Danielle Green Receives Pat Tillman Award for Service at ESPY Awards, Honored for Her Dedication to Veterans
South Bend, IN– In an inspiring moment at the 2024 ESPY Awards, Danielle Green, a former Notre Dame women’s basketball standout, Iraq war veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, was honored with the esteemed Pat Tillman Award for Service. Green’s remarkable journey from the basketball court to the battlefields of Iraq, and her continued dedication to serving her fellow veterans, has made her a true embodiment of resilience, courage, and selflessness.
Danielle Green’s story is one of determination and sacrifice. As a member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team, she made a name for herself as a fierce competitor on the court. However, her drive to serve extended far beyond athletics. After her college basketball career, Green felt a deep calling to serve her country and enlisted in the U.S. Army. It was during her deployment in Iraq that she demonstrated extraordinary bravery, sustaining serious injuries in a rocket-propelled grenade attack that resulted in the loss of her left arm.
Despite this life-altering injury, Green refused to let adversity define her. Her experience on the front lines only strengthened her resolve to help others, particularly those who, like her, had faced the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life after military service. After her recovery, Green pursued a new path, dedicating herself to counseling and advocating for veterans. She earned a master’s degree in counseling and now works as a counselor in South Bend, Indiana, where she provides critical support and guidance to veterans struggling with the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of their service.
Green’s commitment to service and her tireless efforts to uplift her fellow veterans have not gone unnoticed. The Pat Tillman Award for Service, named in honor of the former NFL player who left a successful career to enlist in the U.S. Army and ultimately lost his life in Afghanistan, is awarded annually to an individual who exemplifies the principles of service, leadership, and community. In receiving this award, Green joins a distinguished group of past recipients who have made significant contributions to their communities and the world.
During her acceptance speech at the ESPY Awards, Green reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunities she has had to serve and the support she has received along the way. She dedicated the award to the veterans she serves, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and the power of giving back.
“The road to recovery and reintegration is not easy, but it’s a journey that no one should have to take alone,” Green said. “I am honored to work alongside so many brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. This award is for them—for their strength, their courage, and their unwavering commitment to service.”
Green’s recognition at the ESPYs is a testament to her unwavering spirit and her lifelong commitment to making a difference. Her story serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many. As she continues her work in South Bend, Danielle Green remains a beacon of hope and an example of the transformative power of service.
