Brittney Griner grew up in Houston, Texas, and showed an early interest in sports. She attended Nimitz High School, where she played basketball and gained national attention for her incredible shot-blocking ability and dunking prowess, which is rare in women's basketball.

Griner played college basketball at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she became one of the most dominant players in NCAA history. During her time at Baylor, she led the team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 2012.

Brittney Griner has been a star player for the Phoenix Mercury since joining the WNBA in 2013. She has been a multiple-time WNBA All-Star, known for her scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. Griner led the Mercury to a WNBA Championship in 2014 and has consistently been one of the league's top players.

In February 2022, Griner was detained in Russia on drug charges after authorities found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Her arrest led to significant international attention, and she was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony. In December 2022, after nearly ten months in detention, she was released in a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia.

Brittney Griner is widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in women's basketball history. Her impact on the game, both on and off the court, has made her a prominent figure in sports and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

October is LGBTQ+ History Month and this year we are spotlighting “Against all Odds”. These icons all achieved incredible success in spite of resistance, systematic barriers, and cultural norms. Demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience as they fought for a more accepting and inclusive world.