Naismith Student-Athlete Courage & Grit Award

APOPKA, Fla. - June 4, 2025 - PRLog -- Trailblazing Moment: Ava EC Thomas Honored with the Inaugural Renee Di Giulio-Naismith Student-Athlete Courage & Grit Award

Basketball Legend Lynette Woodard to Present Award in a Groundbreaking Youth Leadership Event

Orlando, FL — 6/4/2025— The Naismith International Basketball Foundation (NIBF) is proud to announce the inaugural presentation of the Renee Di Giulio-Naismith Student-Athlete Courage & Grit Award to high school student-leader Ava EC Thomas — an honor that recognizes outstanding character, academic excellence, and service to community through the lens of sport.

In a historic alignment of past and future, Ms. Lynette Woodard, Olympic gold medalist, Hall of Famer, and the first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters, will serve as the honorary presenter. Woodard, herself a past recipient of the Naismith Good Sportsmanship Award (2000), will help usher in this next generation of game changers by presenting the award to Ava during a special ceremony TBD:

Ava EC Thomas has already amassed over 90 hours of community service through The Mary Louis Academy in New York. She is the creator of the "Battle of the Brands" Summit Showcase — a powerful initiative designed to provide exposure and support to underprivileged student-athletes, offering them a path toward NCAA and Ivy League recruitment. Her leadership, dedication, and vision make her the perfect first recipient of this prestigious award.

"This isn't just an award — it's a movement," said Hector Perdomo, President of NIBF. "Ava's work, combined with Ms. Woodard's legacy, is laying the foundation for something far bigger than basketball."

The Courage & Grit Award will become an annual honor tied to a nationwide youth empowerment platform, with Ms. Ava EC Thomas serving as its first ambassador.

About the Naismith International Basketball Foundation
The NIBF is a nonprofit dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. James Naismith by investing in youth leadership, education, and community through basketball. Programs include the Naismith Good Sportsmanship Tour, Slam Dunk Island, and Naismith University.

For interviews, media inquiries, or event information, please contact:
Hector Perdomo
Email: h.perdomo@naismithfoundation.org
Phone: 321-444-7080

https://naismithfoundation.org/