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Brittney Griner

Biography

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Brittney Griner became a nationally recognized basketball player at Nimitz High School before playing college basketball at Baylor University. At Baylor, she became one of the most dominant players in women's college basketball, leading the Lady Bears to an undefeated 2012 season and an NCAA championship. She finished her collegiate career as the NCAA's all-time leading shot blocker and was selected first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft.


Griner quickly established herself as one of the WNBA's premier players. She helped the Phoenix Mercury win the 2014 WNBA championship and earned multiple All-Star selections and Defensive Player of the Year honors. She has also represented the United States internationally, winning Olympic gold medals in 2016, 2020, and 2024.


Griner has spoken publicly about her identity as a Black lesbian woman. Her career has extended beyond basketball into advocacy and community engagement, including her BG's Heart and Sole Shoe Drive. After more than a decade with Phoenix, she played for the Atlanta Dream in 2025 before joining the Connecticut Sun in 2026.

BQW Impact

Brittney Griner is a significant figure in the history of Black queer representation in professional sports. As an openly lesbian Black woman competing at the highest levels of basketball, she has provided visibility for Black queer women in professional athletics and spoken publicly about the intersection of her race, gender, sexuality, and athletic identity.


Her visibility extends beyond the basketball court through advocacy and community initiatives. Griner's career has contributed to broader conversations about LGBTQ+ athletes, representation, resilience, and the place of Black queer women in professional sports.

Notable Works

  • Phoenix Mercury (2013 - 2024)

    Griner's longtime WNBA team, where she established herself as one of the league's premier centers and won the 2014 WNBA championship.

  • Atlanta Dream (2025)

    Griner's WNBA team during the 2025 season.

  • Connecticut Sun (2026)

    Griner's current WNBA team.

  • In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court (2014)

    Memoir exploring Griner's life, basketball career, identity, and experiences as a professional athlete.

  • BG's Heart and Sole Shoe Drive (2016)

    Community initiative providing shoes and support to children in need.

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