The Bloomington Parks Foundation and the family of Don Shiflet continue his legacy through the Don Shiflet Memorial Scholarship, which awards two annual scholarships to Fairview Elementary School students in the Banneker Afterschool program to help cover the cost of participating in youth sports.
Third-grade student Sabali Brewster received the Spring 2026 scholarship award in a ceremony at Fairview on May 12. She plans to use the scholarship to play soccer.
Each $250 scholarship helps cover registration fees, equipment, uniforms, and other gear needed for participation in a sports program through Bloomington Parks and Recreation or another local youth sports organization.
The scholarship was established by Don Shiflet’s family following his passing in 2019 to honor his lifelong commitment to supporting young athletes and making sports accessible to children in the community.
Shiflet was inducted into the Monroe County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and was a charter member of the Bloomington Softball Hall of Fame. He played a key role in starting youth football and baseball programs in Bloomington and surrounding communities.
In recognition of his decades of service to the local softball community, including his efforts to build Parks and Recreation’s adult softball program beginning in 1952, the Lower Cascades North ball diamond was named Don Shiflet Field in 2001.
Shiflet worked in the sporting goods sales industry for 53 years, providing athletic equipment to Indiana University and dozens of schools throughout Indiana. Family members say he was known for quietly helping young athletes whose families could not afford equipment or clothing needed to participate in sports.
Fairview Elementary student Sabali Brewster (right) receives the Spring 2026 Don Shiflet Memorial Scholarship on May 12, 2026. Congratulating Sabali are (L-R) Bloomington Parks and Recreation Recreation Facilities General Manager Hsiung Marler; Bloomington Parks Foundation Board of Directors Secretary Sally Baird; and Banneker Community Center Facility/Program Coordinator Kevin Terrell.
Fairview Elementary School Assistant Principal and Don Shiflet’s granddaughter Kelsey Pearson said, “Don was known for never turning away someone in need, whether it be new shoes or a new glove or a pair of athletic shorts. His generosity was never forgotten by those he helped throughout the years.”
“One of Dad’s greatest joys was helping kids,” said Don Shiflet’s daughter, Tammy Brannon. “He was always willing to help kids out, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.”
Brannon said her father had a special place in his heart for children involved in programming at Banneker Community Center, and the family wanted the scholarship to reflect his kindness, generosity, and love of youth sports.
Pearson said, “Our family could not think of a better way to carry on his legacy than through setting up a scholarship to benefit local youth wanting to play sports.”
Students apply for the scholarship by responding to questions about why they want to play sports, and what makes a good teammate. Past scholarship recipients have participated in football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and softball programs.
The Don Shiflet Memorial Scholarship is administered through the Bloomington Parks Foundation in partnership with Bloomington Parks and Recreation.
For more information about the Don Shiflet Memorial Scholarship, or to make a contribution to the scholarship fund, visit bloomingtoninparksfoundation.org.
