Inspiring the Court: WMU Hoops Unites with Players with Disabilities

A Journey of Resilience and Impact

Bryce Weiler's journey began in a way that most people can't imagine. For the first three days of his life, he could only see faintly. By day four, his retinas had become detached due to a condition known as retinopathy of prematurity. Despite being born blind, Weiler never let this define him. Instead, he embraced challenges and found ways to overcome them, eventually becoming a sports announcer and dedicating his life to helping others with disabilities.

Weiler’s path took a significant turn when he spent four years on the bench with the Evansville men’s basketball team while attending college in Indiana. This experience not only helped him see the possibilities in life but also inspired him to create a lasting impact on others. After graduating, he partnered with Anthony Iacovone to launch the Beautiful Lives Project, an organization focused on providing people with disabilities access to activities and events that they might not have otherwise experienced.

The mission of the Beautiful Lives Project is to make these experiences accessible by hosting events across the country in collaboration with collegiate and professional athletic programs. Weiler believes that anyone can make a difference in someone's life, regardless of whether they are a sports fan or not. He emphasizes the importance of being a friend, offering support, and building confidence in those with disabilities.

In July 2025, Weiler brought his Court of Dreams event to Western Michigan University’s Read Fieldhouse. This fourth annual event, organized in partnership with head coach Dwayne Stephens’ program, offered over 40 teens and adults with disabilities the chance to participate in drills and compete with Broncos players. The event was designed to foster lifelong friendships and provide opportunities for athletes to impact the lives of participants.

For assistant coach Jeff Rutter, working with Weiler has been a meaningful experience. Rutter recalls meeting Weiler during his time at Drake University, where Weiler was on the Evansville bench for his last game. Their connection led to Weiler speaking to Rutter’s players, sharing his message of resilience and opportunity.

Rutter praised Weiler’s ability to inspire others, noting that his message encourages everyone to make the most of their opportunities and help others. This message resonates deeply with both the coaches and participants, creating an electric atmosphere that brings joy and connection.

Participants like Zeena Rassool and Radney Rasegan shared their experiences, highlighting the excitement of cheering each other on and the chance to shoot a basket with the team. For Radney, meeting the Broncos players and playing with them was a confidence booster, even if the players seemed like giants to him.

Western Michigan head coach Dwayne Stephens recalled how Weiler reached out to him about hosting an event shortly after he joined the university in 2022. For Stephens, it was an obvious choice. He emphasized the importance of his players understanding the privilege of being involved with the university and men’s basketball, while also giving them a chance to serve their community.

Stephens noted that seeing participants like Barry, who once worked as a ball boy for Michigan State, grow in confidence speaks to the impact of Weiler’s program. He hopes that some of the participants will return to watch the Broncos in action, and many, like Ally Prokup and Gideon Eckhart, are already eager to do so.

Eckhart, a 36-year-old Area 16 Special Olympian, expressed his love for the Broncos and the support they provide to athletes. Prokup, who returned for her second event, shared her passion for basketball and the joy of hanging out with the players. She plans to use the skills she learned to teach her nephew, hoping to spark a similar passion for the game.

For the WMU players, the event was more than just a chance to play; it was an opportunity to be role models and make a positive impact. EJ Ryans, a sophomore guard, described the event as a chance to be a superhero for others, and the smiles on the participants' faces confirmed that the mission was accomplished.

As Weiler continues to plan events around the country, he will return to Michigan for three more basketball-related events this fall at Hope College, Grand Valley State, and Eastern Michigan University. The Beautiful Lives Project continues to make a difference, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible. For more information on the project, visit beautifullives.org.