Whether you're a fan of women's basketball or sports in general, the name Brittney Griner should ring a bell. She's nothing short of an inspiring force and an iconic figure within the basketball community and beyond.
But what exactly makes Brittney Griner so impressive? To really appreciate all that she has accomplished, we've rounded up some of the most interesting facts about Brittney Griner. From her legendary career as a professional basketball player to her groundbreaking achievements off the court, there's so much to admire about this extraordinary woman.
So let's dive in, shall we? Here's your chance to learn all the best facts about Brittney Griner and gain a greater understanding of why she is so revered in the world of sports.
Early Life & Education
Brittney Griner is a basketball star who has made history with her impressive skill, creativity and athleticism. Let's take a look back at some of the defining moments in her life before she was a pro.
Griner grew up in Houston, Texas, where she attended Nimitz High School. Here she was groomed as an athlete: during her four years in high school she earned four varsity letters in volleyball and four in basketball. She was later named the High School Player of the Year by Parade Magazine for her outstanding play on both teams.
Griner then went on to attend Baylor University, where she achieved even greater heights in basketball. During her time there, she led the team to two consecutive NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championships, as well as reached multiple individual milestones including becoming just the second women to dunk twice (in one game!) in collegiate basketball history.
After graduating from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree and endorsement deals from Adidas and Nike, Griner continued her professional career with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. Today, Brittney Griner is NBA royalty with an impressive list of achievements that continue to grow each year.
Professional Career in Basketball
At 6'9'', Brittney Griner quickly established herself as one of the most dominant sportswomen in the world when she took up basketball. She was a four-time All American at Baylor University, where she led her team to an NCAA Women's Basketball Championship in 2012 with an impressive dominant performance.
That same year, Griner was selected first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA draft, becoming the first female player to be chosen number one since 1997. Since joining the league, she has been an All Star five times and won two WNBA titles—one with Phoenix and one with the Connecticut Sun—earning her spot among some of the greats.
Away from the court, Griner has also made a name for herself off of it as a face for LGBTQ rights and equality and is currently signed as a brand ambassador for Nike. She is also well-known for her willingness to speak out about issues affecting athletes and other sportspeople alike. In 2018, Griner was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame—the fourth woman to receive such an honor—and it's clear that there's no stopping her anytime soon.
Awards & Accolades
Brittney Griner is no stranger to awards and recognition. She has earned numerous accolades throughout her athletic career, here's a few of them:
NCAA Player of the Year
In her senior year at Baylor, Griner was named the ESPNW Player of the Year, WBCA Defensive Player of the Year, Big 12 Player of the Year and an Associated Press All-American. She was also selected as the NCAA Player of the Year for 2012–13 after leading her team to its second NCAA title in three seasons.
Olympic Gold Medallist
Griner represented USA in the 2016 Olympics and helped bring home a gold medal. She scored 27 points and was named MVP when USA won against Spain in the gold medal game.
Pro Awards
In 2014 she was chosen by Phoenix Mercury as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, becoming only the third player to be taken first overall after receiving AP All-America honors in each of her four collegiate seasons. Also that year she was named to some prestigious honors - WNBA All-Rookie Team and All-WNBA Team!
It's no wonder why Brittney Griner is considered one of the most elite professional basketball players; with all these awards and accolades under her belt it's clear that she consistently works hard for every single one of them!
Time Magazine Top 100 Most Influential People
Did you know that Brittney Griner was chosen by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2013? It's true—for her work sparking dialog on LGBT issues, she was included in an impressive list of people from around the globe, from politicians to artists to athletes.
In fact, it was because of Brittney that the WNBA put LGBT rights into its player contracts, protecting players against discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. She's become a role model and an inspiration for millions of people all over the world.
So why did Time Magazine select Brittney?
She changed how professional sport leagues view the LGBT community
Her advocacy helped support athletes struggling with coming out publicly
She speaks up for gender equality and human rights
Her story serves as a reminder to listen to your own voice above all else
For her part in bringing more attention and acceptance to the LGBT community
No wonder Brittney Griner has become such an influential figure—she stands up for herself and others in a powerful way that helps make the world a better place for everybody who's different in any way.
LGBT Rights Activism
Brittney Griner is a strong advocate for LGBT rights and equality, a topic that remains hugely controversial today. Not only is Brittney an out lesbian, but she also use her platform to help raise awareness of LGBT issues and campaigns. This is yet another demonstration of her extraordinary character and her bravery in using her status to confront important topics.
By speaking out, she has opened up doors to other athletes—and celebrities—who want to come out without worrying about the consequences. In addition to speaking out on LGBT issues, Griner also created the ‘Griner Movement’ which focuses on improving the lives of children who are LGBT.
The Griner Movement
The Griner Movement was created with the goal of raising awareness about LGBT issues and providing support for those struggling with their sexuality or gender identity. The Movement's overall mission is “to create a more accepting world for everyone” by engaging in campaigns and initiatives that promote positive change while combating discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Through the Griner Movement, Brittney also works closely with advocacy groups such as Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD in order to help spread her message of acceptance and understanding within the basketball community and beyond.
From playing in the WNBA to serving as an ambassador for the sport, Brittney Griner has dedicated her career to making sure we all live in an open-minded world that celebrates our differences instead of seeing them as something negative.
Marriage and Other Personal Life Highlights
You might not know that Brittney Griner is a trailblazer when it comes to her personal life. After all, she wasn't afraid to come out as a lesbian in April 2013, which was a brave move for any high-profile athlete.
Then in May 2017, Brittney married her longtime girlfriend Glory Johnson in Phoenix, Arizona—this was a momentous event that made Brittney the first openly gay WNBA player to get married. The wedding was held at the Bentley Projects gallery, and was attended by over 200 guests.
Brittney Griner also advocates for mental health awareness. On the court, she wears the number "42" on her jersey, which represents the amount of days she spent in therapy when she was younger—and tries her best to spread awareness about mental health issues in her free time.
Conclusion
Brittney Griner is an incredible athlete who has reached the highest levels of success in basketball and beyond. She has broken countless records, shattered countless barriers, and continues to inspire the next generation of young female athletes.
Her story is proof that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. She is living proof that all your dreams are within reach, no matter who you are and where you come from.
So, while you may not have the same set of skills and talents as Brittney Griner, there's plenty you can learn from her story. So next time you're feeling unmotivated or discouraged, take solace in the inspiring story of Brittney Griner.
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