Coaches
John has been immersed in the game of golf since the age of 10, bringing decades of experience to First Tee Tri-Valley. He spent eight years as a Tour Caddie and 20 years coaching at San Jose State University. John has been proudly mentoring youth with First Tee Tri-Valley since 2019.
Frank Falcon
Kirby Fernando
Jackie began golfing at the age of 4. Growing up in Pleasanton, she played on the golf teams at Harvest Park Middle School and Amador Valley High School. Her passion for the game led her to start coaching with First Tee in 2019, and in 2023, she proudly stepped into the role of Program Director.
Chris Hiller
Chris has been a recreational golfer since 1984, enjoying the game with friends and in charity tournaments throughout the Napa Valley. He believes golf teaches valuable life lessons in humility and perseverance, offering constant opportunities for growth. Through First Tee Tri-Valley, Chris has found a meaningful way to improve his own game while helping others take their next step on and off the course.
Bob began playing golf in the early 2000s and has been an active member of the Callippe Preserve Men’s Golf Club since 2006. With over 15 years of experience coaching youth sports, he joined First Tee Tri-Valley as a summer camp volunteer in 2020 and became a coach later that fall. Bob brings his passion for mentorship and life skills—as both a professional sales coach and youth coach—to every session, making the game fun, meaningful, and impactful for all participants.
John Rediger
John began playing golf at age 11 and has enjoyed the game for over 60 years. He’s been coaching with First Tee Tri-Valley for the past three years, sharing his love of the game with the next generation. John especially enjoys seeing the excitement on kids’ faces as they realize how much they can improve in a short time.
Kevin Richards
After a 27-year career with UPS, Kevin retired and began volunteering with First Tee. Inspired by the experience of working with youth golfers, he decided to become a coach. The First Tee Core Value of respect—for yourself, for others, and for your surroundings—made a lasting impact on his life, and he is passionate about paying it forward by teaching the next generation through the First Tee program.
Rico Richardson
Sara is our Lead Pro for LPGA Girls Golf at First Tee Tri-Valley. She joined the LPGA Tour in 1998 as Sara Hallock, earning six top-15 finishes during her professional career. She began playing competitive golf at 17 and brings a unique athletic background as a two-time All-American in field hockey at Stanford. Sara is passionate about empowering young girls through golf, blending elite experience with a love for mentorship and the game.
Olivia has been playing golf for nearly three and a half years and has been coaching with First Tee Tri-Valley for the past year and a half. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama and her law degree from Arizona State University. Olivia lives in Pleasanton and is passionate about making a positive impact in her community through golf.
John Taylor, PGA
John “JT” has lived in the Tri-Valley for over 30 years and brings a deep passion for both playing and teaching the game of golf. A PGA Associate since 2022, JT has played competitively in high school, college, and regional PGA events, and has coached varsity golf at both Livermore and Foothill High Schools. Whether mentoring beginners or seasoned players, JT focuses on course management and the mental game, always encouraging his students with the belief that “it is never too late to learn something new.”