Five Raiders Awarded 2025 Reese Widman Memorial Scholarship
The Reese Widman Memorial Scholarship has once again been awarded to five exceptional players from Pierce College Baseball team, marking the second year the scholarship has been given in memory of Reese Widman. This scholarship was created to honor Reese's legacy as a kind, caring, and competitive individual, with a focus on mental health awareness and support for those in need.
Reese Widman had committed to playing baseball at Pierce College before his tragic death in January 2023. He had silently struggled with depression, and despite his outward success and charisma, he ultimately ended his life. In the wake of his passing, his family, friends, and community established the scholarship to remember him and to raise awareness about mental health issues, particularly among athletes.
The recipients of the 2025 Reese Widman Memorial Scholarship are Bowen Stinson, Cooper Weygandt, Jackson Copeland, Tristan Ringrose, and Bradley Carl. All of this year’s winners embody the spirit of Reese, demonstrating strong leadership, hard work, and dedication to supporting one another both on and off the field. The five players who received the 2025 scholarship not only excel in their athletic abilities but also serve as leaders within their team and community.
A Legacy of Kindness and Mental Health Awareness
The Reese Widman Memorial Scholarship serves to remember Reese for the wonderful person he was—on and off the field. His family and peers describe him as kind, loyal, loving, funny, competitive, charismatic, and charming. Reese's impact extended far beyond his athleticism, and his legacy continues through this scholarship and the message he left behind. Even in his darkest moments, Reese was thinking of others. Before his passing, he left behind a note for his baseball brothers, urging them, “Do what I couldn’t do; Get help.” This heartfelt message serves as a call to action for those struggling with mental health issues, encouraging them to seek support.
While most of the scholarship recipients never had the chance to meet Reese personally, they have all heard stories about him and embraced his message. Bowen Stinson, a returning winner of the scholarship, shared that he never imagined it was possible to miss someone he had never met, underscoring the powerful impact Reese’s legacy continues to have on the team.
How to Contribute to the Reese Widman Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Reese Widman Memorial Scholarship is made possible through the generous support of the community. Those wishing to contribute can make donations to Widdy’s Work, the organization that supports the scholarship and other mental health initiatives. Donations can be made through the Widdy’s Work website at www.widdyswork.com, where there is a dedicated donate tab with information on how to contribute.
Other Ways to Get Involved with Widdy’s Work
There are several ways for people to get involved with Widdy’s Work beyond donating. One such opportunity is to become a Widdy’s Work Ambassador. Ambassadors are advocates for Reese's message and play a crucial role in sharing the message, “Do what I couldn’t do; Get help.”
In addition, Widdy’s Work hosts events such as a baseball tournament and a race during the summer, providing further opportunities for individuals to volunteer and participate. Anyone interested in volunteering or becoming an Ambassador can email Kelly at kelly@widdyswork.com for more information on how to get involved.
Looking Ahead
As the Reese Widman Memorial Scholarship continues to grow, it honors not only the life of an extraordinary individual but also promotes a culture of support, kindness, and mental health awareness. The five players awarded the 2025 scholarship are a testament to the lasting impact Reese’s life and message have on the community, and they will undoubtedly carry his legacy forward as leaders both on and off the field.
