Endowed Athletic Scholarships

The Belmont Basketball Endowed Scholarship was established in 1996 by Frank Sheffield, a former member of the Belmont Board of Regents, to support future generations of basketball players at Belmont University. This scholarship was made possible through contributions from the Frank Sheffield Endowed Scholarship Fund, the Larry Striplin Men’s Basketball Scholarship Fund, the Paul Walker Scholarship Fund, and gifts from Roy Flowers, as well as Margaret and Dan Maddox.

Former Belmont Men’s Basketball coach Rick Byrd and his wife, Cheryl, established this scholarship fund to honor his parents, Ben and Jo Byrd, who both passed away in 2017. Ben was a sports editor and columnist for The Knoxville Journal and was one of the first mainstream journalists to equally cover men’s and women’s college basketball.

The Jack Benz Endowed Scholarship was established in 2021 by Jack Benz, a 1955 Belmont graduate and former Belmont basketball player. Jack also served as the president of the Belmont Alumni Board. He and his wife, Noroma, a member of the Belmont Auxiliary Partners, have been long-time supporters of Belmont University and its Athletics programs. In 2004, Jack & Noroma received Belmont’s Chaney Memorial Award.

The Blackman Family Endowed Scholarship for Men’s Basketball was established in 2017 by father and son Cris and Byran Blackman. Bryan graduated from Belmont in 2012 and has supported the men’s basketball team with his father.

The Brookshire/Coley Endowed Scholarship for Leadership in Athletics was established in 2018 by Michael D. Brookshire in honor of his son-in-law, Sterling Austin Coley and his son, Michael Chase Brookshire who graduated from Belmont in 2016 and 2013 and were baseball players at Belmont. The scholarship honors their leadership and time with the Belmont Baseball Program.

The Chandler Schultz Endowed Scholarship for Baseball was established in 2021 by the parents of Chandler Schultz, Walter and Nancy Schultz in honor of their son, Chandler, who graduated and played baseball for Belmont until 2022. The Schultz’s continue to be tremendous supporters of the Belmont Baseball program.

The Coach Dave and Martha Whitten Endowed Scholarship for Baseball was established in 2018 by Pat Johnson in honor of former baseball coach Dave Whitten and his wife Martha. Coach Whitten was at the helm of the Bruins Baseball team for 29 years with 663 wins in his career. He continued to stay active within the program for years after his retirement by being honorary assistant and pitching coaches for the team. Pat’s late husband, Warren, played baseball at Belmont for Coach Whitten.

The David Landrith Memorial Athletics Mission Endowment was established in 2017 after the passing of former Belmont Men’s Basketball player and pastor David Landrith, by Ken Roberts. This endowment was made in memory of David and goes towards athletics mission trips. David was a decorated member of the Belmont Basketball team and lettered for two seasons from 1984-1986.

The Dan and Lisa Foutch Endowed Scholarship was established in 2004 by Dan and Lisa Foutch. Both Belmont alumni who graduated in 1982, Dan was a basketball player at Belmont and Lisa was a cheerleader. Dan was also on the executive committee and athletics committee.

The Dr. Earl and Carolyn Peeples Endowed Scholarship was established in 2011 by Dr. Earl Peeples and his wife Carolyn. Parents to Belmont alumni and former Men’s Basketball student-athlete, Will Peeples, the scholarship was created to help support Belmont Athletics.

The Enterprise Solutions Men’s Golf Endowed Scholarship was started in 2019 by Jim Seabury III. Jim is a long time Bruin Club member and supporter of Belmont Athletics. Jim and Enterprise Solutions continue to support Belmont Athletics in a variety of ways, including through the Bruin Golf Classic, a women’s tennis endowed scholarship, and as suite holders for Belmont Basketball each season. In 2021, Jim and his wife Laurie were honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award.

The Enterprise Solutions Women’s Tennis Endowed Scholarship was started in 2019 by Jim Seabury III. Jim is a long time Bruin Club member and supporter of Belmont Athletics. Jim and Enterprise Solutions continue to support Belmont Athletics in a variety of ways, including through the Bruin Golf Classic, a men’s golf endowed scholarship, and as suite holders for Belmont Basketball each season. In 2021, Jim and his wife Laurie were honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award.

The Faulkner Family Endowed Scholarship was started in 2021 by David Faulker Jr. in honor of his son, David, who went to Belmont and played for the men’s tennis team. Their son David was a finance major and a well-respected tennis player during his time at Belmont. This scholarship was created to help support Belmont Athletics.

The Harold Louis Huggins Tennis Scholarship was established in honor of Harold Louis Huggins after his passing in 2016. Harold was a Belmont alumnus and played on both the basketball and tennis teams during his time. Harold was a part of the inaugural tennis team at Belmont. After graduating, he became a sports writer in Omaha, Nebraska, and then Paris, Tennessee.

