A professional basketball player since 2013, Brittney Griner’s impact on and off the court has been nothing low of extraordinary. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. women’s national basketball team and a six-time WNBA All-Star, she has solidified her place among the basketball elite.
Y’lan Noel on ‘Lady in the Lake’
Y’lan Noel on ‘Lady in the Lake’
Recognized for her influence beyond athletics, Griner was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2023. With the 2024 Paris Olympics now here, here are five facts to know about her.
She was setting records in high school
Born in Houston, Griner is the daughter of Raymond and Sandra Griner and has three older siblings. In high school, she attended Nimitz High School, where she set a national record with 25 blocks in a single game and was named Player of the Year for Parade Magazine, USA Today, and WBCA in 2009. In honor of her achievements, Houston Mayor Bill White proclaimed May 7, 2009 Brittney Griner Day.
She’s definitely taken
Griner is married to Cherelle Watson, after meeting at Baylor University, where she received Bachelor of Science degree in education in 2013. Griner became engaged to Watson in August 2018, and they married in June 2019. Watson later changed her name to Cherelle Griner and, on July 8, the couple welcomed their first child, a son.
She’s an Activist
Photo: Tim Clayton (Getty Images)
Griner has been dedicated to collaborating with various charities and foundations. Her advocacy spans anti-bullying initiatives and LGBTQ-focused organizations. In 2023, she was honored with the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for her impactful partnerships with Bring Our Families Home and the Heart and Sole Shoe Drive.
She Is history in the making
Brittney Griner boasts an impressive array of records in both college and professional basketball. Among her standout achievements are holding the NCAA record for the most career blocks and setting the WNBA record for the most blocks in a single season.
She’s an author
Following her imprisonment in Russia in 2022 and the efforts by the Biden administration that ultimately secured her return, Griner published her second book, “Coming Home,” which detailed her experiences.
Her first book, “In My Skin: My Life on and off the Basketball Court,” published in 2015 and explored her personal experiences while playing in the WNBA.
