05/27/2026
Every comeback tells a story.
At OrthoNebraska, we see those stories unfold every day: athletes working through injury, navigating uncertainty and doing the hard, often unseen work it takes to return to the sports they love. The Comeback Athlete of the Year Awards were created to honor those journeys.
Each year, we recognize student-athletes from the communities we serve who have demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, resilience and growth in their return to competition. In 2026, four standout athletes were awarded $1,500 scholarships, along with one partner organization receiving a $2,500 grant to support student-athlete safety and development.
These are this year’s winners — and the stories behind their comebacks.
Derek Brewer
Leading Through Adversity
A multi-sport athlete at Mount Michael High School, Derek endured five knee surgeries throughout his high school career. At one point, he faced the possibility of missing his senior seasons entirely. Instead, he worked closely with his care team to manage symptoms and stay on the field and court as long as possible before undergoing another procedure.
What stands out most is not just his ability to compete, but how he showed up for his team along the way. Whether limited physically or fully participating, Derek remained a consistent leader — attending practices, supporting teammates and staying fully invested.
“Practices, lifts, unity meals, if my team was there, so was I,” he said. “I wanted them to know I was still all-in.”
His journey reflects more than physical strength — it’s rooted in character, discipline and perspective.
Derek’s care team includes:
- Ryan Arnold, MD
- Tanner Brickman, PT, DPT
- Jordan Knoepfel, PT, DPT
- Luke Collin, PT, DPT
- Pat McKeon, PTA
Annabelle Bang
Starting Over, Stronger Each Time
After suffering an ACL tear in 2021, Annabelle committed fully to her recovery and returned to sports in 2022. But shortly after, she faced a second setback: a re-tear of the same ligament. Rather than stepping away, she chose to rebuild again, undergoing revision surgery and recommitting to the demanding rehab process.
Her resilience paid off. Since returning, she has consistently performed at an elite level, placing in the Top 10 at the Nebraska Class B State Golf Championships for three consecutive years and helping lead her team back to the state tournament for the first time since 2018.
“[My competitive nature] kept me going, even on the days where I didn’t improve at all, because it kept me on the path to get back to the sport that I love,” she said.
Her story is a reminder to us that progress isn’t always linear, but persistence makes all the difference.
Annabelle’s care team includes:
Collin Harder
Redefining Impact
Collin Harder’s comeback shows that leadership doesn’t pause when competition does.
After a season-ending football injury his junior year, Collin stayed deeply connected to his team throughout recovery: attending practices, encouraging teammates and maintaining a strong presence from the sidelines.
When he returned, he brought that same energy back to competition, emerging as a standout basketball player and a driving force on his team.
Beyond athletics, Collin’s impact extends into academics and service. He maintains a 4.0 GPA, participates in FFA leadership and service projects, mentors younger students and remains actively involved in his community.
“The best words I had heard: ‘Cleared to play,’” he said.
His story highlights how resilience off the field can be just as powerful as performance on it.
Collin’s care team includes Eric Bonness, MD.
Ava Hamilton
Finding a New Path Forward
After undergoing multiple knee surgeries, including bilateral ACL reconstructions, Ava faced the kind of setbacks that could have ended her athletic career.
Instead, she adapted.
While continuing to work through recovery, she shifted her focus from basketball to track and field, ultimately qualifying for the state meet in the 100-meter event following her third surgery.
Her journey wasn’t defined by one breakthrough moment, but by consistent progress.
“Something as simple as bending my knee a few more degrees became a milestone worth celebrating,” she said. “Slowly, I regained confidence in my body and learned to trust my abilities again.”
She continues to train with the goal of reaching even greater success. “My journey has shown me that setbacks do not determine a person’s future,” she said. “With determination, resilience and support from others, it is always possible to come back stronger.”
Ava’s care team includes:
Partner Award Winner: DC West High School
This year’s $2,500 partner award was presented to DC West High School in recognition of its commitment to student-athlete safety and support.
The funding will help enhance equipment and facilities, including the ability to maintain an AED (automated external defibrillator) at outdoor athletic venues year-round, an investment that directly supports athlete health and emergency preparedness.
Celebrating the Comeback
Each of these athletes represents something bigger than a return to sport.
They represent the discipline to keep going when progress is slow and the courage to face uncertainty.
At OrthoNebraska, we’re proud to be part of those journeys, from injury through recovery and back to competition.
Because a comeback isn’t only about getting back to where you were — it’s about discovering who you could become along the way.
Congratulations to our winners for 2026!