2027 Fall Classic

Maddie was born and raised in Palm Desert and began her golf journey right here at First Tee Coachella Valley when she was 13 on whim. She quickly fell in love with the sport and continued to play on the team at Palm Desert High School, College of the Desert, and ultimately San Diego Christian College where she earned her bachelor’s degree.

Maddie began coaching in late 2019 and continued to coach until she moved to San Diego. After recently returning to the Coachella Valley, she immediately knew she wanted to get back to coaching. Now, as Program Coordinator of the West Valley, Maddie is excited to help grow First Tee and provide others with same opportunities and experiences that shaped her life. Without First Tee, Maddie may have never picked up a golf club, and she is passionate about making sure others have the chance to discover the game.

Outside of work and golf, Maddie loves to spend time with her husband, Jordan, try new recipes, learn new sewing patterns, and do anything outdoors when the weather allows!

Buffy Gill is a Program Director for No Boundaries adaptive golf with First Tee – Coachella Valley.  She has enjoyed a diverse career path and brings with her more than two decades of experience as a local business owner. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in English Learner Studies, Buffy attended University of Redlands – School of Education for graduate studies.  As an education specialist, working at Palm Springs Unified and Desert Sands Unified School Districts, Buffy developed a dedication to the field of special education through her work with students, families, and stakeholders in the development of Individualized Education Programs.  Buffy is a proponent for designing inclusive systems and implementing those systems with fidelity, having been recognized by multiple agencies for her advocacy and work with the disabled community.  “Through compassion and understanding, that not all disabilities can be seen, environments and activities can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals with physical, neurological, and emotional diversities.”

Outside of her professional duties, Buffy enjoys spending time with her children and husband.  From beaches to mountains, the Gill Family enjoys traveling together especially when it includes their mini-goldendoodle, Kermit.  As a lifelong Coachella Valley resident, Buffy has an appreciation for the rich history of golf in the desert and is grateful for her part in expanding access to the game in the community.

Maleyna’s relationship with First Tee – Coachella Valley began at age 4, when she joined as a participant. Years later, during her junior and senior years of high school, she returned as a volunteer, a commitment that led directly to her internship with the organization in 2022. She’s been there ever since, moving from Marketing Intern to her current role as Marketing Coordinator.

In the years since she first started volunteering, Maleyna also played four years on UC Riverside’s Division I Women’s Golf Team, serving as team captain, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing. That firsthand experience with the game, and with leading a team through pressure, shows up directly in her work for First Tee, where she’s written content marking program milestones. Throughout her undergrad experience, she also had the opportunity to work with leading global golf organizations such as USGA and Titleist.

She’s currently completing her final year of her MBA at UC Riverside, building on her undergraduate degree in Business Marketing from the same school. She’s a First Tee National Scholar, a Jim Kane Scholar, and has represented First Tee at a national leadership summit in Montana, deepening her connection to the organization’s mission beyond her day to day role.

In her free time, she loves traveling, trying new coffee and matcha spots, reading, and playing golf.

Lilyanna Schulz’s First Tee journey started in 2014 when she joined the program as a junior and learned how to play golf for the very first time. She never imagined that one day she’d be back as a coach, helping other kids discover the game just like she did. She continued playing golf throughout high school on the varsity golf team at Palm Desert High School and then played college golf at College of the Desert. She later earned her psychology degree from San Diego Christian College. She’s been a First Tee Coachella Valley coach since the summer of 2021. Along the way, she also worked as an Assistant Golf Professional at The Club at Morningside while continuing her education through the Professional Golf Management Program.

Today, she’s proud to serve as the Program Coordinator at First Tee – Coachella Valley. Her favorite part of her job is helping kids have fun, learn new skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game of golf. She loves giving back to the program that helped shape her own journey, and she hopes to inspire every child to believe in themselves, work hard, and always have fun along the way. She can’t wait to meet you and see you out on the course!

When not working, she loves spending time with her husband, Troy. They enjoy spending time with their families and playing golf together. They also love staying active and enjoy life through hiking, exercising, watching TV, and sharing good meals. For them, it’s all about making memories, staying connected and enjoying time together

Joy was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and spent the first ten years of her life there before her family moved to Texas, where she grew up. She earned her degree in Marketing and Communications and built a career in the marketing departments of major brands like Chick-fil-A and Topgolf. Her love of golf took root during childhood summers in St. Andrews, Scotland, where her father owns the world-famous Dunvegan Hotel, and where she met golfers from all walks of life, experiences that grew a lifelong love for the game and the community it builds.

That early passion eventually led her to First Tee. Joy moved to California for love and found her calling with First Tee Coachella Valley, where she has served in nearly every capacity. Today, as Development Director, she partners closely with the Chapter’s CEO to lead fundraising, steward donor relationships, and plan key events, all in service of growing the next generation of Game Changers.

