BEF Past Athletes - The Boomer Esiason Foundation

Meet our previous 2025-2026 BEF Athletes below and connect with them on social media

Ava Dennis is a junior at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, pursuing a degree in Exercise Science with a Pre-Physical Therapy concentration. A dedicated student-athlete, she competes on the Hardin-Simmons softball team and has a long history of athletic accomplishments. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth, Ava has overcome significant challenges while excelling both academically and athletically. She began playing softball at the age of five and has since earned multiple MVP titles and First-Team All-District honors. In high school, she also competed in cross country and track, qualifying for the state championships three times with her team. Raised in a small town, Ava attributes much of her success to the encouragement of her family, friends, and community. She aspires to pursue a career in physical therapy while continuing to serve as a role model for young athletes living with cystic fibrosis, demonstrating that perseverance and passion can turn obstacles into opportunities.

Lexi Lewis is a senior at the University of Mount Olive, where she plays on the women’s golf team and study nursing. As she enters her final year of college, she feels incredibly grateful for the opportunities she has had, both in the classroom and on the course.Living with cystic fibrosis has shaped Lexi in so many ways, and it has given her a passion for advocating for others in the CF community. Pursuing a career in health care while managing her own health has taught her resilience, determination, and the importance of using her voice to inspire change. Lexi wants to share her journey not only as a student-athlete but also as someone who understands firsthand the challenges that come with chronic illness.This year, Lexi is excited to continue raising awareness for cystic fibrosis, while showing that nothing can stand in the way of pursuing your dreams. Lexi's goal is to use her platform to encourage others with CF—especially those who want to enter the medical field—to believe in themselves and never stop pushing forward. As she closes out her college career, Lexi hopes to make a lasting impact, both on the golf course and in the CF community, by being an advocate, a role model, and a voice of hope.

2024-2025 BEF Athletes

2023-2024 BEF Athletes

2022-2023 BEF Athletes

2021-2022 BEF Athletes

What’s New:

‘That’s Logan’: Bryant Attackman Logan McGovern and a New Generation Fighting Cystic Fibrosis

by Emma Mueller
BEF Athletes News
October 5, 2022

“Bryant attackman Logan McGovern has cystic fibrosis, or CF. It’s a rare genetic disease in about 30,0...
Read more
Boomer Esiason Foundation Announces BEF Athletes

by Emma Mueller
BEF Athletes News
November 18, 2021

NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 22, 2021 As a way to welcome in the new era of cystic fibrosis and to show that the sky ...
Read more
How athletes from smaller colleges are benefiting from new name, image and likeness rules

by Emma Mueller
BEF Athletes News
November 19, 2021

“Sydney Willig, a freshman on Geneva’s soccer team, is the rare college athlete competing with cystic fibr...
Read more
How Avery Flatford Manages Cystic Fibrosis While Playing for Tennessee Softball

by Emma Mueller
BEF Athletes News
May 17, 2024

By Jack Church, The Daily Beacon “When Ryleigh White got injured early in conference play, Karen Weekly ...
Read more

Application:

Do you think you have what it takes to be a BEF Athlete? We are accepting applications for 2021-2022 BEF athletes below. You must be living with cystic fibrosis, at least a rising college freshman and committed to a NCAA sanctioned varsity team.

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

University/College(Required)

Sport(Required)

Anticipated Graduation Date(Required)

Currently(Required)

Letter from physician or CF Center confirming CF diagnosis(Required)

Max. file size: 512 MB.

2022-2023 BEF Athletes

What’s New:

‘That’s Logan’: Bryant Attackman Logan McGovern and a New Generation Fighting Cystic Fibrosis￼

Boomer Esiason Foundation Announces BEF Athletes

How athletes from smaller colleges are benefiting from new name, image and likeness rules

How Avery Flatford Manages Cystic Fibrosis While Playing for Tennessee Softball

Application:

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‘That’s Logan’: Bryant Attackman Logan McGovern and a New Generation Fighting Cystic Fibrosis