First Tee – Greater San Antonio was proud to be represented by Lead Coach and Program Manager Maija Tanberg and participant Josiah Reyna at the 2026 First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow Jr., held July 17–22 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Game Changers Academy is a transformative leadership experience that brings together 72 teens from First Tee chapters across the country for a week focused on self-awareness, inclusive leadership, community building, and personal growth. Through interactive workshops, reflective activities, and immersive golf experiences, participants developed the confidence and skills needed to become leaders and advocates for positive change in their communities.
Throughout the week, participants explored First Tee’s Key Commitments, including collaborating with others, building a positive self-identity, and growing through challenges. The experience included leadership sessions led by First Tee partners, a visit to Topgolf, attendance at the 3M Open, and a memorable round of golf at Interlachen Country Club, host of the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open.
As a selected coach participant, Tanberg helped facilitate programming and support teens as they stepped outside their comfort zones, shared their perspectives, and strengthened their leadership skills throughout the week. Her impact was recognized by the participants themselves, as Tanberg was named one of four recipients of the Outstanding Coach of the Week Award, an honor voted on by the teens participating in the Academy.
“My favorite part of the Game Changers Academy was getting to know participants from all over the country and watching how much they grew in just a few days,” said Tanberg. “It was incredible to see their confidence build from the first day to the final day as they stepped outside their comfort zones, shared their ideas, and supported one another. Each of them brought their own unique perspective, and it was inspiring to see how thoughtful, driven, and engaged they were.”
“Throughout the workshops and on the golf course, they truly embodied the First Tee Key Commitments in everything they did. Seeing their growth reminded me of the incredible impact First Tee can have and strengthened my passion for bringing those same lessons back to the participants at the Greater San Antonio chapter.”
The First Tee Game Changers Academy is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders by providing teens with the tools to create meaningful change in their communities. Named in honor of former First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow Jr., the event is one of several national participant opportunities focused on leadership, service, and personal development.
First Tee – Greater San Antonio is proud of Maija and Josiah for representing the chapter on a national stage and bringing their experiences, lessons, and leadership back to the local First Tee community.
