Westfield Football Player Nominated For Heart Of A Giant Award

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield High School student-athlete Mia O'Reilly has been named a Week 5 nominee for the 2026 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, a program presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.

According to the program announcement, Tri-State area high school students are nominated by their coaches for commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication on and off the field.

Subscribe

Voting for Week 5 is open now and runs through Oct. 25 at usafootball.com/heart-of-a-giant/vote.

The nominee with the most votes will be named that week's finalist. At the end of the six-week process, the program will recognize 11 honorees, including six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions.

USA Football, Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants are presenting the award for a 13th consecutive year.

The program has expanded to include not only high school tackle football players, but also Tri-State high school flag football athletes, student managers and student mascots who demonstrate a strong work ethic and love for the game.

O'Reilly, a running back and defensive back, was described as a student-athlete who balances academics, leadership and community service.

The program says she has a 4.08 weighted GPA, a 33 ACT score, and is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

It also states that she serves as Student Government Vice President and Red Cross Club Vice President and participates in Model UN, DECA, journalism and orchestra.

On the field, O'Reilly has been a four-year varsity flag football player and a First Team All-Conference selection, according to the nomination materials.

She has recorded 533 career rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. She volunteers with youth flag football and Westfield Winners, helping younger athletes and children with disabilities through sports.

In her nomination materials, O'Reilly wrote, "I'm a part of the program in my town called Westfield Winners where I help kids on the spectrum learn how to play soccer."

She also wrote, "The difference was that I chose football, and I saw my life becoming more vibrant, knowing that my decision made me feel more confident and I truly had a good time whenever I was playing."

Each finalist receives a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program.

The grand prize winner will earn an additional $9,000 grant for their school and will be honored on the field at a future Giants game this season. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions explaining why they have the Heart of a Giant.

For more information or to vote, visit usafootball.com/heart-of-a-giant/vote.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.