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Henry Stetina, PGA, of the New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Program, earned national recognition at the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, highlighted by the announcement of his selection as the 2026 PGA of America Youth Player Development Award recipient, along with receiving two PGA Jr. League #GameChanger Awards.
Stetina was formally announced during the Wednesday afternoon awards presentation on January 21 as the 2026 PGA of America Youth Player Development Award recipient. While the honor was announced at the PGA Show, Stetina will officially receive the award later this year at the PGA of America Annual Meeting on November 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Youth Player Development Award recognizes a PGA of America Golf Professional who has demonstrated extraordinary contributions to advancing youth player development through sustained programming, leadership, and service.
“This recognition reflects a team effort to engage the community and develop leaders through golf,” said Stetina. “We’ve consistently created opportunities for kids and families who may not otherwise find their way into the game. It is gratifying to be recognized for making a difference in a community similar to the one where I grew up, while raising a family and working full-time.”
In addition, Stetina received two PGA Jr. League #GameChanger Awards during a ceremony held Thursday, January 22, at the PGA Show. He was recognized as the 2025 #GameChanger Award winner for Largest Program in the Sun Country Section and the 2025 #GameChanger Award winner for Player Engagement, reflecting both the scale and quality of his PGA Jr. League initiatives.
“PGA Jr. League’s mission is to make golf accessible and enjoyable for all children, creating a welcoming environment that emphasizes team play, fun, and sportsmanship over individual competition,” said Stetina. “Its team approach introduces kids to golf in a way unlike that of previous generations and has made a lasting impact in our community. Coaching PGA Jr. League has transformed my career and helped change the trajectory of my life. I am forever grateful.”
Stetina is employed full-time by the New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Program, where he serves as PGA Assistant Director in an academic and professional development role supporting undergraduate students preparing for careers in the golf industry. He also owns and operates Mesilla Valley Golf Academy, a Las Cruces–based youth and player development program.The organization offers junior golf programs, camps, classes, lessons, and PGA Jr. League teams through formal agreements with Red Hawk Golf Club, Sonoma Ranch Golf Course, and Back 9 Las Cruces. Mesilla Valley Golf Academy has operated continuously for several years and works closely with facility staff and ownership. Any recognition or awards reflect both Stetina’s work in the university setting and his long-standing commitment to junior golf development in the Las Cruces community.
Stetina also serves as Chair of the National PGA Jr. League Committee and continues to lead youth-focused initiatives across the Sun Country PGA Section. Through his work, his programs have awarded nearly $200,000 in PGA REACH Scholarships and provided mentorship and leadership opportunities for more than 100 PGA Golf Management students. We are proud to recognize Henry’s leadership and the impact of his work in advancing youth golf, both within our Section and across the golf industry.
-Clay Adelizzi
Sandy Lemon recently represented Sun Country at PGA Magazine’s Teacher/Coach of the Year Conference in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where the theme was “Position of Impact.” The event brought together National and Section Teachers and Coaches to share how they are continuing to grow and elevate their influence within the game.
Among the many takeaways from the conference, one message resonated deeply with Sandy: “Best coaches are the best people.” The sentiment reinforced her belief that meaningful coaching impact begins with empathy and a genuine commitment to caring for others.
“Best Coaches are the Best People.”— Jason Baile, PGA
Throughout the conference, Sandy reflected on the responsibility coaches have to give back by mentoring others and sharing what they have gained, both personally and professionally. She emphasized the importance of creating a safe place to learn, an environment where students feel seen and supported. Even within a one-hour lesson, each student should feel like the only priority.
Sandy also highlighted the evolving role of technology in instruction. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to integrate into the game, she noted that while tools can help identify what is wrong, they cannot replace encouragement or trust. At its core, golf instruction remains about people. Coaches who emphasize connection, listening, and care will continue to have the greatest impact, regardless of how technology evolves.
Sandy left the conference with a clear reflection point: Where am I today, where have I been, and what intention do I have going forward? That question sits at the heart of “Position of Impact” choosing growth, then turning around to help others grow as well.
Thank you, Sandy, for representing Sun Country and for continuing to model what meaningful impact looks like in today’s game.
