Back
to News
PRAIRIE DU SAC, WISCONSIN (July 16, 2026) – Mueller Sports Medicine announced the final three athletes for the 2026 REVIVE Award, recognizing collegiate student-athletes who have shown extraordinary resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome life’s most difficult challenges.
Selected from a nationwide pool of applicants, these three finalists represent the very best of what the REVIVE Award stands for. Their journeys go beyond sport and showcase what it truly means to fight back, rebuild, and keep moving forward.
Top 3 Finalists
Blake Stahl
University of Sioux Falls Football
Following the sudden loss of both of his parents in a fatal car accident, Blake’s life changed overnight. In the immediate aftermath, he stepped away from football, returning home to support his family and take on responsibilities no college student should face. He handled funeral arrangements, supported his younger brother and navigated overwhelming grief while trying to process the new reality in front of him.
Despite the weight of that loss, Blake made the decision to return to school and continue the path he had started. Leaning on the support of his coaches, professors and teammates, he rebuilt his routine and found purpose through leadership and service. He became deeply involved in community outreach, volunteering with organizations like the Special Olympics and working with youth in schools.
His journey is ongoing, shaped by a commitment to honor his parents through his actions. What began as a path of grief has evolved into a mission to give back, lead others and pursue a future where he can support athletes facing adversity of their own.
Britani Stone
Snow College Volleyball
At just 15 years old, Britani was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a life-changing moment that forced her to step away from the sport and life she loved. What followed was a long and uncertain journey filled with hospital visits, treatments and the emotional weight of facing a diagnosis she did not fully understand at the time.
Throughout treatment, Britani chose to focus on positivity, finding moments of joy even in the most difficult circumstances. Supported by her family, teammates and community, she remained determined to push forward, even when she was physically at her weakest. After completing treatment, she began the slow process of rebuilding her strength, starting with simple walks and working her way back toward competition.
That commitment paid off. Britani earned her way back onto the court, eventually securing a starting role and competing at a high level with Snow College. Her journey has shaped her outlook on life, inspiring her to pursue a future in nursing and to continue uplifting others through her story and experience.
Samuel Bruss
University of Mary Wrestling
A near-fatal work accident changed the trajectory of Samuel’s life in an instant. After being impaled in an accident that caused severe internal injuries, multiple fractures and life-threatening complications, he was given little chance of returning to the sport he loved.
What followed was an extraordinary process of recovery. Samuel endured multiple surgeries, including an experimental reconstruction procedure, and spent months relearning how to function physically. Despite being in no shape to wrestle, he remained connected to his team by stepping into a coaching role and developing others while continuing to train whenever possible.
Seventeen months after the accident, Samuel defied expectations by returning to competition. He not only stepped back onto the mat but competed successfully, earning wins over nationally ranked opponents and serving as a team captain. His journey reflects an unwavering commitment to growth, discipline and an understanding that resilience is not about returning to who you were but becoming something stronger.
Congratulations From Everyone at Mueller Sports Medicine
“We would like to extend a sincere thank you to every athlete who applied and shared their story. The strength, heart, and perseverance shown throughout this process made narrowing the field to just three finalists incredibly difficult,” Mueller Sports Medicine said in a news release. “These finalists embody the true spirit of the REVIVE Award. Their stories continue to inspire not only their teams and communities, but athletes everywhere who are working to overcome challenges of their own. Follow along as we continue to share their journeys and move closer to naming this year’s REVIVE Award winner.”
Mueller Sports Medicine said it is still finalizing details on the announcement of the winner but it will be within the next few months at an in-person event. The winner will receive a $10,000 NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deal and school will receive a Mueller recovery room. The other finalists will receive a M4 Revive Gear pack.
Mueller Sports Medicine is a long-time member and supporter of NSGA. Founder Curt Mueller is a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.
