Brittney Yevette Griner was born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, to Raymond Griner and Sandra Griner. She grew up as the youngest of four siblings, and from an early age, it was clear that she was unique. Unlike most kids her age, Brittney was already much taller and more athletic, which often made her stand out in school.

As a kid, Griner faced many challenges, including bullying and constant questioning about her appearance. People often asked, “Is Brittney Griner a man?” or even spread rumors about her gender because of her height, voice, and athletic build. These comments deeply affected her during childhood, but instead of breaking her, they motivated her to stay strong and prove her worth through sports.

Her father, Raymond, served as a Harris County sheriff, while her mother, Sandra, was a homemaker. Though her father was strict and initially struggled to accept Brittney’s individuality, he later became one of her strongest supporters. Her family—especially her mother—played a big role in encouraging her to chase her dreams in basketball.

Brittney Griner as a kid loved basketball, but she wasn’t always confident. In fact, she first played soccer and volleyball before fully committing to basketball during her teenage years. By middle school, she had already grown well above her peers, and coaches started noticing her incredible shot-blocking ability.