From: Kaylee Nguyen

Coach Cliff was one of the best people to be around. His personality was one that you couldn’t help but like. I’m really glad that he was my coach and that I got to know him. He has changed my life for the better, both in the real world and in golf. One of the most memorable moments that I had with him was when I believe I was testing to pass the birdie level of the First Tee. I had not passed the full swing test during class, and I wanted to practice afterward to work on it when Coach Cliff offered to help me. He took his time to help me with certain things to help me perform better. Before I knew it, I had met the requirements to pass the test, and right then and there Coach told me in a joyful tone that I had passed the test! I am not really the expressive type when it comes to joyful moments, but I was really grateful to Coach at that time, but honestly I’m grateful for all the moments I had with him when he would teach me something new. He didn’t give up on me, not one bit. I have him to give credit to when it comes to how my golf game has progressed ever since I started playing. We really became a family during those 6 precious years that we had together. To be honest, I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that he is gone now. I still see that person who I grew up with during my time with the First Tee. One of my brightest memories was when he gave me an Albert Einstein tongue stick out. He made it easy to smile and laugh when he was around. As a young adult who is starting to volunteer more for the First Tee, I hope that I can keep his legacy as a successful coach who didn’t falter in changing his students’ lives for the better. He has taught me so much, so to Coach, the words that I couldn’t speak to you, thank you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being an amazing person. Thank you for teaching me all that you could. Thank you for all the joyful memories and golf rounds that we had together. Without you, my family and I wouldn’t have gotten to know your son, Coach Darren, who is just as bright as you are and has become a great part of our lives as well. I hope that you lived a life that you didn’t regret, and got to do the things that you wanted to do. I’m sad that I can’t spend more moments with you, but always remember that I am up for a round whenever you want. Get ready to play and may you rest in peace!

With love, your forever student,

Kaylee Nguyen