Natalia is 10 years old and has participated in First Tee – Monterey County programming for almost two years with her siblings Isabella, Andrew, and Javier. Natalia loves coming to afterschool programming and is the first to sign up for STEAM activities at the Center for Learning and golf lessons on the course.
Her favorite moments with First Tee are during camps. During Summer Camp, Natalia built a bond with the coaches that brought out her personality and allowed her to embrace the First Tee Key Commitments and curriculum. During Winter Camp, those relationships established the foundation that encouraged her to dedicate herself to her newfound passion: golf!
Since joining First Tee – Monterey County, Natalias has participated in various special, exclusive opportunities. She began by joining the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, which led her to become a guest speaker with her sister Isabella at the 2022 Donna Zoller Z Gal’s Ladies-Only Tournament and Luncheon, where she shared how First Tee programming and curriculum have shaped her and given her a new direction. She also managed the Closest-to-the-Pin at the 2nd Annual Day at The Hay! Additionally, Natalias has volunteered at both of our Macy’s Fashion Shows! So far, she is most proud of attending the golf clinic with Nicole Iniakov! “I couldn’t believe I was pushing my cart next to Nikki,” Natalia says, “And she signed my golf ball!”
Recently, Natalia was invited to become a mentee to a mentor in the Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program. “My mentor helps me feel confident and proud of myself.” In this program, the scholars meet with their mentees at the Center for Learning to offer academic support, empowerment, golf practice, or personal support.
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