. June | 2026
Oyin Opawuyi’s journey with First Tee – Met NY didn’t begin with a love for golf — it began with an opportunity. Born in Lagos, Nigeria and moving to the United States at a young age, Oyin attended a small charter school with limited access to sports. It was not until First Tee – Met NY partnered with her school that she was introduced to golf for the very first time — stepping onto the course in third grade with no prior experience and no expectation of what the game would become in her life. What started as something new quickly became something meaningful. Through First Tee, Oyin found more than just a sport. She found a community, a support system, and a space where she could grow — not only as a player, but as a person. During some of the most pivotal moments in her life, including the isolation of COVID and the pressures of applying to high school, golf became a constant — a place of stability, connection, and confidence.
With the support of her coaches and the Path to College program, Oyin was able to attend Gill St. Bernard’s School, where she discovered a love for learning and unlocked opportunities she once thought were out of reach. Now, as a graduating senior and aspiring neuroscience major, Oyin’s relationship with the game has evolved. While she does not necessarily see golf as a career, she sees it as something even more powerful — a lifelong tool for connection, growth, and opportunity. And perhaps most importantly, she’s come full circle.
From participant to coach, Oyin now spends her time mentoring younger students, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and find joy in the game — just as she once did. Because for her, First Tee is not just where she learned golf. It is where she learned how to grow, how to persevere, and how to give back.