Congratulations to Danielle Green, former South Carolina Gamecock women’s basketball player, Iraq War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, on winning the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards—a true beacon of hope and resilience

Danielle Green Honored with Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs

Danielle Green, a former standout for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team and a decorated Iraq War veteran, received one of the highest honors in sports and service at the 2025 ESPY Awards. She was named the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service, a prestigious recognition given to individuals who exemplify courage, dedication, and selflessness in and beyond the field of play.

Green’s story is one of perseverance, transformation, and unyielding strength. As a college athlete, she made a name for herself with grit and hustle on the court. But her biggest battles would come years later, far away from the roar of basketball crowds, when she enlisted in the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq in the early 2000s.

During a combat mission in Baghdad, Green was severely injured by a rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in the loss of her dominant left arm. Her life changed in an instant. Yet instead of surrendering to the trauma, Green used her experience as a foundation for a new mission: serving and uplifting fellow veterans and underserved communities.

In the years following her injury, Danielle Green earned a master’s degree in counseling and dedicated herself to working with wounded warriors, helping veterans reintegrate into society and cope with the physical and emotional scars of war. She became a voice for those often unheard and an example of resilience in the face of adversity.

The Pat Tillman Award, named after the former NFL player and Army Ranger who gave his life in service to the United States, is reserved for those who embody the same spirit of sacrifice and leadership. Green’s selection was met with unanimous praise and emotional responses from both the sports and military communities.

In her acceptance speech at the ESPYs, Green paid tribute to Tillman and other service members who never made it home. She emphasized the importance of empathy, service, and purpose. “I lost a part of myself in war,” she said, “but I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to live for something greater than yourself.”

Her powerful speech was met with a standing ovation. Many athletes, including WNBA stars, NFL players, and Olympic champions, were visibly moved. It was a reminder that heroism isn’t always measured in trophies or points—it’s also in sacrifice, service, and healing.

Green’s journey from basketball to the battlefield to advocacy has inspired countless people. Her work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and nonprofit organizations has provided crucial resources for soldiers coping with PTSD, limb loss, and reintegration challenges.

Her unique perspective as both an athlete and veteran allows her to connect with others on a deeply human level. She often draws parallels between the camaraderie of sports and the unity of military service, stressing how teamwork, discipline, and resilience are universal values.

Beyond her work with veterans, Danielle is a fierce advocate for equity in healthcare, education, and rehabilitation. She has spoken before Congress, appeared in numerous documentaries, and mentored young women navigating both athletic and personal challenges.

Green’s recognition at the ESPYs also serves as a bridge between the world of sports and the broader narrative of national service. It highlights how athletes can—and often do—play significant roles in shaping public discourse, especially when their influence is wielded with purpose and empathy.

While many remember Danielle for her time on the court with the Gamecocks, she has built a legacy that far transcends basketball. Her story now sits among the most powerful tales of transformation and courage in American sports history.

The Pat Tillman Foundation praised her as “a warrior in every sense—on the court, in the field, and in the hearts of those she uplifts.” The foundation cited her continued impact and enduring humility as reasons why she was a unanimous choice for the award.

In interviews following the event, Green expressed her gratitude but remained focused on the road ahead. “This award isn’t the end of a journey,” she said. “It’s fuel to keep going, to keep lifting others.”

Among those celebrating her award were former teammates, fellow veterans, and a generation of young athletes who now look to Green as a role model—not just for success, but for significance.

The moment marks a turning point in how service and sport are viewed together. Danielle Green’s courage reminds us that strength is not merely physical, and success is not measured in wins, but in the lives we touch.

Her legacy continues to grow as she travels the country, speaking at schools, veteran hospitals, and leadership summits. Everywhere she goes, her story plants seeds of hope and determination.

Green’s honor at the ESPYs wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a cultural one. It was a celebration of resilience and a call to action for all who seek to make the world better through empathy and courage.

Danielle Green’s recognition is more than an award; it is a celebration of human spirit. And her story, though deeply personal, now belongs to us all as a reminder of the heights we can reach when we serve something greater than ourselves.