Ridgefield Youth Lacrosse is honored to announce the creation of the Pepper Whitbeck Get Off the Sidelines Scholarship.

Chances are if you had ever crossed paths with Pepper (Carl) Whitbeck, you knew how passionate he was about the game of lacrosse.  Having served as Captain at Albany Academy in high school, he went on to play at Williams College, and then spent over 7 years as a critical member of the RYL family;  as coach for all 3 of his children, advocate for the league, and perhaps in his most important role recently, as cheerleader for his daughter, Alex (attack, 2026). 

Pepper loved the game and loved instilling that passion into others.  He believed in showing up, casting distractions aside, living in the moment, and leaving nothing on the field … in his words, he believed in GETTING OFF THE SIDELINES.

Off the field, Pepper lived his life with as much passion and enthusiasm for the things he loved:  his wife Gabriella, his children Alex, Jackson and Siena, his friends, and his community. He was larger than life, but wanted nothing more than to throw that spotlight on those around him. A consummate supporter, Pepper wanted everyone to believe in themselves and not be a spectator in their own life. He encouraged all who were lucky enough to know him to go for it - to work hard, play harder, love stronger, and have fun. 

Pepper would want every child interested in lacrosse to have the opportunity to learn, play, and grow their own passion for the game he loved.  In that spirit, Ridgefield Youth Lacrosse is honored to announce the creation of this Pepper Whitbeck RYL Memorial Scholarship.  In his memory, RYL will give children the chance to live Pepper’s motto:  Get off the sidelines and play!

For futher information and documentation, please click on our 'Financial Assistance' tab from the left-hand vertical menu.