Childhood and Education Journey of Brittney Griner in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Brittney Griner. From birth to education, explore key events.

Brittney Yvette Griner is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA and for the Vinyl of Unrivaled. A dominant force in women's basketball, she's a three-time Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. women's national team and a six-time WNBA All-Star. Griner was recognized as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2023, reflecting her impact both on and off the court.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 18, 1990: Brittney Griner Born

On October 18, 1990, Brittney Yvette Griner was born. She is now known as an American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

November 11, 2008: High School Record for Blocks in a Game

On November 11, 2008, Brittney Griner recorded 25 blocks in a game against Houston Alief Hastings, setting the record for the most blocks ever recorded by a female in a high school game in the U.S.

May 7, 2009: Brittney Griner Day in Houston

On May 7, 2009, Houston mayor Bill White declared it Brittney Griner Day, celebrating her achievements.

2009: WBCA All-American

In 2009, Brittney Griner was named a WBCA All-American and participated in the WBCA High School All-America Game, leading the team by scoring 20 points and collecting 9 rebounds.

2009: Ranked Nation's Top High School Player

In 2009, Brittney Griner was named the nation's No. 1 high school women's basketball player by Rivals.com and was selected to the 2009 All-American basketball team, marking an early career milestone.

2009: High School Player of the Year

In 2009, Griner was recognized as the number-one high school player in the country by Rivals.com. She was featured on the cover of ESPN's Rise magazine and was selected by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as the 2009 State Farm/WBCA High School Player of the Year.

April 2012: Decision to Not Participate in 2012 Olympics

In April 2012, Griner, who was the only college player on the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team finalists roster at 22 years old, decided not to participate in the 2012 Olympics due to family illness and her school schedule.

February 11, 2013: Coming Out as Lesbian

On February 11, 2013, Griner publicly came out as a lesbian in an interview with SI.com. She also revealed that she was bullied as a child.

2013: Drafted First Overall by Phoenix Mercury

In 2013, Brittney Griner was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, marking the beginning of her professional career.

2013: End of College Career

In 2013, Brittney Griner's college career ended when Baylor lost to Louisville in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA women's basketball tournament.

August 14, 2014: Engagement to Glory Johnson

On August 14, 2014, Griner got engaged to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson.

2014: Publication of Memoir

In 2014, Griner's memoir with Sue Hovey, titled "In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court", was published, addressing bullying and self-acceptance.

In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court

Check it on Amazon

April 22, 2015: Arrest for Assault and Disorderly Conduct

On April 22, 2015, Griner and Johnson were arrested on charges of assault and disorderly conduct after police responded to a fight between the two in their suburban home in Phoenix, Arizona.

May 8, 2015: Marriage to Glory Johnson

On May 8, 2015, Griner and Johnson married in Phoenix despite their previous arrest.

May 15, 2015: WNBA Suspension

On May 15, 2015, Griner and Johnson were each suspended by the WNBA for seven games after Griner pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct charges. Griner was also required to complete 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling.

June 4, 2015: Johnson's Pregnancy Announcement

On June 4, 2015, Griner and Johnson revealed that Johnson was pregnant with twins, conceived through in vitro fertilization.

October 12, 2015: Birth of Twins

On October 12, 2015, Johnson gave birth to twin girls, 16 weeks premature. Griner was later ordered to pay child support.

June 2016: Divorce Finalized

In June 2016, Griner and Johnson's divorce was finalized.

August 2018: Engagement to Cherelle Watson

In August 2018, Griner became engaged to Cherelle Watson.

June 2019: Marriage to Cherelle Watson

In June 2019, Griner and Cherelle Watson married.

2019: Received Bachelor's Degree

In 2019, Brittney Griner received her bachelor's degree in education.

2020: Left WNBA Bubble

During the 2020 season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brittney Griner left the WNBA bubble after 12 games for undisclosed personal reasons.

2020: Protest of "The Star-Spangled Banner"

In 2020, Brittney Griner protested "The Star-Spangled Banner", stating she would not be on the court while the national anthem was played, before changing her decision after her incarceration.

February 17, 2022: Detained and Arrested in Russia

On February 17, 2022, Brittney Griner was detained and arrested by Russian customs officials on smuggling charges after hash oil was found in her luggage.

May 15, 2022: Potential Prisoner Swap Consideration

On May 15, 2022, it was reported that the United States and Russia would consider a prisoner swap, with Russia exchanging Griner for arms dealer Viktor Bout.

May 2022: U.S. State Department Determination

In May 2022, the U.S. State Department stated that they had determined Griner was being "wrongfully detained".

July 1, 2022: Trial Begins in Russia

On July 1, 2022, Brittney Griner's trial began in Russia, where she pled guilty to smuggling charges.

July 7, 2022: Guilty Plea in Drug Trial

On July 7, 2022, the second day of her trial, Griner pleaded guilty but said she had no intent to break the law and asked to give testimony to the court.

August 4, 2022: Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison

On August 4, 2022, Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia.

November 2022: Transferred to Russian Penal Colony IK-2

In November 2022, Brittney Griner was transferred to the Russian penal colony IK-2.

December 8, 2022: Released in Prisoner Exchange

On December 8, 2022, Brittney Griner was released in a prisoner exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

December 2022: Release from Detention in Russia

Since her release from detention in Russia in December 2022, Griner has championed the return of others detained in foreign countries.

2022: Incarceration and Release

In 2022, Brittney Griner was incarcerated in Russia on drug charges and missed the entire WNBA season. She was later released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia.

2022: Arrest in Russia

In 2022, Griner experienced arrest in Russia, which made her emotional during the 2024 Olympics medal ceremony, thinking she wouldn't be here again.

May 2023: Return to WNBA

In May 2023, Brittney Griner made her return to the WNBA, receiving a standing ovation.

2023: Resuming Standing for National Anthem

Following her detention in Russia, Griner stated her experiences led her to appreciate American freedoms. As a result, she resumed standing for the national anthem beginning with the 2023 season.

July 2024: Birth of Son

In July 2024, Watson gave birth to their son.

February 17, 2025: Cancelled Speaking Engagement Due to Threat

On February 17, 2025, Griner cancelled a speaking engagement at a cannabis leadership summit in Maryland, after a piece of duct tape with the words "Gay Baby Jail" written on it was found near her hotel room, which she perceived as a threat. Police later determined the message was a video game reference.