ESPN NEWS: Lubbock, South Carolina — Danielle Green Receives Prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service
Danielle Green, a former South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball standout, was honored with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year’s ESPY Awards, recognizing her extraordinary life journey and dedication to public service. A symbol of perseverance and courage, Green’s story transcends sports, embodying the very spirit of the award named after former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman.
After a successful college basketball career, Green enlisted in the U.S. Army, driven by a desire to serve her country. While deployed in Iraq, she was seriously wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade, resulting in the loss of her left arm. Despite this life-altering injury, Green refused to let adversity define her. Instead, she turned her pain into purpose, becoming an advocate for fellow veterans and a symbol of resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Green went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling and has dedicated her post-military life to supporting wounded warriors and underserved communities. Her story is one of grit, heart, and an unwavering commitment to service—values that align perfectly with the legacy of Pat Tillman.
Receiving the Pat Tillman Award for Service not only celebrates Green’s heroism on the battlefield but also her impact off it. Whether through mentoring, public speaking, or advocating for veterans’ resources, she continues to uplift and inspire.
The honor reflects her dual legacy: that of an elite athlete and a selfless servant to others. Danielle Green’s recognition at the ESPYs is a powerful reminder of how sports, service, and sacrifice can intersect to produce a life of true significance. Her story resonates far beyond Lubbock or South Carolina—it speaks to the strength of the huma
n spirit.
