KANSAS CITY, Mo. - At the National Christian College Athletic Association's 2026 Baseball World Series banquet, it was announced that the University of Northwestern's Dreyer Homan (Clara City, Minn./MACCRAY) is the recipient of the organization's Hank Burbridge Award. The award is part of the NCCAA's 'Game Plan 4 LIFE' series, which honors one student-athlete from each NCCAA-sponsored sport who best exemplifies the GP4L pillars: Love, Integrity, Faith and Excellence. Homan is the third Northwestern Baseball player to receive the honor, joining Carlton Lindow (2021) and his former teammate, Bryce Crabb (2024).

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After transitioning from the bullpen to the starting rotation, Homan had a phenomenal senior campaign, both on the mound and as a team captain. A Biology Pre-Med major with aspirations of becoming a doctor, the senior racked up three NCCAA Pitcher of the Week honors this season alone and two UMAC Pitcher of the Week awards, in addition to an appearance on the D3baseball.com Team of the Week and an honorable mention nod for NCBWA Pitcher of the Week. A First Team All-UMAC selection, he finished the season with a 4.21 ERA and a 2.66 ERA in conference games, with 83 and 53 strikeouts, respectively, which both led the conference and were seventh in the NCCAA. The Clara City native also went 1-2 at the plate as a hitter, including launching a memorable, two-run home run over the left field wall in his final home game. But Homan has not only excelled on the field in his time at Northwestern, he also is a terrific student and servant of the Lord. A three-time Academic All-Conference honoree, two-time NCCAA Scholar-Athlete and 2025 CSC Academic All-District selection, he holds a 3.94 cumulative GPA and has received numerous academic scholarships. The UNW ace has also spent numerous hours volunteering his time for Christian organizations, medical fields and youth baseball efforts.

About the Award
Hank Burbridge was the baseball coach at Spring Arbor University for 40 years and amassed a record of 1003 wins and 519 losses. Hank was named NCCAA District/Regional Coach of the Year twelve times, NCCAA National Coach of the Year on four occasions, and was inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame in 1993. His Cougar baseball teams won multiple NCCAA and NAIA District Championships and were crowned NCCAA National Champions in 1992, 1993, and 1998. Hank was a mentor and leader in NCCAA and NAIA baseball networks as well as within USA Baseball. He never missed an opportunity to share Christ or to encourage all who came in contact with him. The NCCAA is proud to present this award in recognition of Hank Burbridge's legacy of service.