Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player celebrated as one of the most dominant centers in women’s basketball history. Known for her shot-blocking, scoring, and athleticism, Griner joined the Atlanta Dream in 2025 after an illustrious 11-year career with the Phoenix Mercury.
Early Life and Background
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Date of Birth: October 18, 1990
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Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, USA
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Height: 6 ft 9 in (206 cm)
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Position: Center
College Career
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School: Baylor University (2009–2013)
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Only NCAA player (men’s or women’s) with 2,000 points and 500 blocks
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Won the 2012 NCAA Championship
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Two-time Naismith College Player of the Year (2012, 2013)
WNBA Career
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Drafted: 1st overall, 2013 WNBA Draft (Phoenix Mercury)
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Phoenix Mercury (2013–2024):
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WNBA Champion (2014)
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11 seasons, 315 games, all starts
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Franchise leader in blocks (812), rebounds (2,125), double-doubles (66), and 2-point field goals made (2,183)
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Second in Mercury history in points (5,572)
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Third in WNBA history in career blocks (812), behind only Margo Dydek and Lisa Leslie
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Fastest to 500 blocks in league history (153 games)
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Career averages: 17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 56.2% FG
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Led the league in blocks eight times and in scoring twice (2017, 2019)
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10× WNBA All-Star, 2× Defensive Player of the Year (2014, 2015), 3× All-WNBA First Team
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All-Rookie Team (2013), WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021)
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Known for her dunking ability—holds the WNBA record for most career dunks
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Atlanta Dream (2025–present):
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Signed with Atlanta in February 2025, entering her 12th WNBA season
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International Career
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Multiple Russian National League and EuroLeague titles
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Olympic gold medalist with Team USA
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Known for her dominance in both domestic and international play
Career Highlights & Honors
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WNBA Champion: 2014
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WNBA Defensive Player of the Year: 2014, 2015
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WNBA Scoring Leader: 2017, 2019
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WNBA Blocks Leader: 8 seasons
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10× WNBA All-Star
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WNBA 25th Anniversary Team
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NCAA Champion & 2× Naismith Player of the Year
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Olympic Gold Medalist
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite shot-blocker, dominant scorer in the paint, strong rebounder, and reliable free throw shooter for her position
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Style:
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Towering center, alters games defensively, and is one of the most prolific dunkers in WNBA history
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FAQs About Brittney Griner
What position does Brittney Griner play?
Center
Which team does she play for?
Atlanta Dream (WNBA, as of 2025)
How old is Brittney Griner?
34 (born October 18, 1990)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA champion, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 10× All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, NCAA champion
What is her playing style?
Dominant, athletic, and defensive-minded center with elite shot-blocking and scoring ability
Conclusion
Brittney Griner is a generational talent whose impact on the WNBA is unmatched. With records, championships, and accolades spanning college, professional, and international play, she remains one of basketball’s most influential and recognizable stars.
