Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner embarked on her basketball career at Nimitz High School. Showcasing an early prowess for the sport, Griner led her high school team, the Nimitz Cougars, to the Texas 5A girls' basketball state championship game. Following her high school career, she attended Baylor University, setting records for blocked shots and securing a reputation as one of the most formidable shot blockers in women's basketball history. Notably, Griner led her college team, the Baylor Lady Bears, to a National Championship victory in 2012, also earning the title of AP Player of the Year.

After her success in college, Griner was selected as the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft, joining the Phoenix Mercury. In her first year, she helped the team secure a WNBA championship and became the first WNBA player to dunk twice in one game, marking her as a dominant force in the league. Her career, however, has not been confined to domestic competition. Internationally, she earned three Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women's national basketball team and won gold at the FIBA Women's World Cup. Griner's global influence was recognized in 2023 when Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Griner's life off the basketball court has also marked her as a figure of interest. Openly identifying as a lesbian since 2013, she has used her platform to address social issues, such as bullying and the detainment of individuals abroad, drawing from her personal experience of being detained in Russia on smuggling charges in 2022. Griner has also authored two books, "In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court" and "Coming Home," providing insight into her life and career. In 2024, it was announced that Griner would compete in the new 3x3 women's basketball league Unrivaled's inaugural season in 2025.