The J Castro Endowed Scholarship for Women’s Basketball was established in 2021 by Belmont alumni J. Antonio Castro. J graduated from Belmont in 2009 and in 2020 during COVID he saw the publicity surrounding the discrepancies between the men’s and women’s NCAA tournament bubbles and wanted to make a difference at his alma mater, so he established a women’s basketball scholarship.

The Jeff Hammonds Endowed Scholarship for Cheerleading was established in 2021 by Jeff Hammonds to continue support for the Belmont Cheer team. Jeff is an alumni of Belmont, graduating in 1988, and was captain of the cheer team during his time at Belmont. He continues to show support for Belmont Cheer and Belmont Athletics through multiple channels.

Established in 2014 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Johnson Endowed Scholarship for Cross Country and Track supports student-athletes on the cross country and track & field teams.

Established in 1994 by Pat and Warren Johnson, along with Pat’s mother, Rose Rotella, this scholarship supports women’s tennis student-athletes at Belmont. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993.At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. This women’s tennis scholarship was their first endowed scholarship to Belmont Athletics.

The Jon Ashley Duncan Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Men’s Basketball was established by Mike and Kay Duncan in 2017 in honor of their son Jon Ashely who played basketball for Belmont from 1988-1992. Mike and Kay wanted to honor Jon’s memory by creating an endowed scholarship in his name. Kay has since passed away, but Mike continues to be a wonderful supporter of the Bruin Club and Belmont Athletics.

The Julie Garst Endowed Scholarship for Women’s Soccer was established in 2021 by Julie’s parents David and Kathryn Garst in honor of Julie’s time at Belmont and her being a part of the women’s soccer program. Julie graduated from Belmont in 2021 and played on the women’s soccer team all four years she was at Belmont. Julie is tied for second in school history for most career goals at 22.

Originally established by Thomas Sidwell, a 1981 Belmont graduate and former tennis and men’s basketball player, this scholarship was created to honor his father, Kenneth Sidwell. In 2017, the scholarship was renamed to also recognize Thomas’s mother, Margaret. Kenneth Sidwell, a distinguished figure in Belmont’s athletic history, was hired in 1962 as the men’s basketball head coach, in addition he took on the duties as head baseball coach. His leadership extended beyond coaching, when he became the Dean of Students in 1974. In the early 1990s, Kenneth became Belmont’s first full-time Director of Athletics, playing a key role in Belmont’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division-I in 1996. Before his retirement in 2006, Kenneth also served as Belmont’s Director of Compliance.

Established in 2016 by Larry and Jan Thrailkill, this scholarship reflects their long-standing commitment to Belmont University and its athletics program. The Thrailkill’s have been dedicated supporters of Belmont for over 30 years, driven by their shared passion for sports and education. Larry Thrailkill has served as an adjunct faculty member for the Jack C. MasseyGraduate School of Business and is a former Belmont Trustee. In 2014, Larry and Jan received the Belmont Chaney Memorial Award which honors those who give untiringly to the betterment of the athletic program. This scholarship provides support to student-athletes at Belmont.

The Hon. Mark T. Eissey Scholarship for Student Athletes was established in 2022 by the Eissey Family. Mark Eissey earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Belmont University in 1985 and was a proud member of the men’s basketball team. Mark went on to earn a law degree and served as a   prosecutor and County Court judge in Palm Beach County for 34 years. An avid supporter of Belmont athletics, Mark’s Belmont letterman jacket could often be seen strategically placed in his courtroom for all to see during many NCAA tournaments. A devout Christian, Mark was a man of great faith. Well known for his sense of humor, gregarious personality and his love of sports, this scholarship was lovingly established in Mark’s memory.

Established in 2018 by Dick Miller and his wife Sharalena, this scholarship reflects the Millers’ long-standing dedication to Belmont University. While not alumni themselves, the Millers have been loyal supporters of Belmont for many years and are current basketball suite holders. Dick has also played a pivotal role in shaping Belmont’s growth as he serves as Chairman and CEO of Earl Swensson Associates, the architectural firm responsible for designing and constructing most of the buildings on campus since the early 2000’s. Dick and Sharalena have two children, Lora Miller Vinson and Scott Miller. Dick and Shar were honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2018.

Established in 2020 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Pat Johnson Cheerleading Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes on the cheerleading team.

Established in 2018 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest activeNCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Pat Johnson Endowed Scholarship for Softball supports student-athletes on the softball team.

Established in 2020 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Pat Johnson Men’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes on the men’s basketball team.

Established in 2020 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006.The Pat Johnson Men’s Golf Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes on the men’s golf team.

Established in 2020 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Pat Johnson Men’s Soccer Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes on the men’s soccer team.

