For 11 years, First Tee — Greater Philadelphia was a meaningful part of Caitlyn Plover’s life. As a participant, she took advantage of countless opportunities to grow both on and off the golf course. Now, as a rising sophomore at Loyola University Maryland, she is beginning a new chapter at First Tee as an alum.
This summer marked a special milestone for Caitlyn as she returned to the annual Tea Time Girls Golf Tournament & Fashion Show, the event she founded 8 years ago. After spending years attending as a participant, Caitlyn had the opportunity to become more involved in planning the event and give back to the organization that played such an important role in her life.
“I’ve had the opportunity to get more involved with planning Tea Time, which I’ve really loved,” Caitlyn shared during her speech at this year’s event. “I’m so grateful that I get to give back to First Tee as an alum and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Tea Time. I am always thinking about the future and how this event can continue to grow.”
For Caitlyn, returning to Walnut Lane and helping prepare for Tea Time offered a new perspective on an event that has been a part of her life for years. She spent the weeks leading up to the event working on details ranging from bag tags to the conversation starter cards placed at each table.
But her return this year also gave Caitlyn the chance to reflect on just how much First Tee has shaped her into the person she is today. “Last week, when I was volunteering at Walnut Lane, Gabby told me ‘I’ve loved watching you grow up.’ I thought, well, I’ve loved growing up with First Tee,” Caitlyn said.
That sentiment captured Caitlyn’s 11 year journey as a participant with First Tee. She not only became a better golfer, but she also gained skills and experiences that have continued to shape her beyond the course. “Now that I’m an alum, I’ve realized how much of an impact First Tee has had on my life and continues to have,” Caitlyn said. “The lessons I’ve learned and opportunities I’ve experienced with First Tee have been invaluable, and I’m honored to have grown up with this program.”
Caitlyn’s time with First Tee included classes at Walnut Lane, Girls Golf and the Girls Caddie Academy, as well as attending National Opportunities such as the 2022 Game Changers Academy and the 2023 PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Summit. Through these experiences, Caitlyn became a more confident public speaker, learned how to network, and developed a deeper understanding of leadership and the importance of giving back to her community. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned through First Tee is to take opportunities when they come, because you never know what doors will be opened for you.”
Today, Caitlyn studies political science and music at Loyola University Maryland. While she continues to pursue her own goals, her connection to First Tee remains strong. Returning to Tea Time as an alum has allowed her to experience the event from a new perspective. “It’s amazing to see how much the Greater Philadelphia chapter has grown since I got involved with First Tee over ten years ago,” Caitlyn said. “Because of you, so many remarkable young women are able to grow up with First Tee, just like I did,” she shared at Tea Time.
For Caitlyn, being an alum doesn’t mean her First Tee journey is over. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where she can continue to give back, stay connected, and help create the same opportunities that helped shape her for the next generation. As Caitlyn looks towards the future, she’s already thinking about what comes next, not only for herself, but for Tea Time and the young women who will continue to grow through First Tee.