Mason Shifflett, after a successful playing career cut short by injury, is starting a new chapter as an assistant coach for the PLNU Men’s Basketball team in the 2025-26 season, supported by his strong family.
Mason Shifflett’s parents, Steven and Ami, have been his biggest supporters. They raised him with love, faith, and resilience.
Mason was on the 2024-25 PLNU Team that won both the PacWest Regular Season and Tournament Titles
They even reached the West Regional championship game. But Mason missed the season due to injury. He didn’t sit idle. He led from the sideline, offering guidance and energy.
Before transferring to Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), Mason shone at the University of Montevallo. He played in 72 games there. His averages? 10.1 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, and an impressive 128 three-pointers.
His skills made him a standout. Now, as the first former player on the staff to become a coach, Mason feels honored.
He shared his thoughts:
“Being the first former player of any coach on this staff to step into a coaching role alongside them is an honor I carry with deep pride and genuine humility.
Via plnusealions
Seeing how hard Coach Downer, Coach McIntosh, and Coach Dyck work, as well as their attention to detail, emphasis on growth in every phase of life, and commitment to family, will not be taken for granted.”
Mason added:
“I cannot overstate the impact they and this program have had on me. Their ability to breathe life into others is something I wake up excited to join them in every single day.”
Via plnusealions
PLNU kicks off the 2025-26 season soon. They play an exhibition game against Westcliff on November 8 at 4 p.m. in the Golden Gym. Fans are eager to see Mason’s influence.
Mason Shifflett’s Parents and Siblings are the Family that built him.
Family means everything to Mason. He is the son of Steven Shifflett and stepmother Ami Thorne Shifflett
Steven raised him alongside his older sister, Hannah. Steven and Ami tied the knot in January 2025. Their bond has created a blended family full of love.
Mason grew up in Kentucky. Both parents hail from there. This close-knit unit has always been his rock.
Ami has a son named Benjamin Carpenter from a previous relationship. Together, they form a supportive circle.
Mason’s relationship with his family shines through in his words. On Father’s Day, he posted a heartfelt message:
“Happy Father’s Day to the best Dad, role model, and mentor I could ever ask for. In the past year I’ve seen you get married, travel more than you ever have, work harder than anyone I know, and none of that has stopped you from supporting me or being there when I need you. I cannot wait for our next road trip even though I don’t know when that will be. It is so good to see you enjoy life as you deserve.”
Via Facebook
Steven openly supports his children. His Facebook and Instagram posts show him as a family man with strong faith and love for his country.
Mason’s father, Steven Shifflet, is an Engineer, a Coach, and Devoted Father
Steven Shifflett is a Kentucky native, and he earned a Master of Engineering in Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering from the University of Louisville.
He works as a geotechnical engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Steven is an expert in flood control.
He has led projects using geocells to build temporary levees during floods, such as those along the Ohio River. His work protects communities.
Beyond engineering, Steven is a retired basketball coach and he passed his love for the game to Mason. Steven’s dedication shows in his career and family life. He balances hard work with being there for his kids.
Whereas Ami Thorne Shifflett is also from Kentucky. She attended North Bullitt High School, and then she studied at Morehead State University and the University of Louisville.
Ami works as a teacher in Bullitt County Public Schools. She focuses on early childhood special education. Her passion for helping kids fits her role as a stepmom.
Ami brings warmth to the family. She supports Mason’s dreams. Her own son, Benjamin, adds to the family’s joy. Together with Steven, she creates a home full of encouragement.
The Shifflett family, united by faith and love, grew stronger through Mason’s cancer battle, celebrated his coaching achievements, and embraced new beginnings with Steven and Ami’s marriage in 2025, all while cherishing their time together.
Mason’s sister Hannah has been by his side since childhood. Their sibling bond is unbreakable. The whole family celebrates Mason’s milestones, like his coaching role.
Mason Shifflett’s coaching shows his family’s influence, instilling humility, hard work, and heart. Fans can expect great things, starting with the exhibition game on November 8.
Credit goes to his parents, Steven and Ami, who raised a dedicated leader and coach.
Mason Shifflett’s parents, Steven and Ami, deserve credit. They raised a fighter, a leader, and a coach. Their story reminds us: Family is the foundation of success. With their support, Mason is ready to inspire the next generation.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- As a young child, he faced a challenging diagnosis: pediatric cancer, specifically Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
