Hazelett, Hightshue Families On Course for USA Games

A father-son duo and a father-mother-daughter trio are ready to pack their bags and head to the Special Olympics USA Games in June in Minnesota.

Among their luggage will be a specific type of bag: a golf bag.

Elijah Hightshue, an athlete with Special Olympics Indiana Johnson County, will be joined on the golf course by his father, Danny Hightshue, who is serving as his caddy.

Alise Hazelett, an athlete with Special Olympics Indiana Allen County, will have her mother, Donna Hazelett, as her Unified partner on the course and her father, Kirk Hazelett, as the golf head coach.

They all hope the familial connections fare well on the links.

“It means a lot to me to represent my county and Team Indiana,” Elijah Hightshue said. “It makes me very happy and proud. It has been so exciting for my family. They are so proud of me.”

Danny is ready to see his son’s strengths – focus and competitive mindset – shine on the national stage.

“I am looking forward to seeing all his practice and hard work being put on display,” Danny Hightshue said. “I look forward to watching him compete against competitors from all over the U.S.”

Donna Hazelett said her family is proud to represent the Hoosier State and to be included in this opportunity to play golf on a big stage.

“Allen County is in full support of its six participants,” she said, including two others in bowling and a track and field coach. “Our family loves to play sports together, and Alise’s brother will be a fan in the stands. We are all very funny and use humor to get through tough situations.”

Elijah Hightshue has been involved in Special Olympics since he was 8. He’s 19 now. For those 11 years, he has participated in golf, swimming and basketball. He also has been part of Train 4 Life since it began last year and competed in equestrian for one year.

“What I like about being part of it is the atmosphere,” Elijah said. “Everyone is kind and cheers one another on. It has helped me grow as a person. It has helped me to be stronger and healthier. It has also helped me to become a leader and get more comfortable with public speaking.”

He found out he was chosen for Team Indiana last year while in Texas on a business trip with his dad.

“I was shocked and so excited,” he said. “This is my first time being part of Team Indiana. I hope it is not my last.”

On the course, he said his strength is hitting long drives.

“Golf has helped me learn to remain calm and control my emotions when a shot doesn’t go how I want it to go and move on to the next hole with a positive attitude,” Elijah Hightshue said.

“I am looking forward to traveling, meeting new people, experiencing new places, playing golf and being immersed in the atmosphere of USA Games and Special Olympics.”

For the Hazeletts, Alise has been part of Special Olympics the longest, 26 years. She started in a school program with track and field. Along with track and golf, she has participated in basketball, bowling and volleyball. She also is involved in Train 4 Life and Athlete Leadership University and is part of Allen County’s Athlete Leadership Council Council and County Management Team.

Donna Hazelett has been involved for 20 years, starting as a volunteer with basketball. Kirk Hazelett brings 12 years of experience, starting with the county program in bowling.

Both have coached all of Alise’s sports through the years.

“We all got involved because we love sports and the life skills learned through playing,” Donna said. “Being involved in Special Olympics has given our family the opportunity to meet people from all over the world that we would not have crossed paths with had it not been for Special Olympics.”

Alise Hazelett’s first USA Games was in 2014 in New Jersey. She competed in track and field, while Donna was the coach, and Kirk was on the staff.

Alise and Donna Hazelett competed in Unified bowling at the 2015 World Games in Los Angeles, 2018 USA Games in Seattle and 2022 USA Games in Orlando. Kirk Hazelett was the bowling coach in 2018 and softball coach in 2022.

“The opportunities to be involved at all levels of the program have been memorable as we continue to make even more fun memories,” Donna Hazelett said.

Donna and Alise Hazelett have been practicing and are ready to put the skills to work on the course.

“Our goal is to play one shot at a time, each hole with good shots and improve one day to the next,” Donna Hazelett said. “We are good at following up our partner’s mediocre shot with a good shot. Teamwork and focus will be key.”

Kirk Hazelett looks forward to seeing the team compete. The other golfer on the team is Charlotte Miller of Washington Township with caddy Jason Broderick.

“Eli has a good understanding of the game, which will help him have good shot selections,” Kirk Hazelett said. “Charlotte is willing to listen and learn the game and will continue to improve each day. Alise and Donna work well together, as they are both patient and think through each shot. All four have been practicing year-round so that they are prepared for competition.”

They also look forward to watching Team Indiana compete in other sports at USA Games.

“We are excited to hear about and see the hard work and determination of our team,” Donna Hazelett said. “Team Indiana has always been a successful program when competing at USA Games thanks to everyone involved, and we want that to continue.”