Staff and Coaches - First Tee

JOHN GRISTON – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In 2002, John Griston retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of honorable service. John moved from Southern California to Modesto in 2003, where he worked as a golf professional at Modesto Municipal, Dryden Park, and Creekside golf courses from 2003 to 2008. He began as a volunteer coach with The First Tee of Modesto (now known as First Tee – Central Valley) and by 2009 he went on to receive First Tee Coach Recognition. He is a Certified Chapter Trainer in First Tee network. John is currently our Executive Director and provides leadership & direction for our chapter. Network. John has a daughter, Chanel. Email: [email protected] Office: 209-544-1780

KAYLA DEIGAN – PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Kayla Michele Deigan (formerly Grey) is a Modesto native, having attended and played golf for Fred C. Beyer High School (’06, ’07 & ’08) and Modesto Junior College (’09 & ’10). Kayla has been involved in the golf industry since 2007, starting with volunteering at junior golf clinics held at the local driving range. She worked her way up from Pro Shop Attendant to Management but knew she wanted to give back to the golf community in another way. First Tee – Central Valley came in at the perfect time! Deigan became a Level I Coach and Site Coordinator in 2016. Since then, she has completed her training to become a First Tee Chapter Coach Trainer and a Certified Golf Coach/Club Fitter with U.S. Kids Golf. Kayla is now our Program Director and resides in Modesto with her husband Chad, son Conor and pitbull Mac. Email: [email protected]

IG: @coachkayladeigan

Sarah Ramsdell – Program Assistant

Sarah Ramsdell, 2021 Pebble Beach Golf Links

Sarah is 23 years old and has been with First Tee – Central Valley for 16 years. “I started the First Tee program when I was 7 years old. Since then I have become Ace Certified and a First Tee lead coach. I also played golf all 4 years for for the Women’s Varsity golf Team at Gregori High School. After graduating high school, I moved on to Modesto Junior College where I played 2 years of golf for their Women’s Golf team. During my time at MJC, my teammates and I won our league and placed 3rd at the state tournament. Since my time at MJC I have graduate with an AA in Political Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Sonoma State) and a Masters of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Education (Grand Canyon University).

JOHN CAMPBELL – RECOGNIZED FIRST TEE COACH

John C. is a recognized First Tee Coach. He is the Program location site manager for Merced/Atwater. He has built a great relationship with Merced G.C.C and Rancho Del Rey G.C. His favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends. What John loves most about The First Tee is “Incorporating values that will last a lifetime!”. He is married to Cheryl and has a son Scotty that is a First Tee participant.

CHARLES SHAMGOCHIAN – RECOGNIZED FIRST TEE COACH

Charles is the assistant site manager for Merced/Atwater location and a nationally recognized First Tee Coach. He loves spending time on the course and with family members. He is retired and spends a lot of his time coaching the kids in the program

SHIRLEY GAHM – RECOGNIZED FIRST TEE COACH & VOLUNTEER

Shirley enjoys playing golf at Spring Creek and being a part of the ladies club golf group there and is a nationally recognized First Tee Coach since 2006. She mentors our Eagle certified participants through ACE level to become certified nationally by First Tee Headquarters.

TIM WILLIAMS – RECOGNIZED FIRST TEE COACH & PARENT

Tim is a recognized First Tee Coach for the past seven years and helps us out at our events. He is a teacher and assistant girls golf coach at Enochs High School as well as a parent to two First Tee participants, Jordan and Zachary. Tim is married to Robin Williams and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.

Rey Rosas – lead coach

Rey Rosas joined our coaching staff in 2022. Coach Rey enjoys golfing on his free time and helps out in our program any chance that he gets.

Staff & Coaches