NEWTOWN, Pa. (Conference News) - The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) announced DeSales University sophomore Ryan Cook as the 2026 recipient of the MAC Giant Steps Award. 

The MAC Giant Steps Award is presented to individuals who have overcome adversity while still succeeding in life, who use sports as a vehicle for positive social change, who break down barriers to provide opportunities to those who follow behind them, and individuals who inspire us to do great things using the positive aspects of sport.

Cook is the first DeSales University athlete to receive this award. 

Cook stepped onto campus ready to begin his first academic year and ready to compete with his lacrosse teammates. In October of 2025, Cook suffered a concussion that resulted in him sitting out the remainder of the non-traditional season, but continued to show up for his friends and teammates. The spring rolled around and he was ready to finally step back out on the field. Unfortunately, Cook suffered from a concussion, yet again. Although he could not compete, he still went to every practice and every game ready to help out and cheer on his teammates. 

Cook returned to campus to start his sophomore year, determined to compete. During a fall "lights on" practice, he soon began to notice the overhead lights were affecting him tremendously. Cook underwent several MRI's and scans where he was falsely diagnosed with a cancerous tumor. 

After many appointments, the doctors were able to determine the tumor was not cancerous, but certainly present. 

Cook's diagnosis could never keep him back from supporting his friends and teammates. His dedication, resiliency and determination continue to be an inspiration to his teammates and those that surround him.