Lucy Mager Named Finalist for Heart of the Giant Award

Hendrick Hudson High School senior Lucy Mager has been named one of just 11 finalists for the prestigious 2024 USA Football Heart of a Giant award.

The honor, which is presented each year by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, is awarded to a student from a high school in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut who “demonstrates that extra something special” and “has a relentless work ethic and unmatched love for the game.”

As a finalist, Mager, a member of Hen Hud’s varsity flag football team, has won a $1,000 equipment grant for her team that will be awarded this winter. She can also earn an additional $9,000 grant if she is selected as the grand prize winner.

Mager and the other finalists have been asked to submit a video that showcases their “Heart of a Giant” story to USA Football, Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.

Mager’s story is one of perseverance. She was forced to stop playing softball after suffering a fractured spine during a game her freshman year of high school. After extensive physical therapy, she was cleared to play sports and began to pursue the creation of a flag football team in Hendrick Hudson. The Sailors took the field last spring for their first varsity game with Mager serving as a team captain and playing the quarterback.

Once Mager and the other finalists have submitted their videos, the three organizations will review their stories and select the 2024 Heart of a Giant winner, who will be announced later this year. The winner will be presented with the USA Football Heart of a Giant trophy on the field during a Giants’ home game in December.