NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – George Mason senior defender Danielle O'Brien has been selected as a recipient of a 2015 Atlantic 10 Conference Postgraduate Scholarship as announced by Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. This year marks the first time in the 24-year history of the award that each institution has had a graduating student-athlete receive the prestigious award.

A local native of Burke, Va., O'Brien has been accepted into George Mason's Accelerated Masters of Accounting program which she will begin this fall. She graduated from Mason this past week with a degree in Accounting. This summer, she will intern with KPMG, a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services.

“I want to thank the Atlantic 10 Conference for awarding me this scholarship and providing me the opportunity to further my education,” said O'Brien. “I wouldn't have been this successful without George Mason and the amazing athletics program that has provided me so much support over the years.”

A four-year starter for the Patriots, O'Brien appeared in 57 games during her career, earning the start in over 40. This past season, O'Brien started in 11 of 16 matches. Not only was O'Brien an integral part of Mason's backline on the pitch, she also excelled in the classroom, becoming an Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll recipient in 2014 in addition to being a five-time George Mason University Dean's List student.

A team captain in 2014, O'Brien also served as a Student Athlete Mentor (SAM), President and Provost of the Student Advisory Committee in 2013-14 and a George Mason Student Senator. O'Brien also volunteered with the Girls' Can Club from 2011-14, FPYC Soccer Club in 2013 and the Mason Student Government from 2013-14.