Congratulations to Danielle Green, former Notre Dame star and Iraq war veteran, for winning the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs.

In a world often captivated by fleeting moments of celebrity, athletic stardom, or viral fame, stories like Danielle Green’s remind us what true courage and purpose look like. A former Notre Dame basketball star, Iraq War veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and now a dedicated veterans’ advocate, Green’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. At the 2015 ESPY Awards, she was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service—an accolade that recognizes individuals who embody service, sacrifice, and selflessness, just as Tillman did.

Her story is not just about overcoming adversity—it’s about rising above it to lift others.

From South Side Chicago to Notre Dame Stardom

Danielle Green was born and raised in one of the most challenging neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago. Her early years were marked by hardship, but basketball became her refuge and her way forward. With relentless work ethic and natural talent, she earned a scholarship to play at the University of Notre Dame, one of the most prestigious programs in women’s college basketball.

Between 1995 and 2000, Green suited up for the Fighting Irish as a left-handed guard. On the court, she was known for her toughness, hustle, and fierce competitiveness. She wasn’t just a player—she was a leader. She overcame injuries and obstacles with the same drive that would later define her military career. Her time at Notre Dame helped mold her into someone who could thrive under pressure, a trait that would prove essential in the years ahead.

Answering the Call to Serve

After college, rather than chasing a professional basketball career or heading straight into coaching or corporate life, Green made a decision that surprised many: she joined the U.S. Army.

She enlisted in 2003 and was deployed to Iraq in 2004. By then, the Iraq War was in full force, and her unit was stationed in Baghdad. Green served as a military police officer—one of the most dangerous and exposed roles in the Army at the time.

On May 25, 2004, during a routine patrol, she was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. The explosion was devastating. She lost her left arm, her dominant arm—the same one she used to shoot, dribble, and pass on the basketball court. The injury could have ended her story, but instead, it became a pivotal turning point.

Rebuilding After Trauma

Green was flown to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where she underwent extensive rehabilitation. Physically, she had to learn to function in a new way. Emotionally and mentally, she faced the challenge of reconciling who she was before the injury with who she was becoming.

Yet, what stood out wasn’t the injury—it was the attitude. Danielle Green didn’t give up. Instead, she leaned into her recovery with the same resilience she had shown on the court and in combat.

She decided to use her experience not as a burden but as a way to serve others. Green went back to school, earning a master’s degree in counseling from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, and later another in educational leadership from DePaul University.

A New Mission: Helping Veterans Heal

Today, Danielle Green works as a readjustment counseling therapist at a Vet Center in South Bend, Indiana, where she helps other veterans dealing with PTSD, trauma, and the struggle of transitioning back into civilian life.

For those walking into her office, she is more than just a counselor—she is someone who understands. She knows what it’s like to wear the uniform, to face danger, and to carry both visible and invisible scars. She offers compassion, wisdom, and a powerful example of what healing and growth can look like.

Green has dedicated her post-military life to lifting others up—especially her fellow veterans. Her work is deeply connected to the legacy of service that the Pat Tillman Award for Service was created to honor.

The ESPYs Moment: A National Spotlight

At the 2015 ESPY Awards, the spotlight was squarely on Danielle Green. As she walked across the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award, the room stood in applause. This wasn’t just a nod to her courage in combat—it was a celebration of her lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community.

In her emotional acceptance speech, she said:

“Losing my dominant arm didn’t end my story—it started a new one. We don’t get to choose our circumstances, but we do get to choose how we respond.”

She thanked her fellow veterans, her teammates from Notre Dame, her family, and the countless service members who came before and after her. She reminded everyone in attendance that we can all make a difference—not just on the battlefield, but in our communities, our families, and our everyday interactions.

Why the Pat Tillman Award Matters

Named after Pat Tillman, the former NFL player who left a multimillion-dollar football career to enlist in the Army and was later killed in Afghanistan, the award stands for more than just heroism. It represents sacrifice, integrity, and purpose.

Green’s life perfectly embodies those values. Like Tillman, she walked away from personal success to serve something greater. Like Tillman, she experienced the brutality of war firsthand. And like Tillman, she chose to live a life driven by meaning, not headlines.

Legacy Beyond the Award

Receiving the Pat Tillman Award marked a milestone, but Danielle Green’s story didn’t end there. She continues to work in veteran advocacy, speaks at events, and inspires young people across the country. Her voice is especially important in conversations around veterans’ mental health, disability empowerment, and post-war healing.

She often says that while she lost her arm in combat, she never lost her purpose. That purpose—helping others—has turned her pain into power.

Her story challenges us to look beyond our excuses and limitations. It asks us to think about what we’re doing with what we’ve been given—and how we can serve others, even in small ways.

A Symbol of Strength, Resilience, and Service

Danielle Green is not just a former athlete. She’s not just a war veteran. She’s not just a counselor or an award winner.

She is a symbol.

A symbol of what it means to fall and rise again. Of what it means to serve others after your own fight. Of how life’s most painful chapters can lead to its most meaningful work.

At the intersection of sports, service, and sacrifice, Danielle Green’s journey reminds us that greatness isn’t about statistics or medals—it’s about impact. And through her continued work with veterans, her legacy will continue to grow long after the spotlight fades.