**ESPN NEWS: Lubbock, South Carolina — Danielle Green Honored with Pat Tillman Award for Service**

In a touching and powerful ceremony on the evening of July 27, 2025, Danielle Green, a former South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball player, was awarded the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service, presented annually by the ESPN Sports Humanitarian Awards. The award, named after former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman, recognizes individuals who have made a profound impact on their community through their service, sacrifice, and commitment to causes larger than themselves. Green, who has spent the years following her playing career serving both her community and her country, became the first South Carolina athlete to ever receive this esteemed honor.

Held in Lubbock, South Carolina, the ceremony was a celebration not only of Green’s accomplishments but also of the legacy of service and resilience that she embodies. As the crowd cheered in honor of Green’s inspiring journey, her story captivated everyone in attendance—from sports fans to military veterans—reminding them of the power of selflessness and the profound impact one individual can have.

Danielle Green’s journey into the spotlight began long before her name was announced at the ESPN awards. As a standout player for the Gamecocks women’s basketball team, Green quickly became known for her incredible work ethic, leadership, and tenacity on the court. With a relentless drive to succeed, she helped lead South Carolina to an SEC championship during her time at the university and was widely regarded as one of the most talented players in her class.

However, it wasn’t just her basketball skills that caught the attention of her coaches and teammates. Green was also known for her commitment to community service and her deep sense of responsibility to others. Throughout her college years, she balanced her athletic schedule with volunteer work, organizing youth basketball camps, mentoring young girls, and contributing to local charities. It became apparent early on that Green was not just an athlete—she was a role model, someone who understood the importance of giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.

“Danielle had this way of inspiring everyone around her,” said South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley. “On the court, she led by example—always pushing herself and her teammates to be better. But off the court, her heart for others was just as big. She knew that her platform was more than just about basketball, and she embraced every opportunity to make the world a better place.”

Green’s post-college career took an unexpected and remarkable turn. Instead of pursuing a professional basketball career or a typical post-athletics job, she chose to focus on something that would challenge her in entirely new ways. Her desire to serve led her to enlist in the United States Army, a decision that left many of her friends and colleagues in awe.

“Everyone was surprised when Danielle made the decision to join the military,” recalled former Gamecocks teammate, Aliyah Boston. “She had the world at her feet, but she chose service. That takes a level of commitment and bravery that not many people possess. She is one of a kind.”

Green’s decision to enlist was not without its challenges. The transition from elite-level athletics to military service was jarring, but Green embraced the challenge with the same determination she had shown on the basketball court. She served in the Army for several years, rising to the rank of Sergeant and deploying overseas in service to her country. During her time in the military, she was lauded for her leadership skills, her dedication to her comrades, and her ability to maintain unwavering focus in difficult situations.

The Pat Tillman Award for Service is one of the highest honors an athlete can receive, given only to those whose contributions to society extend far beyond their sports career. Pat Tillman, the namesake of the award, was an NFL star who left his career behind to enlist in the U.S. Army following the September 11, 2001, attacks. He was tragically killed in action in 2004, and his legacy as both a fearless athlete and a selfless soldier lives on through the award. The award honors individuals who, like Tillman, have shown exceptional courage, strength, and dedication to their communities or country, often in ways that sacrifice their own personal ambitions.

When the announcement came that Green had been selected as this year’s recipient of the Pat Tillman Award, it was clear to those who knew her that the honor was well deserved. Green’s dual impact as both a respected athlete and a dedicated service member made her a natural choice for the award.

“We are so proud of Danielle for receiving the Pat Tillman Award for Service,” said Gamecocks athletic director Ray Tanner. “Her journey is one of true heroism. Danielle exemplifies everything this award stands for—sacrifice, courage, and an unwavering commitment to others. She has made a lasting difference not only as a basketball player but also as someone who has dedicated her life to serving our country and inspiring those around her. She is a role model, and we are fortunate to have witnessed her journey.”

The ceremony took place in the heart of Lubbock, South Carolina, a small town known for its rich history and close-knit community. As guests filed into the event, they were greeted by a stunning display of Green’s journey, showcasing her path from the basketball court to the battlefield and beyond. The evening’s events were punctuated by speeches, video tributes, and heartfelt moments that left many in the audience with tears in their eyes.

When Green took the stage to accept her award, the standing ovation she received was deafening. A humbled Green, dressed in a military-inspired blazer and accompanied by her family and friends, approached the microphone with a mixture of pride and gratitude.

“I’m incredibly honored to be here tonight, and I can’t begin to express what this moment means to me,” Green said, her voice emotional as she spoke to the audience. “I never imagined that a basketball career could lead me to something like this. But I think the real reason I’m here today is because of the people who have supported me along the way. I owe everything to my teammates, my coaches, my family, and my brothers and sisters in arms. This is as much their award as it is mine.”

She paused, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing. “Pat Tillman was someone who, in every sense of the word, gave it all for something bigger than himself. I hope I can live up to the example he set, and I hope to continue doing everything I can to serve others and make a difference wherever I can.”

Green’s words resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. She spoke not just as an award recipient but as a person who truly embodied the essence of what the Pat Tillman Award represents. For those who knew her, this recognition was a culmination of years of sacrifice, hard work, and commitment to the greater good.

Danielle Green’s story is not just one of personal achievement but of leadership, service, and sacrifice. She has shown time and time again that her commitment to others goes far beyond the basketball court or any title she could ever achieve. Her decision to serve in the military, to take on a role that many would shy away from, is a testament to her character. Her journey from South Carolina to the Army and back to the community highlights her strength as a leader, and her humility is a rare quality in today’s world of celebrity culture and professional athletics.

“We’re so proud of Danielle for everything she’s accomplished,” said Dawn Staley, who has remained a close friend and mentor throughout Green’s post-college career. “She’s someone who has never sought the spotlight, but the impact she’s had on so many lives is immeasurable. She’s the definition of what it means to be a true leader.”

As Green looks to the future, her story is far from over. She continues to serve her community in a variety of ways, from working with veterans’ organizations to mentoring young athletes who aspire to follow in her footsteps. Her influence, however, extends beyond just the people she directly helps. She has become a beacon of what it means to use one’s platform for good, and her story continues to inspire everyone who hears it.

In receiving the Pat Tillman Award, Danielle Green not only added another chapter to her already storied career but also solidified her place as a trailblazer, not just in sports but in life. Through her unwavering commitment to service, her leadership both on and off the court, and her sacrifices for her country, she has proven that the heart of an athlete is not measured by the number of victories but by the lives one touches and the difference one can make in the world.

Her story, forever etched into the history of the Pat Tillman Award, serves as a reminder that true greatness is defined by one’s ability to give back—to serve others without expectation, to lead with compassion, and to inspire those around you. Danielle Green’s journey is the perfect embodiment of that ideal, and it is one that will be remembered for years to come.