Lula joined First Tee – Greater Wilmington in 2016 — not exactly by choice. Her parents signed her up for an afterschool class at Echo Farms Golf Course without telling her. At the time, she had no idea that one small decision would change the trajectory of her life.

What started as “just another afterschool activity” quickly became a passion. Lula fell in love with the game of golf, the mentors who encouraged her, and the friendships she built along the way. She embraced First Tee’s core values and began living them daily — showing up with confidence, respect, and resilience both on and off the course.

As she grew, so did her leadership. Lula earned multiple national First Tee opportunities, including Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia, Leadership Academy in Atlanta, and the prestigious Leadership Summit at Arthur Blank’s ranch in Montana. Most recently, she was selected as a First Tee College Scholar, Class of 2026, receiving financial support, internships, and career pathways to help launch her future. Opportunities like these simply wouldn’t have been possible without First Tee. Lula’s journey is proof that our participants don’t just thrive locally — they shine on the national stage — and we couldn’t be more proud of the young leaders growing right here in Greater Wilmington.