Ruben Colliander
RUBEN COLLIANDER YORK BASEBALL
The Nebraska Greats Foundation is an organization dedicated to helping former and current college athletes from any of Nebraska’s four-year colleges and universities.
The NGF is pleased to announce a grant has been awarded to Ruben Colliander for assistance with medical needs!
Ruben earned his varsity letter during the 2023 season and participated in seven varsity games that year. In the 2024 season, he competed in 13 varsity games. Unfortunately, he suffered a posterior capsule injury to his right knee. As a result, Ruben sought assistance from the NGF to help cover medical expenses related to his injury.
“I would like to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for helping me with my medical bills. I give great thanks to everyone who is apart of the process and my blessings will always have you in them”
-Ruben Colliander
The Nebraska Greats Foundation remains committed to extending support to former and current athletes like Ruben, who have contributed significantly to Nebraska's rich sporting history.
Any current and former letter-winning athlete from the four-year colleges and universities in Nebraska with a qualified medical condition and lack financial resources to meet their own needs are welcome to apply for support from the Nebraska Greats Foundation.
Since inception, Nebraska Greats Foundation has awarded over $1,000,000 in grants to help current and former letter-winners when they needed the most help.
To learn more about Nebraska Greats Foundation, click below!
Recipients

Tyler Wilt - Soccer, York
Tyler Wilt, a stand-out soccer captain for York University, suffered from a lingering back injury he received from his days on the field.
Wilt was referred to the NGF by a family friend and shortly thereafter awarded a grant to assist his recovery.

Keven Marques - Soccer, York College
A native of Brazil, Keven traveled across the world to play soccer for York College. After one game, he suffered a severe abdominal injury that required hospitalization. The NAIA only covers so much; since Keven is on work-study, he was left without the funds to cover his costs. The NGF covered those expenses, so Keven could return to class and on the field.
“I am very grateful for all the help and assistance the Nebraska Greats Foundation provided. I appreciate and recognize the great work they do in helping people and families who need or have needed help, just like me.”
-Keven Marques

Carlos Ortega - Soccer, York College
Carlos Ortega a sophomore Midfielder from York College. Carlos is originally from Margarita Island, Venezuela. Carlos applied for a grant to assist him with medical bills stemming from an injury he suffered while competing. The NGF provided funds to a provider for services not covered by insurance. “I want to thank the Nebraska Greats Foundation for all your help and support. I truly appreciate what the NGF does for athletes in need. It will allow me to stay in school to continue competing and getting a college education.”

Jose Calderon Soccer, York University
Jose Calderon, a Junior LW from York College by way Ranger Community College was seriously injured in a soccer match on August 21, 2021. He was admitted to the emergency room for exams, diagnosis, and treatment. The Nebraska Greats Foundation aided Jose in meeting medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Says Calderon, “The Nebraska Greats Foundation was help from heaven, without their help I would not have been able to pay for the hospital bills. I am very grateful for the help they have given me and the assistance they gave me. They are an incredible foundation, very professional and concerned.”

Christofer Monje - Soccer, York University
Christofer Monje, a senior Goalkeeper for the York College Panthers recently underwent facial surgery after being injured in a game. Medical expenses exceeded those covered by school provided insurance. Monje, originally from Santiago, Chile applied for a grant to cover those expenses directly related to the procedure and post operative care.
“When it came to cover the medical expenses, it was really hard, and more so being an international student. This is when The Nebraska Greats Foundation came to help me. Without them I couldn’t afford this injury and might have had to leave school.”

Giovanni Froldi - Soccer, York University
Gio, a native of Brazil is a member of the York College Dean’s list and a standout performer for York College. The Nebraska Greats Foundation supplemented his NAIA student-athlete benefits by providing care for an arm injury.

Brianna Perez - Softball, York University
A standout softball player, Perez suffered from chronic knee trouble that eventually required significant medical attention. Immobile, Perez was unable to work yet and needed assistance from the NGF as medical bills and student loan payments mounted. The NGF grant eased her burden and now she is back working full time.