50 Facts About Brittney Griner

Early Life and Family

Brittney Griner's journey to basketball stardom began in Houston, Texas, where she was born into a supportive family that nurtured her athletic talents.

1. Brittney Griner was born to Sandra Griner, a stay-at-home mother, and Raymond Griner, a sheriff and Vietnam veteran.
2. She is the youngest of four children, growing up in a family that encouraged her to pursue her athletic dreams.

High School Career

Griner's high school years were marked by her extraordinary basketball skills, which quickly garnered national attention.

3. Griner attended Nimitz High School in Houston, where she became one of the most highly recruited female basketball players in the country.
4. Her dunking ability during high school games drew significant media coverage and set her apart from her peers.

College Basketball at Baylor

Griner's college career at Baylor University was nothing short of phenomenal, filled with record-breaking performances and accolades.

5. After high school, Griner attended Baylor University on a basketball scholarship.
6. She led the Baylor Lady Bears to a National Championship in 2012.
7. Griner was named the AP Player of the Year, the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, and the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award.
8. She holds the distinction of being the only NCAA basketball player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots.

Professional Debut in WNBA

Griner's transition to professional basketball was marked by her selection as the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft.

9. In the 2013 WNBA draft, Griner was selected as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury.
10. Her professional debut was historic, as she became the first WNBA player to dunk twice in one game.

WNBA Career Highlights

Griner's career with the Phoenix Mercury has been filled with achievements and accolades, solidifying her status as one of the league's top players.

11. Griner has been a cornerstone of the Phoenix Mercury since her debut.
12. She helped the team win the 2014 WNBA championship.
13. Griner has been named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year twice.
14. Her defensive skills have earned her multiple All-Star selections.

International Career

Griner's impact extends beyond the WNBA, as she has also made significant contributions to international basketball.

15. Griner played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Premier League.
16. She helped UMMC Ekaterinburg win multiple EuroLeague championships.
17. Her international experience has provided her with financial stability and a competitive edge.

Olympic Gold Medals

Griner's success on the international stage includes multiple Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women's national basketball team.

18. Griner is a three-time Olympic gold medalist.
19. She won her first gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
20. Her second gold medal came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 due to the pandemic.
21. Griner won her third consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

FIBA Women's World Cup

Griner's contributions to Team USA have also led to success in the FIBA Women's World Cup.

22. Griner won two FIBA Women's World Cup titles with Team USA in 2014 and 2018.
23. Her performance in these high-stakes competitions has been invaluable to the team's success.

Height and Athleticism

Griner's physical attributes have played a significant role in her dominance on the basketball court.

24. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, Griner is one of the tallest players in women's basketball history.
25. Her height and athleticism make her a formidable force on both ends of the court.

Dunking Ability

Griner's ability to dunk has been a highlight of her career, showcasing her exceptional athleticism.

26. Griner is renowned for her dunking ability, which has set her apart from other players.
27. Her first dunk in a professional game marked a new era in women's basketball.

Community Involvement

Off the court, Griner is dedicated to giving back to her community through various initiatives.

28. Griner founded the Griner Foundation, focusing on inspiring young women and providing opportunities for personal and athletic development.
29. Her philanthropic work extends beyond basketball, making a positive impact on her community.

LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Griner uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, challenging traditional norms in sports.

30. Griner is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
31. As a gay athlete, she empowers others and promotes inclusivity in sports.

Personal Life

Griner's personal life includes her marriage to Cherelle Griner and the exciting prospect of becoming a parent.

32. Griner is married to Cherelle Griner.
33. The couple is expecting a baby boy, adding a new chapter to Griner's life.

Detention in Russia

Griner faced significant challenges during her detention in Russia, which drew international attention.

34. In February 2022, Griner was detained in Russia on a drug offense.
35. Her detention and trial were highly publicized, with many advocating for her release.
36. Griner was eventually released in a prisoner exchange, highlighting the complexities of international relations.

Mental Health Challenges

Griner has been open about her mental health struggles, particularly during her detention in Russia.

37. Griner has shared her mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of seeking help.
38. Her resilience during difficult times is a testament to her strength and character.

Redemption and Resilience

Despite the challenges she faced, Griner remains hopeful and continues to inspire others with her determination.

39. Griner's selection for the U.S. national team competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics symbolizes redemption and resilience.
40. She continues to inspire fans with her perseverance and determination.

Impact on Women’s Basketball

Griner's influence extends beyond her achievements, as she has helped elevate women's basketball to new heights.

41. Griner has challenged traditional notions of women’s sports, paving the way for other tall players.
42. Her influence has been instrumental in promoting equality and recognition for women’s basketball.

Career Statistics

Griner's impressive career statistics highlight her dominance on the court.

43. Griner has averaged 17.8 points per game and 7.2 rebounds per game throughout her WNBA career.
44. Her defensive statistics include 2.0 blocks per game and a .562 field goal percentage.

WNBA All-Star Selections

Griner's consistent performance has earned her multiple All-Star selections.

45. Griner has been a six-time WNBA All-Star.
46. Her selection to the All-Star team is a testament to her dominance on the court.

College Accolades

Griner's college career at Baylor was filled with numerous accolades and record-breaking performances.

47. Griner was named the AP Player of the Year, the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, and the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award.
48. She led Baylor to a National Championship in 2012.
49. Griner holds multiple NCAA records, including being the only player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots.

Legacy in Basketball

Brittney Griner's legacy in basketball is multifaceted, inspiring generations of players and promoting equality in sports.

50. Griner has inspired generations of players with her dominance on the court and commitment to social justice.

Brittney Griner's Lasting Impact

Brittney Griner's journey from high school standout to international basketball icon is nothing short of inspiring. Her towering presence on the court, combined with her exceptional skills, has redefined women's basketball. Griner's achievements, including multiple WNBA championships, Olympic gold medals, and NCAA records, showcase her dominance in the sport. Off the court, her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and community involvement highlight her commitment to making a difference. Despite facing personal challenges, including her detention in Russia, Griner's resilience and determination have shone through. Her legacy extends beyond her athletic prowess, challenging traditional norms and promoting equality in sports. As she continues to inspire future generations, Brittney Griner's impact on basketball and society remains profound and enduring.