Mueller Sports Medicine is proud to announce the Top 20 finalists for the REVIVE Award, recognizing athletes who have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to staying active through challenges.
From a nationwide pool of 97 applicants representing 65 colleges across 25 states, and 14 different sports this year’s REVIVE Award showcased an incredible range of comeback stories.
Top 20 Finalists
Amelia Barron
After tearing her ACL at her first collegiate practice, Amelia faced multiple surgeries, setbacks, and a long recovery filled with both physical and mental challenges, ultimately working her way back stronger with a renewed sense of resilience and identity beyond the game.
Aubrie Smith
Aubrie overcame two ACL tears on the same knee and the loss of her mother during recovery, channeling her perseverance into returning to competition while honoring her mom’s influence and strength.
BB Washington
BB underwent open-heart surgery after discovering a congenital heart defect, overcoming a life-threatening condition to safely return to full-contact basketball
Blake Stahl
Following the tragic loss of both parents in a fatal car accident, Blake persevered through overwhelming personal hardship while continuing his journey as a collegiate athlete.
Brinley Green-Griffen
After learning her mother suffered from a tragic suicide attempt, she spent months navigating that trauma. Through it all, Brinley stayed committed to school and athletics while developing a stronger outlook on life and resilience through adversity.
Britani Stone
Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age fifteen, Britani overcame cancer and fought her way back to the court, now competing as a college volleyball athlete.
Emily Knapp
After an ACL tear led to multiple setbacks and four knee surgeries over 2.5 years, Emily remained committed to her recovery and returned to the field stronger and performing at a high level.
Emily Leese
Emily ruptured her Achilles tendon just before the Big Ten Championships, then worked her way back through recovery to return to competition and deliver standout performances.
Erin Berls
After multiple knee surgeries, a transfer, and another major injury setback, Erin continues to push toward one final season, demonstrating resilience through constant disruption and uncertainty.
Farrah Hutchinson
After a severe cerebral spinal fluid leak required a groundbreaking surgery following months of debilitating symptoms, Farrah fought through recovery to return to gymnastics competition
Garavous Kouekabakilaho
After dislocating his patella during a conference tournament and competing below full strength, Garavous used the setback to rebuild and return stronger and become a national champion.
Garret Bougie
After a UCL tear and complications that caused nerve damage and loss of hand function, Garret battled through two surgeries and returned to make his first collegiate appearance.
Jack Curtis
After being diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Jack competed while undergoing treatment and returned cancer-free while leading his team to a strong season.
Jacob Porteous
After tearing both ACLs in consecutive seasons, Jacob stayed committed to rehab and development, returning stronger and prepared to lead and compete again.
Jadon Lewis
After overcoming early childhood speech and behavioral disorders, Jadon developed into a leader on and off the field, using his journey to inspire others.
Justice Taylor
After suffering a devastating leg break with ligament damage requiring surgery and an expected year-long recovery, Justice worked through rehab to play within 94 days.
Latrell Wrightsell
Latrell battled back from an Achilles tendon surgery that sidelined him during a critical point in his career, committing to intense rehab to return stronger both physically and mentally
Samuel Bruss
After a life-threatening accident that caused severe internal injuries and required multiple surgeries, Samuel defied expectations to return to collegiate wrestling and compete at a high level.
Taylor Schad
Taylor has overcome four ACL tears and multiple knee surgeries, continuing to pursue both academic and athletic excellence while working toward a return to the field
Wyatt Sandford
After contracting a life-threatening flesh-eating bacteria that nearly led to amputation, Wyatt fought through multiple surgeries to return as a top-performing lineman.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who applied or nominated a deserving athlete. The strength, resilience, and stories shared throughout this process were truly inspiring, and selecting just 20 finalists was no easy task.
Follow along on the Mueller Instagram as we continue the REVIVE Award journey and celebrate the individuals who embody the spirit of perseverance.