Celebrating Resilience: The 2025 Jersey Mike's Naismith Award Winners

Resilience in Action: Honoring Lily Dunlap and Davon Ciesiolka

In an inspiring ceremony, two remarkable student-athletes have been celebrated as the national winners of the 2025 Jersey Mike's Naismith High School Basketball Courage Award. Lily Dunlap, a junior at St. John's School in Houston, Texas, and Davon Ciesiolka, a senior at Clintondale High School in Clinton Township, Michigan, were chosen for their extraordinary courage and impactful contributions to their teams and communities.

The award, which has been recognizing the strength and perseverance of high school basketball players since it was established in 2020, aims to honor those who excel despite facing significant life challenges. The selection process reviewed countless applications, but Dunlap and Ciesiolka stood out among the top ten national finalists for their unwavering determination.

Dunlap's journey is particularly inspiring. Having been diagnosed with hearing loss at age four, she spent years overcoming personal hurdles. The challenges intensified when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma during her junior year. Despite undergoing 12 rounds of chemotherapy, Dunlap remained committed to her sport and her team. Her dedication was evident as she worked on physical conditioning throughout her treatment. After successfully completing her chemotherapy, she made a triumphant return to the basketball court, scoring a three-pointer during her first game back, which led to an overwhelming celebration by her peers.

Similarly, Ciesiolka's resilience has been remarkable. He faced significant personal challenges, including the traumatic loss of his mother shortly after the birth of his youngest sibling. Despite this heartache, he stepped up to care for his family, including his special needs siblings, while also maintaining his academic performance with a commendable 3.4 GPA. His leadership skills shine not just in basketball but also in football, where he captains both teams and manages to work a part-time job to support his family.

Both award winners were honored in events held at their respective schools, where students, teachers, and peers celebrated their achievements. In acknowledgment of their hard work, Jersey Mike's generously donated $2,000 each to their high school basketball programs and to each awardee.

Eric Oberman, president of the Atlanta Tipoff Club, emphasized the core values reflected in Dunlap and Ciesiolka's stories, speaking to their shared qualities of perseverance and a strong sense of community. He stated, “Lily and Davon represent the heart of what this award stands for—unbreakable perseverance, strength in the face of challenges, and an unwavering commitment to their teams and communities.”

The Atlanta Tipoff Club has been active since the 1956-57 season, dedicated to promoting basketball and celebrating the excellence of those who contribute to the sport's excitement. The Naismith Awards, representing the pinnacle of achievement in high school and college basketball, honor both players and coaches who have made significant impacts in their realms. These accolades are named after Dr. James Naismith, the game's inventor, and are highly regarded across the sporting community.

Jersey Mike's Subs, known for its commitment to community involvement, echoes these values through its mission to make a difference in people's lives. With over 4,000 locations, the company emphasizes authenticity and quality in its offerings. Their partnership with the Naismith Awards further exemplifies their dedication to uplifting youth through sports.

As we reflect on the journeys of Lily Dunlap and Davon Ciesiolka, their stories serve to remind us of the transformative power of sports and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The courage they have shown not only inspires their families and communities but serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring young athletes tuning in from across the nation.