CONGRATULATIONS: Danielle Green, former Notre Dame women”s basketball player, Iraq war veteran, and Purple Heart recipient, for winning the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY awards. Green currently works as…

June 8, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA — Former Notre Dame women’s basketball star and Iraq War veteran Danielle Green was honored with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year’s ESPY Awards, recognizing her extraordinary journey from collegiate athlete to decorated soldier and community leader.

Green, a native of Chicago’s South Side, played for the Fighting Irish from 1995 to 2000, becoming one of the team’s most versatile guards. Her basketball career was marked by grit and determination—traits that would later define her life beyond the court.

After graduating, Green enlisted in the U.S. Army, driven by a desire to serve her country. In 2004, while stationed in Iraq, she sustained serious injuries in a rocket-propelled grenade attack near Baghdad, resulting in the loss of her left arm. For her bravery, she was awarded the Purple Heart.

Despite the life-altering injury, Green’s resilience never wavered. She pursued a master’s degree in counseling and psychology and currently works as a mental health counselor with the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this role, she supports fellow veterans struggling with trauma, reintegration, and recovery, channeling her own experiences into powerful, empathetic care.

The Pat Tillman Award for Service, named after the former NFL player who left football to enlist in the Army and was killed in Afghanistan, honors individuals with a strong commitment to service and leadership. Green’s life and career embody those values completely.

“Danielle represents the true spirit of courage and purpose,” said ESPN President Burke Magnus. “Her story is not only inspiring but a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of service.”

In her acceptance speech, Green thanked her family, teammates, and fellow veterans. “This award isn’t just about me,” she said. “It’s about the people who fight every day—for themselves, for their communities, and for their country.”

Danielle Green’s legacy continues to inspire, bridging the worlds of sports, military service, and mental health advocacy.

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