Volunteer Spotlight - Bill Scheidegger
When William (Bill) Scheidegger walked into his first FIRST® event during the 2014–2015 Cascade Effect season, he was immediately immersed in a community he would go on to serve for more than a decade, providing leadership and creating unforgettable moments for teams across Texas.
Bill began as a Judge in Central Texas, back when the region had not yet adopted the League model. Shortly after joining Rackspace, he was invited to volunteer at an event with the option to take the following workday off. He arrived thinking about the time off, but left asking when the next event would be. By the end of the season, he was already counting down to the start of the next one.
At the following season kickoff, Bill learned Texas would be transitioning to the League model and was asked if he would consider changing roles so he could support teams earlier in the season. That conversation became a turning point. The then Texas Head Referee began mentoring him, preparing Bill to one day step into that leadership role himself.
Since then, Bill has served as a Referee and Head Referee at events across the state. He held the title of Texas Head Referee for four consecutive seasons:
- 2021–2022 Freight Frenzy
- 2022–2023 Power Play
- 2023–2024 Centerstage
- 2024–2025 Into The Deep
During the 2024–2025 postseason, he began transitioning into the role of FIRST Technical Advisor, continuing his commitment to supporting events from a new perspective and helping ensure competitions run smoothly for teams and volunteers alike.
For Bill, the magic of FIRST lives in the moments no one can predict. He has watched powerhouse teams fall and then turn around to graciously congratulate the teams that beat them, showing what Gracious Professionalism looks like in action. He has stood in arenas where entire crowds, including opposing alliances, cheered on a team attempting to break a world record. He has been there when a team finally accomplished the hardest thing they had ever tried and saw their robot come to life in a way they once thought impossible.
“Every event brings a memorable experience,” Bill shared. “There is always something that happens that you never thought would. Whether that is a team successfully doing something or learning another way to not do it, it is always amazing.”
Through every season, his motivation has remained the same. Helping make these events possible fuels a global movement that prepares students to become the next generation of changemakers. His volunteer journey with FIRST in Texas has shown him how to give back to his community in a way that reaches far beyond robotics.
“I have directly impacted so many young people in finding their way,” he said. “Even when their path did not include robotics.”
From his first year as a judge to shaping the future of competition as a Texas Head Referee and FIRST Technical Advisor, Bill Scheidegger’s story is a powerful reminder that volunteers are the heartbeat of FIRST in Texas. Through leadership, mentorship, and a deep belief in the potential of every student, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the lives of young people across our state.
