At First Tee – Greater San Antonio, we are proud to recognize our 2026 seniors and the incredible impact they’ve made throughout their time in the program. Through the game of golf, each of these individuals has developed confidence, character, and life skills that will carry them into their next chapter.
Get to know our seniors through their own words:
Hunter Gates
Pieper High School | 5 Years in First Tee
Future Plans: Texas Tech University, Chemical Engineering
How has First Tee helped equip you to take on new experiences or challenges?
First tee has equipped me to deal with new challenges by allowing me to volunteer for the younger kids teaching me the importance of patience and responsibility.
What would you tell a young person today who is considering joining First Tee?
It is an excellent program built to not only help you succeed in but in life as well.
What impact has First Tee had on your life?
First tee has impacted my life in many ways by making me a better person and teaching me essential life skills through lessons that also apply to golf through acronyms and fun activities.
Favorite memory from your First Tee experience:
My favorite memory from first tee is playing golf baseball as it has given me some really great memories over the years
Who was your First Tee mentor, and how did they influence your personal growth?
Though he is no longer at first tee, I would have to say coach Vinnie was my mentor at first by always encouraging and motivating me and giving constant helpful advice.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to get a career in chemical engineering focusing primarily on the biological and environmental aspects of it.
Jack Polansky
Churchill High School | 11 Years in First Tee
Future Plans: Berry College, Environmental Science & Men’s Golf
How has First Tee helped equip you to take on new experiences or challenges?
The First Tee Core Values made me who I am. I am guided by the values that First Tee has continued to teach me all these years. I have also been set up for success by First Tee and found myself in positions that I never would have thought to be in, like speaking at galas. I was provided the opportunity to emcee their annual gala when I was just 16-years-old, and because of First Tee, I had the confidence to say yes and do it.
What would you tell a young person today who is considering joining First Tee?
Join! You won’t regret it. First Tee has set me up for life. I have had multiple “experiences of a lifetime” by being a First Tee kid. I got my first job through First Tee. I have gone out of state and met a bunch of new people. I wouldn’t be going to the college I’m going to without the help of First Tee. But most importantly, the people at First Tee care about each kid in the program. They will become more than coaches. They will become like family.
What impact has First Tee had on your life?
I am who I am because of First Tee. Being in First Tee has guided my life and allowed me to grow. I have been able to grow through the many responsibilities I’ve had at First Tee, from volunteering when I was 12 to working at 16 and lead coaching at 17. I have been able to grow through responsibility. I head to college in the fall, and I feel prepared for my next chapter because of First Tee. Plus, I know that everyone at First Tee Greater San Antonio will always be cheering me on and there for me if I ever need them.
Favorite memory from your First Tee experience:
My favorite experience was playing in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Watching on TV can only do so much, you have to be out there to see it for yourself. I’m so excited that I was selected to go to that tournament. It was also fun to be on TV multiple times, as well as almost making an ace on hole 7 at Pebble Beach. Playing with Alex Cejka taught me a lot about my golf game as well.
Who was your First Tee mentor, and how did they influence your personal growth?
My most impactful mentor was Gabby Rangel. I always felt I could rely on her at any time. I admired her faith first mentality in all aspects of life and have really tried to apply that to my life. She is one of the most caring and nicest people I have ever known. She has also been there to help with my ACE project every step of the way.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to attend Berry College for the next four years to study environmental science and play on their men’s golf team. For my career, I want to work on making golf courses sustainable. I want to focus on the water crisis and hopefully help many generations to come.
Jules Mahan
Pieper High School | 10 Years in First Tee
Future Plans: Murray State University, Business Management & Women’s Golf
How has First Tee helped equip you to take on new experiences or challenges?
First Tee has given me confidence and the self-assuredness to take on new challenges and step out of my comfort zone.
What would you tell a young person today who is considering joining First Tee?
I would tell a young person considering First Tee to absolutely do it! The program can change your life in ways you never thought possible. It changed mine for sure!
What impact has First Tee had on your life?
First Tee helped me greatly. We moved to San Antonio 10 years ago, and joining First Tee helped me not only make friends, but it also equipped me with the tools to be a leader at my school and in my community.
Favorite memory from your First Tee experience:
My favorite memory from my time at First Tee was being able to represent Greater San Antonio at the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. It was such an honor to play in that event, and representing our chapter is something I will always remember.
Who was your First Tee mentor, and how did they influence your personal growth?
I feel blessed to have had so many mentors at First Tee. It would be impossible to choose only one. I was blessed to have great coaches as well as older participants who impacted me, including my brother Kyle. I would not be where I am today without all of them!
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans include graduating from Murray State University with a Business Degree. While there I have a goal to be the best teammate I can be and help the golf team win championships. After college, my goal is to have a career in business, either in marketing or entrepreneurship.
Tim Petter
Petter Christian Academy | 9 Years in First Tee
Future Plans: EMT Program & Fire Academy, San Antonio College
How has First Tee helped equip you to take on new experiences or challenges?
First Tee has equipped me to take on new experiences and challenges by building my confidence, teaching me perseverance, and helping me step outside my comfort zone.
What would you tell a young person today who is considering joining the First Tee?
I would tell them that joining the First Tee will forever be one of the best decisions they will ever make. The opportunities, the relationships, the connections, make the First Tee one of the best decisions I’ve made.
What impact has the First Tee made on your life?
The First Tee has helped me build confidence, discipline, and values like integrity and respect both on and off the golf course. It has also taught me how to set goals, stay committed, and handle challenges with a positive attitude.
Favorite memory from your First Tee experience?:
My favorite memory from my First Tee experience was being selected for the First Tee Innovators Forum. It was an incredible opportunity, I flew on a plane for the first time, traveled to Florida, met amazing people from First Tee chapters across the country, and worked on my community project, a blood drive, which I’m excited to finally complete after months of working with First Tee and South Texas Blood & Tissue.
Who was your First Tee mentor, and how did they influence your personal growth?
For me it all started with Coach Steve. Coach Steve has been there since day one for me, teaching me about respect and integrity not only on the golf course but also in every other aspect of my life.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to finish the EMT program and the Fire academy at San Antonio College with flying colors, then get hired by one of the Fire departments in the beautiful city of San Antonio.
Tristyn Myrick
Virginia Allred Stacey Jr./Sr. High School | 7 Years in First Tee
Future Plans: Hawaii Pacific University, Cybersecurity & ROTC
How has First Tee helped equip you to take on new experiences or challenges?
First Tee helped me become more confident and showed me opportunities beyond high school through guest speakers and networking events.
What would you tell a young person today who is considering joining First Tee?
I would encourage them to join because it is about more than golf. You meet supportive people and gain experiences that can help you in the future.
What impact has First Tee had on your life?
First Tee has positively shaped my future and helped me grow both on and off the golf course.
Favorite memory from your First Tee experience:
Being on the float with my peers during Fiesta 2025. It was such a fun experience and showed how close the First Tee community is.
Who was your First Tee mentor, and how did they influence your personal growth?
My mentors were Ms. Carrie and Coach Chris. Coach Chris helped improve my golf game and always showed that he genuinely cared about my success. Having that support meant a lot to me. Ms. Carrie was also very supportive of my goals and always checked in to see how everything was going. She stayed fully engaged in my journey and continues to make sure I have amazing opportunities and strong support systems.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to earn my degree in cybersecurity, complete ROTC, and become an Air Force officer.
We’re Proud of You, Seniors
These seniors represent the heart of First Tee. Their journeys reflect growth, resilience, and the power of opportunity.
We are proud of each of them and look forward to all they will accomplish in the future.
