Phoenix Rising: The Brittney Griner Story

Griner's story is a poignant reminder of the duality of life. Brittney Yvette Griner (born October 18, 1990) is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. women's national basketball team and a six-time WNBA All-Star. Griner was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023.  

In 2009, Griner was named the nation's No. 1 high school women's basketball player by Rivals.com. She was selected to the 2009 All-American basketball team. She played college basketball for the Baylor Lady Bears in Waco, Texas. She had a breakout junior year in 2012, as the three-time All-American was named the AP Player of the Year, the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, led Baylor in winning the National Championship, and won the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award. Griner is also the only NCAA basketball player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots.  

Professionally, Griner was selected as the first overall pick in 2013 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, with whom she won the 2014 WNBA championship. Standing 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) tall, Griner wears a men's U.S. size 17 shoe and has an arm span of 87.5 in (222 cm).  

Griner led the U.S. national women's basketball team to victory at the Rio Olympics in 2016. In 2020, Griner protested "The Star-Spangled Banner" and stated she would not be on the court while the national anthem was played during game openers. Griner was named to the national team for the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 in Tokyo), where she won her second gold medal. She is also a two-time FIBA Women's World Cup winner with Team USA (2014 and 2018).  

On February 17, 2022, Griner was detained and arrested on smuggling charges by Russian customs officials after cartridges containing less than a gram of medically prescribed hash oil, illegal in Russia, were found in her luggage. She had been playing basketball with the Russian Premier League during the WNBA off-season. Her trial began on July 1 and she pled guilty to the charges. On August 4, she was sentenced to nine years in prison. In November 2022, Griner was transferred to the Russian penal colony IK-2. U.S. officials stated that she was "wrongfully detained". On December 8, Griner was released in a prisoner exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. She made her return to the WNBA in May 2023, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. From her powerful stance on the basketball court to the somber scenes of her captivity, the image conveys the harsh reality she endured. The background with Russian officers emphasizes the stark contrast between her life as a celebrated athlete and the grim circumstances of her imprisonment.  

Brittney Griner is more than just an athlete; she's a symbol of resilience. Her journey through the Russian legal system, facing charges she adamantly denies, has been a testament to her strength. Despite the unjust accusations, she maintained her dignity and composure, embodying the resilience of a phoenix rising from the ashes.  

The decision to use fiery colors was intentional. Red and orange not only represent the fire but also the hope and courage that burn within. These colors evoke a sense of urgency and highlight the emotional turmoil faced by Griner and her supporters. The inclusion of her in a basketball uniform juxtaposed with her courtroom appearance serves as a powerful reminder of her humanity and the multiple facets of her life.  

In creating this piece, I wanted to honor Griner's spirit and draw attention to her plight. It's a call to remember the real person behind the headlines—a woman who has overcome immense challenges and continues to inspire. Through this artwork, I hope to convey not just the struggles she has faced but also the hope for her return to the life she knows and loves.  

This composition, rich with emotion and symbolism, serves as a tribute to Brittney Griner's journey and an appeal for justice. It underscores the importance of not forgetting those who are unjustly detained and the need for resilience in the face of adversity.