At just 22 years old, Nadia Harris is already making a name for herself as a rising leader in golf, mentorship, and community empowerment. A native of Marietta, Georgia, and a Business Analytics student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Nadia’s journey into golf began in seventh grade when she joined First Tee of Metro Atlanta. What started as curiosity quickly grew into a lifelong passion. “I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the game at first,” Nadia recalls. “But that first class at Fox Creek introduced me to supportive instructors and kids my age with similar skill levels, and that made learning fun and comfortable.”
As she progressed, Nadia transitioned to John A. White Golf Course, where she found inspiration in coaches and peers who looked like her and shared her passion. Guided by mentors like Jenae Jenkins and Marvin Hightower, she learned more than just how to swing a club — she learned integrity, perseverance, leadership, and the power of community. Her dedication led her to advance through all levels of the First Tee program, eventually becoming ACE Certified and later serving as a Level 1 Coach with First Tee Greater Charlotte.
Nadia credits much of her development to the guidance of dedicated coaches. Among them, LPGA professional Toby Bolton stands out. Nadia met Coach Toby early in her golf journey and describes the encounter as transformative. “The day I met Coach Toby was very special because it was her birthday, and since then, she has had a major impact on both my life and golf journey,” Nadia says. Coach Toby inspired her to compete, complete her ACE certification, and focus on education and scholarship opportunities. Nadia also benefited from the mentorship of Coach Doug Moffett at Dogwood Golf Club, Coach Fred Hartzell at GolfTec, and Hillgrove High School coach Laura Voyles — each contributing to her growth as both a golfer and a leader.
Volunteering with First Tee has been one of Nadia’s most fulfilling experiences. She has been involved with First Tee Greater Charlotte for two years, a journey that began in Metro Atlanta during her ACE certification. “The values that Nadia learned from First Tee allows her to achieve in college and give back to the community,” says Patrick Harris, Regional External Affairs Executive, Southern Co. Through youth summits, girls’ golf events, and interactive programs, she has helped shape future leaders while strengthening her own leadership skills. “There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a young golfer grow not just in their game but in their character,” Nadia explains. “Seeing the kids I mentor improve week after week fills me with pride and reminds me of my own journey.”
One of Nadia’s most cherished memories came when she helped announce Youth Summit 2025 with First Tee – Metro Atlanta, an event focused on empowering teens with skills in mental health, self-care, personal branding, financial literacy, and careers in golf. Being part of a program that equips young people to succeed reaffirmed her commitment to giving back and fostering leadership in others.
Looking ahead, Nadia has ambitious goals for the next three to five years. She aims to become a Level 2 coach, deepen her leadership skills, and use her platform to increase representation in golf, particularly among African American girls. Through her internship with Southern Company Gas, she’s seen how golf opens doors for networking and professional growth, and she plans to leverage those opportunities in her career. She hopes to combine her love for golf with her passion for business and technology, creating opportunities and leaving a lasting impact.
“Representation matters,” Nadia emphasizes. “I want to show young girls, especially those of color, that golf is a sport where they belong and can excel.” With her unwavering determination, deep sense of purpose, and passion for mentorship, Nadia Harris is not just shaping her own future — she’s shaping the future of golf.
