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. A dominant center, she's a six-time WNBA All-Star and has won three Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women's national team, showcasing her skill on the international stage. In 2023, Time magazine recognized her influence by naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Sections (4)

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

October 18, 1990: Brittney Griner's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

November 11, 2008: Recorded 25 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

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

December 16, 2009: Recorded Baylor's First Triple-Double

On December 16, 2009, Brittney Griner recorded Baylor's first triple-double with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and a Big 12 Conference record of 11 blocked shots.

2009: WBCA All-American

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

2009: Named Nation's No. 1 High School Women's Basketball 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 her as a top prospect.

2009: Named number-one high school player by Rivals.com

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

January 2010: Dunked During a Women's College Basketball Game

In January 2010, Brittney Griner became only the seventh player to dunk during a women's college basketball game, and only the second woman to dunk twice in a single college game, marking a significant achievement in women's basketball.

March 3, 2010: Ejected After Punching Opponent

On March 3, 2010, Brittney Griner was ejected from a game and suspended after punching Texas Tech player Jordan Barncastle, resulting in a broken nose.

April 3, 2012: Won Division I Women's Basketball Championship

On April 3, 2012, Brittney Griner led Baylor to win the Division I Women's Basketball Championship with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots in an 80–61 victory over Notre Dame, finishing the season undefeated with 40 wins.

April 2012: Opted out of 2012 Olympics

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

2012: Named AP Player of the Year

In 2012, Brittney Griner was named the AP Player of the Year and The 2012 Premier Player of Women's College Basketball after averaging 23.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 5 blocks per game during her junior season.

February 11, 2013: Publicly came out as a lesbian

On February 11, 2013, Griner publicly came out as a lesbian in an interview with SI.com. She also revealed she was bullied as a child for being different and bigger, and because of her sexuality.

2013: Baylor Lost to Louisville in NCAA Tournament

In the 2013 NCAA women's basketball tournament, Baylor lost to the University of Louisville Cardinals during Brittney Griner's senior year, in the Sweet 16.

June 4, 2015: Johnson revealed she was pregnant with twins

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

October 12, 2015: Johnson gave birth to twins

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

2019: Received Bachelor's Degree in Education

In 2019, Brittney Griner received her bachelor's degree in education, marking the completion of her academic studies.

2020: Protested "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, though she later changed this decision.

2020: Left WNBA Bubble for Personal Reasons

In 2020, after 12 games played, Brittney Griner left the WNBA bubble at IMG Academy for undisclosed personal reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 17, 2022: Detained and Arrested in Russia

On February 17, 2022, Brittney Griner was detained and arrested by Russian customs officials for smuggling charges after cartridges containing less than a gram of medically prescribed hash oil were found in her luggage.