The 2026 Game Changer Luncheon presented by PNC took place on February 4 at the San Antonio Country Club, bringing together community leaders, corporate partners, coaches, volunteers, families, and First Tee participants for a morning celebrating impact, leadership, and youth development. The luncheon honored our participants, as well as those who invest in young people, champion life skills learned through golf, and support First Tee’s mission in the San Antonio community.
Keynote speaker Sean Elliott inspired attendees with a message about perseverance, leadership, and giving back. Elliott played 12 seasons in the NBA, including 11 with the San Antonio Spurs, and was a member of the Spurs’ first NBA Championship team in 1999, remembered for his iconic “Memorial Day Miracle” three-pointer. Beyond his basketball career, he continues to impact the San Antonio community through mentorship and youth initiatives, making his message especially meaningful to First Tee participants.
Meet Our Winners
Distinguished Foundation Award – The Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation
The Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation was recognized for their ongoing support of youth and community initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to empowering young people through mentorship, resources, and engagement. They also act as the anchor partner for First Tee’s school program.
Mary Carriker Commitment Award – Dr. Fred Preston
Dr. Fred Preston was recognized for his more than 20 years of volunteer service with First Tee, where he has used golf to mentor and inspire young people while teaching confidence, perseverance, respect, and integrity.
Volunteer of the Year – Luis Servin
Luis Servin was named Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to mentoring First Tee participants through golf. A Level 1 Coach, Luis began volunteering in 2024 and quickly stepped into a lead coaching role, teaching multiple classes while continuing to volunteer on Saturdays. His commitment to participants and passion for the game make a lasting impact on the chapter.
Coach of the Year – Douglas Carlton, PGA
Douglas Carlton, a First Tee Level 3 Coach, was named Coach of the Year for his outstanding dedication to teaching the game of golf while developing confidence, perseverance, sportsmanship, and respect in participants. Since beginning his volunteer service in 2020, Doug has led classes across every age division and, in 2025 alone, taught more than 150 hours while working with over 250 participants, making a lasting impact on the chapter and community.
Courtesy Award – Liam Garcia
Liam has been a participant in First Tee since 2024 and is currently a 3rd-grade, homeschooled student. One of his most memorable First Tee moments in 2025 was meeting tour professional Kevin Velo at the First Tee driving range and watching him compete at the Valero Open. Liam consistently demonstrates courtesy through his respect for others and eagerness to learn from coaches and peers.
Honesty Award – Grayson Dockens
Grayson has been participating in First Tee for four years and is currently a 7th-grade student at Church Hill Middle School. His most memorable First Tee moment was hitting his longest drive yet at the Kissing Tree driving range, an experience that boosted his confidence. Grayson exemplifies honesty by holding himself accountable and leading by example.
Integrity Award – Emily Hartley
Emily, an 8th grader at BASIS Shavano, has been part of First Tee for the past three years. Her favorite memories include mastering the rules of the game, competing in games and challenges at DSP, and meeting PGA professionals at the First Tee Learning Center during the Valero Open. Emily consistently displays integrity through her respect for the game and commitment to personal growth.
Respect Award – Gabriela Rendon
Gaby is a 5th-grade homeschooled student who has been part of First Tee for four years. Her most memorable moment in 2025 was participating in the Gobble Games, where she enjoyed learning new skills from each coach she met at the different stations. Gaby demonstrates respect by treating coaches, peers, and the game itself with care and consideration.
Responsibility Award – Timothy Petter
Tim is a senior at Petter Christian Academy and has been a participant in First Tee for more than 10 years. In 2025, his favorite memories included attending the Innovators Forum in Florida, where he connected with peers and collaborated on community projects, and representing the San Antonio First Tee chapter at the Texas Cup in Houston alongside his teammates. Tim exemplifies responsibility through his dedication to both his community and his personal growth.
Good Judgment Award – Railynn Gonzales
Railynn began her First Tee journey in February 2022 and is currently a junior at East Central High School. Her favorite memories this past year included the opportunity to play alongside her sister at both the Texas Cup and in New Orleans, experiences that made the season especially meaningful. Rai demonstrates good judgment through her decision-making on and off the course, showing maturity and thoughtful consideration in all she does.
Sportsmanship Award – Parker Davis
Parker has been participating in First Tee since January 2024. He is currently in 4th grade and is homeschooled. His favorite moment at First Tee is spending time with his friends and playing “Poison,” a game he finds both fun and challenging. Parker demonstrates sportsmanship by respecting fellow participants and encouraging teamwork on the course.
Perseverance Award – Aaron Ozuna
Aaron is a 5th-grade student at Forester Elementary who has been involved with First Tee for the past year. In 2025, his favorite memory was winning a “putt-off” challenge alongside his partner during the fall session with Coach Chris—a moment that highlighted teamwork, focus, and fun on the course. Aaron embodies perseverance by maintaining effort and focus even in competitive situations.
Confidence Award – Holden Wesling
Holden is a 3rd-grade student at Bill Brown Elementary School and has been involved with First Tee for nearly two years. His most memorable experience was attending the First Tee Valero Texas Open this past spring, where he enjoyed meeting the golfers and was especially excited to be called up by Kevin Velo to hit a ball on the driving range. Holden demonstrates confidence through his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new challenges.
Game Changer of the Year – Amber Veliz
Amber Rose, a 10th-grade student at C.T. Johnson High School, began her First Tee journey in the summer of 2018. After progressing through the entire program, one of her most meaningful moments in 2025 was leading her own Tiny Tigers class, an experience that helped her grow into a confident and compassionate leader.
Career Achievement Award – Jack Polansky
Jack is a senior at Churchill High School, Varsity Golf Captain, and maintains a 104.5 GPA. He will attend Berry College in fall 2026 to play collegiate golf and has been accepted into Berry’s Honors Program. This past September, Jack competed in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, playing alongside Senior Tour professional Alex Čejka, nearly recording a hole-in-one on the 7th hole, and being interviewed by the Golf Channel. Being told that Paul Azinger admired his swing made the experience one of the most memorable moments of his life.
Career Achievement Award – Jules Mahan
Jules has been a participant in First Tee for nine years and is a senior at Pieper High School in Comal ISD. Her most memorable moment was her entire Pebble Beach experience—from learning she had been selected for the PURE Insurance Championship during a practice round at the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame to competing at Pebble Beach itself, an opportunity she describes as a true dream come true.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The success of the 2026 Game Changer Luncheon would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment helps expand access to First Tee programs and opportunities for youth throughout our community.
Title Sponsor
PNC
Event Sponsors
Texas Mutual
City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation
April Ancira
Broadway Bank
Chris Dewar
Donna and Jim Brady
Jane Watson
Kids Are Kids Academy
Security Service Federal Credit Union
Frost Bank
Greg Dreier
Jeff Burns
Joan Kearl and Friends
Joe Adame
Millennium Steel
Nate Murphy
Polansky Family
Want to be a part of next year’s luncheon? Contact Kellen at [email protected] for more information.
If you are inspired to help us continue our mission and create opportunities for more young people, click here to donate and make a difference in the lives of the next generation.
To view photos from this event, click here.