Queer basketball player Brittney Griner honoured by Baylor University
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In a historic moment, Baylor University in Texas honored queer basketball player Brittney Griner by retiring her No. 42 jersey during a pregame ceremony on campus. This prestigious accolade is typically reserved for athletes who have left the team, retired from the sport, or passed away, making it a significant recognition of Griner’s sporting legacy.
Griner, who graduated from Baylor in 2013, became the seventh women’s basketball player from the university to have her jersey retired. The ceremony took place at the new Foster Pavilion, where Baylor recently began playing their games. Prior to the game against Texas Tech, video highlights from Griner’s illustrious career were showcased, evoking an emotional response from the basketball star as she watched the jersey being raised amidst cheers from Baylor fans.
“Just full of emotion,” Griner expressed during an in-game interview on ESPN. “As soon as [the jersey] started to go up, that’s when I started to break.” The two-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time WNBA All-Star had her homecoming at Baylor for the first time in 11 years, attending a Bears game on campus to witness the retirement of her jersey.
“I’m honored to return home to Baylor and celebrate where so much of my journey started,” Griner shared in a statement. “I’m grateful to Coach Nicki [Collen] and the entire Baylor community and looking forward to the opportunity to be back on campus, spend time with the team and have my family beside me to share in this incredible moment. Sic ‘Em Bears.”
Griner played a pivotal role in Baylor’s 40-0 national championship season in 2011-2012, culminating in a memorable run that saw the Bears dominate the NCAA Tournament. Her final home games at the Ferrell Center included a remarkable performance where she scored three dunks in her last game before the team ultimately fell to Louisville in the Sweet 16.
Beyond her on-court success, Griner has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using her platform to speak out against discrimination and support inclusivity in sports. In a news conference following her release from Russian detention in April 2023, Griner condemned anti-trans laws in sports and reiterated her commitment to standing up for trans athletes.
The retirement of Griner’s jersey at Baylor University serves as a testament to her remarkable career and enduring impact on the world of basketball. As she continues to inspire others both on and off the court, Griner’s legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in sports remains a shining example of resilience and courage.
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