Page 15 - First Tee - Tampa Bay Alumni Book

McKenzie Kane
First Tee – Tampa Bay
Age: 18
Years in First Tee: 5
College: Washington & Lee University | Strategic Communications
What are you doing today?
I am currently a freshman at Washington and Lee University and a member of the Women’s Golf Team.
What impact did First Tee have on your life?
I’ve been involved with First Tee since I was six years old. My family moved to Florida from Connecticut when I was in seventh grade. I joined First Tee - Tampa Bay during the summer of 2017 and picked up right where I’d left off in Connecticut. About a year later, I started volunteering as
a group lessons coach for the Par (beginner) level classes. There is nothing more rewarding than teaching First Tee’s participants life and leadership skills through golf. Not too long ago I was in their shoes; a curious little golfer who was just trying to figure out which end of the club to hold. I’ll never forget the lessons my coaches taught me.
What is your favorite memory from your First Tee – Tampa Bay experience?
My favorite memory was touring the Golf Channel Headquarters in Orlando followed by 18 holes on Disney’s Magnolia course. My group was about three holes in when the sky opened up. but a little torrential downpour wouldn’t take the smiles off our faces. We
did what Florida golfers do best. We played through it... or maybe it’s just First Tee perseverance in us.
Is there a specific core value or life skill that you learned which has helped you in life?
Integrity has always been my favorite core value
because it’s directly attributable to character. No
other sport truly embodies that principle like golf does. Pair integrity with a little perseverance and there’s no telling what you might accomplish.
I’ll never forget the lessons my coaches taught me.
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