At James B. Castle High School, the golf team is driven by passion and determination, despite facing significant financial challenges. For years, the school has been overshadowed by private and powerhouse programs, where well-funded teams and affluent families dominate the sport. Yet, the students who come out for Castle's golf team share a genuine love for the game—even when resources are scarce.
Jon Mitchell, the incoming coach for Castle's golf team, understands firsthand how golf can change a young person's life. Growing up in Massachusetts, he earned a Francis Ouimet scholarship, which allowed him to attend college and shift the course of his future. That experience ignited a lifelong commitment to giving back. Over the years, he has volunteered as a coach and served as a board member for the First Tee of Central Washington, using golf as a vehicle to teach life skills and open doors for young people. Now at Castle High School, Coach Mitchell hopes to do the same for his players.
Castle High School, recently designated as a Title 1 school, faces financial limitations that directly impact the golf team. While the school covers green fees for tournaments, players must pay for their own range balls, practice rounds, and equipment. These out-of-pocket costs create barriers for many students who otherwise might participate. Despite these challenges, Castle has produced golfers who have qualified for the State Tournament for three consecutive years—a testament to the dedication of the players and the coaching staff.
Coach Mitchell envisions a future where Castle High School is not just known for its golfers' achievements on the course, but for developing young adults who break cycles and give back to their communities. With his leadership and commitment, he aims to provide both the resources and the mentorship to help his players succeed on and off the course.
To help alleviate some of the financial burden, Drive Fore the Future stepped in to support Castle's golf team. Through our foundation, we provided essential equipment including golf clubs, polos, shoes, and golf balls. These contributions aim to ease the costs for players and their families, allowing more students the opportunity to pursue the game and develop valuable life skills along the way.
Coach Mitchell's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that access and opportunity can have on a young person's future. At Drive Fore the Future, we believe that every aspiring golfer deserves the chance to succeed, and we are proud to support Castle High School's golf team as they continue to grow, compete, and inspire the next generation of golfers and community leaders.