Outside of work, Joy and her husband Jeff enjoy playing golf at Bermuda Dunes Country Club, watching college football, traveling, and spending time with their French Bulldog, Bogey. You can also find Joy singing karaoke and baking in her free time.

Karla Garcia is the Program Director for the East Valley at First Tee – Coachella Valley. Born in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico, she immigrated to the Coachella Valley in 2013 and began her journey with First Tee later that same year at the age of 11. Growing up in Indio and attending schools in Coachella, Karla experienced firsthand the opportunities and challenges that many youth in the East Valley face. Although she spoke very little English when she first entered the program, First Tee became a place where she built confidence, formed lifelong friendships, and discovered opportunities that shaped her future. She later continued her golf career as a member of the College of the Desert golf team, further strengthening her passion for the game and youth development.

Since joining the First Tee coaching staff in 2021, Karla has served in several leadership roles before becoming Program Director for the East Valley. Her primary focus is expanding access to First Tee programs and opportunities for youth throughout the East Valley by building partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local leaders. As a First Tee alumna, she is passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop confidence, character, and life skills through golf while making the game more accessible to families in the communities she proudly calls home. Outside of work, Karla enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new experiences, and visiting Disneyland, where she loves creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Ashley Rodriguez was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and loves that she can call this place her home. In 2013, she played on the girl’s golf team at Rancho Mirage High School. Since then, golf has opened up an unexpected path for her. She joined First Tee – Coachella Valley in 2021 and really connected with the chapter’s mission. It’s a great program that she wishes she knew about sooner and is so happy to be a part of. You can always improve your golf game and can always become a better version of yourself.

As a coach, she loves that she is able to teach kids about the game of golf while introducing life lessons and experiences that will help them grow.

When she’s not coaching, she likes to travel and explore or watch movies.

As a California native, Peter began playing golf at the age of 10 and quickly developed a passion for the game and its ability to positively impact lives. His early experiences in competitive sports helped shape his commitment to player development, mentorship, and growing the game.

Peter continued building his golf background through coaching and industry experience, working with Topgolf and SCGA, while also expanding his coaching resume at KJ Golf Academy at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills, CA. There, he worked with players of varying skill levels, focusing on fundamentals, confidence, and long-term development. Prior to his position with FTCV, he also managed a kickboxing gym, where he was recognized for his leadership and performance, earning the 2022 9Round Fitness Trainer of the Year Award.

As Program Coordinator, Peter brings energy, excitement, and a deep passion for youth development through golf. He is committed to expanding access to golf in underserved communities and growing First Tee’s East locations so more kids throughout the Coachella Valley can experience the life-changing impact of the game through First Tee.

Emily Jansen grew up in Trempealeau, Wisconsin, and attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, where she was a member of the women’s golf team. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Administration while competing as a collegiate golfer.

Emily began her journey with the First Tee network in 2021 at First Tee – Central Iowa. After a brief stint with First Tee – Green Valley Ranch, she found her home at First Tee – Coachella Valley, where she currently serves as the Program Director for the West Valley.

Starting as an intern and advancing into a leadership role, Emily is passionate about creating meaningful youth programs that help participants build strong character, develop leadership skills, and reach their full potential. She is equally dedicated to supporting and developing coaches, empowering them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of the participants and families we serve.

Outside of First Tee, Emily enjoys spending time with her corgi, Louie, tackling home improvement projects, and gardening.

Mike McFaul has been a PGA Member since 1990, working at various clubs including The Lakes CC in Palm Desert, The Riviera CC in Pacific Palisades, Valencia CC, and Annandale CC. All were great places to be and provided some great memories, but the best experience above and beyond them has been the current position at First Tee – Coachella Valley. As Competitive Activities Director, the goal is simple: to introduce participants to the golf course so they may make golf whatever they want in their lives, the earlier the better.

Helping participants build strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges is life-changing, both for the participants and for the coach. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with the life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry into everything they do. It is a pleasure to be part of this great team of dedicated professionals and volunteers.

Teal has called the Coachella Valley home her whole life and golf has been part of her story just as long. She grew up playing on the boys’ golf team at Palm Springs High School, then went on to compete collegiately for both BYU and Long Beach State. That lifelong love of the game eventually led her back home, where she’s spent the past 18 years building a career with First Tee, serving in roles including Program Director and Executive Director, as well as two years as Director of Chapter Relationships for First Tee Headquarters.

Today, as CEO, Teal channels that same passion into donor communications, community fundraising, board relations, and event planning , helping ensure young people across the Coachella Valley have the chance to learn the game that shaped her own life. 

When she’s not at First Tee, you’ll find Teal traveling, catching live music, or exploring new golf courses with her husband Rob and hanging at home with her golden retriever Luna!