The Atlanta Tipoff Club was founded during the 1956-1957 college basketball season to promote the game and acknowledge remarkable achievements within the sport. It is the official organization charged with administering the Naismith Awards, which is one of the most honored national recognitions in both high school and college basketball. The award is named after Dr. James Naismith, the creator of basketball. The Naismith Awards recognize outstanding performances in various categories, including the most outstanding men's and women's players and coaches at both high school and college levels.
Apart from college player and coach awards, the Atlanta Tipoff Club is also responsible for awarding other Naismith honors like the college basketball defensive player of the year awards for men and women, as well as other lifetime achievement awards. The latter awards are conferred on prestigious basketball officials and individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the game. The first Naismith Trophy was given to Lew Alcindor of UCLA in 1969, and Anne Donovan of Old Dominion University was the first women's honoree in 1983. The corporate sponsors for the Naismith Awards are AXIA Time, Jersey Mike's, MOLECULE, Sharpie, and Werner Ladder, as mentioned on their official Naismith Trophy website.
Naismith College Women Defensive Player of the Year
Naismith Defensive Player of the Year is an annual Award given to the best defensive player in college basketball. It is presented in both men's and women's categories. The Atlanta Tipoff Club has presented the award since the 2018 season. The 2025 Naismith College Women's Defensive Player of the Year is Lauren Betts from the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team.
Naismith College Women Defensive Player of the Year Winners
| Year | Player | School | Position | Class |
| 2017–18 | Teaira McCowan | Mississippi State | C | Junior |
| 2018–19 | Kristine Anigwe | California | PF / C | Senior |
| 2019–20 | DiDi Richards | Baylor | SG | Junior |
| 2020–21 | Natasha Mack | Oklahoma State | SF | Senior |
| 2021–22 | Aliyah Boston | South Carolina | PF / C | Junior |
| 2022–23 | Aliyah Boston | South Carolina | PF / C | Senior |
| 2023–24 | Cameron Brink | Stanford | C | Senior |
| 2024–25 | Lauren Betts | UCLA | C | Junior |
FAQs on Naismith Award
A. The Naismith Award is an annual award given to the top men’s and women’s college basketball players.
A. The Atlanta Tipoff Club presents the Naismith Award.
A. The first Naismith Award was presented in 1969.
A. Zach Edey (Purdue) and Caitlin Clark (Iowa) won the Naismith Award in 2024.
