You will forever be in our hearts!

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our friend and longtime coach, Mario Avello. We extend our deepest condolences to the Avello family and pray for your strength through this difficult time. You will be missed Coach. Rest In Peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested to make donations in his honor to The First Tee of Miami.  To donate click here

Coach Mario was an accomplished coach and was very much loved by the community.  His extensive background and knowledge has brought on many successes to our First Tee participants.  Below are his accomplishments.

BACKGROUND & AWARDS

  • 2005 – 2006: Shot Link – Junior Coordinator / CA Championship at Doral
  • 2007 – 2012: Head Coordinator Junior Program CA/WGC Cadillac Championship Doral
  • 2004 – 2006: Shot Link – Assistant Coordinator to the Golf Channel “Miccosukee” Nationwide Tournament
  • 2007 – 2012: Head Coordinator Junior Program “Miccosukee” Nationwide Tournament
  • 2005 – 2010: Work with Christopher Columbus
  • 2005 to Present: Work with Miami High School Golf Teams (Boys & Girls)
  • 1980 – 1982: North Florida PGA Winter Tour
  • 1980 – 1982: JC Goose Space Tour
  • 1976 – 1978: Teacher/Counselor Arnold Palmer Golf Academy – Bayhill, Orlando, Florida
  • 1973 – 1974: Seabreeze High School Daytona Beach, Florida, First Team All- State Florida High School Player of the Year `74
  • 1973 – 1974: Volusia County – Amateur Champion
  • 1974 – 1978: University of Tennesse, Knoxville, Tennessee – Golf Team Senior Year – Third Team all SEC – College Honorable Mention
  • 1982 – 1998: Career in Community Banking
  • 1998 – 2000: St. Agatha Catholic School Coach: Basketball / Baseball – Interim Athletic Director
  • 2000 – 2006: Teaching Professional at Melreese Golf Course – Students include: Carlos Velez, Stefano Diaz, Ryan Carter, Ian Facey, Michelle Rodriguez, Zach Montaner and Javi Rodriguez
  • 2000 – 2010: The First Tee Miami Coordinator – Junior Administrator
  • 2010 to Present: The First Tee Miami Programs Director

PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

  • Varsity Golf Head Coach Belen Jesuit Prep-Miami
  • Virtus Certified-Archdiocese of Miami
  • The First Tee Coach-Phase III
  • Judging Committee Nature Valley First Tee Open
  • Captain Team Florida- Doral Publix
  • Florida State Team Championship Head Coordinator First Tee Miami
  • Here’s Help Golf Clinic Head Coordinator/Instructor
  • The First Tee Miami/Dade Amateur Golf Association Mia., FL {Instructor}
  • Boys & Girls Club of Greater Miami – Mia., FL{Instructor}
  • Dade Amateur Golf Championship – Mia., FL Head Rules Official/Rules Comm.
  • Miami-Dade Schools Sports Program for Disabled – Mia., FL, Head Coordinator
  • Big Brothers and Big Sisters – Mia., FL Head Coordinator
  • Miami Mega-City Special Olympics – Mia., FL Head Coordinator
  • Optimist International Local Qualifier – Mia., FL{Starter/Rules}
  • Summer Series Tournaments – Mia., FL Head Rules/Assistant Coordinator
  • Charlie DeLucca School of Golf Camps – Mia., FL Lead Instructor/Head Coordinator
  • GMAC Championship – Mia., FL{Starter/Rules}
  • Humana Day – Mia., FL{Starter/Rules}
  • Nat Moore Foundation – Doral, Florida
  • City of Miami -Annual Golf Classic – Mia., FL Participant
  • Doral/Publix Junior Golf Tournament– Doral, Florida {Rules Official and Starter}
  • Children with Disabilities Golf Clinics/Special Olympics Mia., FL Head Coordinator
  • Head Coordinator for WGC Cadillac and Miccosukee Juniors Clinics