Disney Spirit Award Winner, Pitt’s Tre Tipton Named Most Inspirational in College Football
Originally published at Disney Parks News
Many magical sports moments have happened at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort, but tonight is one of the most special ones. That is because this evening, Disney Sports will present the annual Disney Spirit Award on ESPN’s national telecast of “The Home Depot College Football Awards.” This year the award goes to the University of Pittsburgh’s Tre Tipton as the most inspirational figure in college football.
Disney Sports Vice President Faron Kelley will present Tre with the Disney Spirit Award live on ESPN during a virtual broadcast of the awards show on Dec. 9, 2021, at 7 p.m. ET. Make sure to tune in on your local ESPN station or the ESPN app to learn more about his amazing story.
During a recent team meeting, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi revealed to Tre that he had been chosen to receive this year’s Disney Spirit Award. Watch the video above to see his memorable reaction to the news.
Growing up outside Pittsburgh, life wasn’t always easy. Tre struggled to deal with one family tragedy after another, as well as four season-ending injuries at Pitt. That eventually led to multiple suicide attempts and turned a traditional four-year college football experience for him into what is now his seventh year.
But instead of letting his misfortune bring him down, he’s using his circumstances to help others. Tre eventually committed to seeking the help that he needed for his mental health as well as his physical health. And he’s helping to rescue others fighting similar demons with L.O.V.E.
— Living Out Victoriously Everyday, a nonprofit organization he launched with a classmate aimed at providing mental health support for fellow students on campus and beyond. Tre also does motivational speaking about mental health around campus, at his old high school and the surrounding community.
