ATLANTA, Ga. (August 14, 2026) – For Asbury University baseball student-athlete Hank Burns, this summer was filled with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. From gaining hands-on experience in professional baseball to serving in a leadership role at FCA camp and studying abroad in Italy, Burns embraced a summer filled with new experiences, travel and learning.

Burns spent part of his summer in Lexington, Kentucky, working as a Media Intern and DJ for the Lexington Legends, a professional baseball team in the Atlantic League. Through the experience, Burns helped run the music during games while also assisting with promotional efforts and gaining a behind-the-scenes look at live sports production.

"It has been awesome learning more about live production and how the industry works, and super fun to see it in the sport I play, baseball!" Burns said.

Beyond his work with the Legends, Burns also spent four days in Bowling Green, Kentucky, serving as a Huddle Leader at Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Leadership Camp. With FCA having played a significant role in his life, the opportunity gave Burns a chance to serve alongside others and encourage campers through an experience that was personally meaningful. 

"FCA has been a huge part of my life and it blesses me more than I can ever imagine," Burns shared. "Serving alongside other people that have similar experiences to me is always so encouraging to me."

Burns' summer also took him overseas, where he spent two weeks studying abroad in Rome and Florence, Italy. During the trip, he immersed himself in Italian culture and literature while visiting historic sites and landmarks throughout the country.

Of all his summer experiences, visiting Rome proved to be the highlight.

"My favorite part of the summer experience was definitely going to Rome," Burns said. "Seeing the Colosseum for the first time was a breathtaking experience, and one that I don't think will ever be replicated in my life again!"

Balancing multiple commitments throughout the summer also taught Burns an important lesson that will continue to benefit him as a student-athlete: time management. Between his work with the Lexington Legends, FCA Leadership Camp and studying abroad, Burns learned the importance of prioritizing responsibilities while still making time for relationships and friendships.

"One valuable skill I learned this summer was time management," Burns said. "As an athlete, time management is something that is necessary in order to succeed, and working three jobs this summer has taught me that I must prioritize what I need to prioritize while also balancing relationships and friendships."

As Burns prepares to return to Asbury for his junior year, he brings with him new experiences in sports media, leadership and international study. His summer offered a unique opportunity to explore different interests while remaining connected to the sport and communities that have shaped him.

When asked to choose the song that best captured his summer, Burns selected "Willing and Able" by Noah Kahan, providing the soundtrack to a summer defined by growth, exploration and new opportunities.