Established in 2019 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Pat Johnson Men’s Tennis Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes on the men’s tennis team.

Established in 2017 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Pat Johnson Women’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes on the women’s basketball team.

Established in 2019 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Pat Johnson Women’s Golf Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes on the women’s golf team.

Established in 2019 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Pat Johnson Women’s Soccer Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes on the women’s soccer team.

Established in 2020 by Pat Johnson, this scholarship reflects her commitment to education and Belmont Athletics. Beginning her college journey at Belmont in the 1950s, Pat paused her studies to raise her two sons, Warren Jr. and Jeff. Her husband, Warren Sr., a Belmont graduate and distinguished basketball and baseball player, was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame before passing away in 2007. After raising her family, Pat returned to Belmont as a non-traditional student, earning her degree in accounting in 1993. At 59, she became the oldest active NCAA athlete, competing on the Belmont women’s tennis team. Over the years, Pat faithfully contributed to many endowed scholarships supporting various athletic programs at Belmont – generously boasting an endowed scholarship to each athletic program at Belmont. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and passion for Belmont Athletics. Pat was honored with Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2006. The Pat Johnson Women’s Volleyball Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes on the women’s volleyball team.

Established in 2019 by Richard and Patricia Bibb, this scholarship showcases the couple’s long-standing support for Belmont Athletics. Patricia, a Belmont graduate, earned her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies in 2003. Both Richard and Patricia have been dedicated civic leaders in the White Bluff and Dickson, Tennessee communities. Richard, a cattle farmer and accountant, has been instrumental in local development efforts.

Established in 2019 following Coach Rick Byrd’s retirement, this scholarship was created by a group of Belmont donors to honor his remarkable legacy and impact on the men’s basketball program. During his 30+ years as a Belmont staff member, Coach Byrd achieved extraordinary success, ranking 13th all-time in wins (805) among NCAA Division-I Men’s Basketball head coaches. The Rick Byrd Endowed Scholarship ensures his legacy continues to inspire future generations of players.

Established in 1996 by Belmont’s first athletic director and head basketball coach, Larry D. Striplin, Jr. The scholarship honors Robert Barnes, one of Striplin’s former basketball players who is widely regarded as one of Belmont’s all-time great student-athletes. Barnes continues to be recognized through this scholarship.

Established in 2018 by John A. Spann IV, a 2002 Belmont graduate with a degree in finance, this scholarship reflects Spann’s long-time support of Belmont Athletics. He is the owner of Spann Financial, where he works as an employee benefits specialist and certified financial planner. Spann is also a proud father of two children, John V and Audrey.

Established in 2020 by Spencer and Meredith Turner, both 2015 Belmont graduates and former student-athletes. Spencer played men’s basketball, while Meredith played women’s soccer. This scholarship demonstrates their appreciation for Belmont’s athletic department.

Randy and Rhonda Toney established this scholarship in 2021 to support Belmont Athletics as they are long-time fans of Belmont basketball and have attended games for many years. Their son, Charlie, graduated from Belmont in 2007. The Toney family has also been recognized with the naming of the men’s basketball team lounge in the Crockett Center for Athletic Excellence. They were honored by Belmont Athletics with the prestigious Chaney Memorial Award in 2024.

Established in 2018 by Jeff and Pam Walker, this scholarship reflects their deep connection to Belmont University. Jeff, a 1983 Belmont graduate, met Pam while attending Belmont, and their son Adam also graduated from Belmont in 2017. Jeff and his father, Paul Walker, also a Belmont graduate, significantly supported Belmont Athletics for years together prior to Paul’s passing in 2024. The Walkers are dedicated Bruin fans, holding court-side seats and attending as many games as possible. Their contributions were honored with the naming of The Walker Family Bruin Balcony and Conference Room in the Crockett Center for Athletic Excellence. In 2022, Paul and Joyce Walker, along with Jeff and Pam Walker, received Belmont’s prestigious Chaney Memorial Award.

This scholarship was established in 2000 by Carol Weaver to support Belmont’s cross country and track & field programs. The Weaver family’s connection to Belmont Athletics runs deep. Carol’s daughter, Keely, was Belmont’s first-ever All-American in any sport during the NCAA era and was inducted into the Belmont Hall of Fame in 2014. The university also honored her by naming the cross country and track & field locker room after her. Keely’s sister, Kelsey, also attended Belmont, and their brother, Austin, is married to Lauren Williams Weaver, a Belmont Hall of Fame inductee (2017) for her achievements in cross country and track & field.

The Yeager/Loffi Family Endowed Scholarship for Belmont Athletics was established in 2019 by Ann Yeager Loffi in honor of her late husband, Mike, and her parents. Ann and Mike met at Belmont, where they graduated in 1970 and 1971. Their son, Christopher, graduated in 2004.