Over $10,000 in prizes recognize courageous male and female high school basketball players nationwide
ATLANTA (October 27, 2025) – The Atlanta Tipoff Club (ATOC) and Jersey Mike’s Subs are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 7th annual Jersey Mike’s Subs Naismith High School Basketball Courage Award. High school basketball coaches and administrators are invited to recognize a young athlete from their school for their exceptional efforts on and off the court with a nomination for this prestigious award that offers a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship.
The award program celebrates high school basketball players who demonstrate outstanding courage, determination and leadership, while also providing award recipients, and their schools, with financial resources.
“At Jersey Mike’s, our mission is ‘Giving…making a difference in someone’s life,’” said Jeff Hemschoot, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, LLC. “This award perfectly aligns with that mission, recognizing students who overcome substantial obstacles with grace and determination. We are proud to partner with the Atlanta Tipoff Club to provide significant support to these courageous players and their schools.”
The award is given to two national winners (one male and one female), each receiving a $5,000 scholarship for themselves and a $2,000 donation to their respective high school basketball programs. Additionally, the Top 10 finalists will receive custom program gear, and all nominated students will receive a Recognition Certificate and program pin. This totals to over $10,000 in donations and prizes.
“The true spirit of basketball often shines brightest through adversity,” said Eric Oberman, President of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “The Jersey Mike’s Subs Naismith High School Basketball Courage Award allows us to celebrate the tremendous courage, perseverance, and leadership of young athletes whose stories inspire their teams and communities. We encourage every coach and administrator to nominate players who embody this extraordinary character.”
Nominations for the Jersey Mike’s Subs Naismith High School Basketball Courage Award are open until January 16, 2026. High school administrators and coaches are encouraged to submit nominations at the official awards landing page.
Following the closing date, the Top 10 finalists will be finalized during the week of January 19, 2026, and the two national winners will be announced during the week of February 19.
To nominate your student athlete, click here: https://www.astudentabove.com/nominate
About The Atlanta Tipoff Club
Founded during the 1956-57 season, the Atlanta Tipoff Club is committed to promoting the game of basketball and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of those who make the game so exciting. The Atlanta Tipoff Club administers the Naismith Awards, the most prestigious national honors in all of college and high school basketball. Named in honor of Dr. James Naismith, inventor of the game of basketball, the family of Naismith Awards annually recognizes the most outstanding men’s and women’s college and high school basketball players and coaches. Other Naismith Awards are presented to the men’s and women’s college basketball defensive players of the year, as well as lifetime achievement awards to basketball officials and outstanding contributors to the game. UC A’s Lew Alcindor received the first Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy in 1969, while the late Anne Donovan (Old Dominion) was the inaugural women’s recipient in 1983. Corporate partners of the Naismith Awards include AXIA Time, Jersey Mike’s, MOLECULE and Werner Ladder. For more information, visit www.naismithtrophy.com.
About Jersey Mike’s Subs
Jersey Mike’s Subs, with more than 4,000 locations open and in development, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread – the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving… Making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.