On a beautiful night in our nation's capital, Delbarton School alumnus CJ Kirst '20 was honored with the 2025 Tewaaraton Award, capping off a remarkable collegiate career at Cornell University. The award, widely regarded as the Heisman Trophy of lacrosse, recognizes the most outstanding male and female college players in the nation while celebrating the Native American roots of the game.
"The entire Delbarton Athletic Department congratulates CJ Kirst on a tremendous collegiate career and for winning the Tewaaraton Award," says Athletic Director Dr. Tony Negrin. "Reflecting on the days CJ was both  a student athlete and a young man on this campus, his energy, enthusiasm, and constant devotion to excellence allowed for his classmates, teammates, and teachers to know that he was a special leader. That smile he brings with him into every environment is contagious, and there is no one in the country more deserving of this award than CJ."
Kirst, a two-time team captain and 2024 carrier of Cornell's symbolic "Hard Hat," delivered a jaw-dropping senior season that will be remembered as one of the greatest in NCAA history. He recorded 115 points — 82 goals and 33 assists — tying the NCAA single-season goal record. Earlier in the season, he became the all-time leading goal scorer in NCAA Division I men's lacrosse history, finishing his career with 247 goals and 345 points, good for 10th all-time in Division I lacrosse.
His strong offensive play helped power the Big Red to its first NCAA national championship since 1977, defeating Maryland in the title game. Prior to winning the a national championship and the Tewaaraton Award, Kirst was selected first overall in the 2025 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Draft by the Philadelphia Waterdogs, cementing his place as the face of the next generation of professional lacrosse.
A product of Delbarton's storied lacrosse program, Kirst was one of New Jersey's top scorers before the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ended his senior season in 2020. He led the Green Wave to a Tournament of Champions (TOC) title and was known for his relentless work ethic, high character, and fearless play.
"On behalf of the Delbarton community and our lacrosse program, we congratulate CJ on winning the Tewaaraton Award," said head lacrosse coach Matt Kovachik. "As a high school player, CJ's skill and athleticism stood out when you watched him play. More importantly, CJ has always been an outstanding teammate whose leadership, support of his teammates and infectious enthusiasm surpasses his lacrosse abilities."
With his Tewaaraton Award win, Kirst joins Delbarton alum Ned Crotty '05, who won the award in 2010 as a midfielder at Duke University, as one of just two Green Wave players to ever receive the honor.
"The Delbarton family could not be prouder of CJ Kirst as he receives the Tewaaraton Award," said Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B., who was in attendance as CJ received his award. "As a Delbarton student, CJ was a consistently positive force among his classmates and his teammates. He exemplifies the spirit of Brotherhood that is a central feature of our life as a Benedictine Catholic school. CJ is a model for our young men."
According to its website, "The Tewaaraton Award, presented annually in Washington, D.C., recognizes both athletic achievement and extraordinary character in collegiate lacrosse while honoring the sport's Native American heritage. The Tewaaraton Foundation supports this mission by incorporating cultural traditions into its programming and giving back to Native American communities through scholarships and youth development initiatives."
CJ Kirst's name is now etched alongside the legends of the game — a testament to his excellence on the field, his leadership off of it, and his lasting legacy at both Cornell and Delbarton.
