Westfield's Mia O'Reilly Up for Heart of a Giant Award

Westfield High School senior Mia O’Reilly has been nominated for USA Football’s 2026 Heart of a Giant Award, earning Week 5 recognition in a national competition presented by the New York Giants and Hospital for Special Surgery. O’Reilly is the first four-year varsity girls flag football player in Westfield High School history.

O’Reilly plays multiple positions for the Westfield team. During her first two years, she played running back. Last season she moved to slot and inside receiver on offense. On defense, she plays corner and serves as the team’s punter. Last season, she recorded 42 carries for 187 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including one remarkable 102-yard run. On defense, she made 18 tackles.

O’Reilly also contributes to her school community beyond the football field as a member of Student Government Association, bringing the teamwork and leadership skills she developed in sports into school governance.

Voting for the award opened October 8 and continues through October 25 at 11:59 p.m. Each device can cast one vote every 24 hours. The Week 5 finalist will be announced on Monday, October 26 at noon. Six weekly winners will advance as finalists and receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program. Additional finalists will be selected through the program’s honorable-mention process.

O’Reilly reflected on her journey in flag football. “Flag football is really special to me. I’m the first four-year varsity girls flag football player in school history,” she said. She described how she discovered the sport. “I quit soccer and decided to pursue flag football more because this sport was so enjoyable and every time I was on the field I felt so alive. I even remember my first scrimmage where my heart was racing and my whole body went numb.”

When she first joined the team as a freshman, O’Reilly’s goal was simple. “All I wanted the first day of flag as a freshman was to make a good impression. Now, getting nominated for being a stand-out player is honestly incredible because I didn’t even know what I was getting myself into,” she said.

O’Reilly credited her coaches for her development. “I’m thankful to all my coaches who see me as the player I am today because they taught me so many skills on and off the field. I’m lucky enough to get the chance to be a part of something that is developing and I hope to continue inspiring future generations of flag players,” she said.

She connected her sports experience to her broader growth. “Even in school, as a part of the Student Government Association, I know what it is like working in a team setting because of my experience on a sports team. I also understand better the importance of doing the things you want to do,” O’Reilly said. “I learned over time that it’s important to fulfill your life with activities you enjoy doing, not what is expected of you. When you choose what you want to invest your time into, you’re much happier off than continuing to do activities that feel like a chore.”

Union County Life has more Westfield news and student achievements.

FAQ:

Q: What is the Heart of a Giant Award?
A: The Heart of a Giant Award is presented by the New York Giants and Hospital for Special Surgery to recognize outstanding high school football players. It includes voting rounds with weekly winners advancing to finalist status. Finalists receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program.

Q: How can I vote for Mia O’Reilly?
A: Voting is open through October 25, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Each device can cast one vote every 24 hours for the Week 5 nominee.

Q: Why is Mia O’Reilly’s achievement significant?
A: O’Reilly is the first four-year varsity girls flag football player in Westfield High School history. She has contributed on both offense and defense throughout her career.

Q: What are her statistics?
A: Last season, O’Reilly had 42 carries for 187 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns (including one 102-yard run). On defense, she recorded 18 tackles.