Neel Shah is the Jammy Jam Foundation's 2025 recipient of the Kirti Desai Sportsperson of the Tournament Award—and if you know Neel, you know this one is well-deserved. Of course he is loud, curses just to curse, and will probably say something wildly humorous before breakfast, but behind all that noise is the biggest heart you’ll ever meet.

Neel shows up—for his family, his friends, multiple community causes, and the players he coaches—without ever needing a reason or asking for credit. Yes his players. Some may know, but others may not. Neel coaches his son's middle school tennis team, manages to juggle his work and family obligations, all while dealing with teenage (and some adult) emotions through a never-ending stream of group texts/messages. He does this in person with that charismatic smile or at least a well-timed humorous rant on those message strings.

As previously stated at the 2025 auction banquet, he’s beat cancer, quietly, and kept everyone laughing through it all. That's real strength, and something many should come to appreciate from Neel.

He might close talk, laugh too loud, and drop a “SAB” in every other sentence—but no one questions the care, loyalty, and love behind it. Neel exemplifies the Kirti Desai Sportsperson of the Tournament Award with a whole heart, and this award is just a small reflection of the huge impact he’s had on everyone lucky enough to cross his path.