2025 Comeback Athlete of the Year award recipients
Photo provided by OrthoNebraska
OrthoNebraska has opened the application period for its annual Comeback Athlete of the Year scholarship program, which recognizes high school student-athletes who have returned to competition after overcoming a significant injury. The award highlights the grit and determination required to make it back to competition.
Dr. Amard “AJ” Abcejo, nonsurgical sports medicine physician with OrthoNebraska
Photo provided by OrthoNebraska
“What people don’t always see is the work that happens between the injury and the return to play,” said Dr. Amard “AJ” Abcejo, a nonsurgical sports medicine physician with OrthoNebraska. “These athletes spend countless hours in physical therapy and training, often without knowing when they’ll be cleared to return. The Comeback Athlete of the Year program shines a light on that effort.”
Five scholarships will be awarded this year. Four individual student-athletes, two male and two female, will each receive a $1,500 scholarship. In addition, OrthoNebraska will award a $2,500 donation to a school or organization partner that supports student-athletes. The process to submit is simple.
How to apply for the individual award
Student-athletes who have successfully returned to their sport are encouraged to visit orthonebraska.com/comeback to apply. Applicants will need to submit the following:
A written or video essay sharing how their experience shaped them
Photos highlighting their journey (a headshot, recovery images and photos of their return to play)
A letter of recommendation from a coach, athletic trainer or provider involved in their recovery
How to apply for the school or sports partner award
If you are a local school or sports organization looking to improve your student-athlete’s experience, you can apply for the partner award. Please email the following information to comebackathlete@orthonebraska.com.
Name of school/organization
Name and contact information of the person submitting the application
A 250- to 300-word essay that includes:
How do you plan to utilize the donation?
How will the donation address any current limitations or barriers?
How will the donation impact athletes served by your school or organization?
Applications are open now through March 15. For more details on the scholarships and award, visit orthonebraska.com/comeback.
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