Phoenix has always been a city that warmly embraces its basketball stars, evident in the electrifying welcomes given to Brittney Griner last year and DeWanna Bonner this season. As Bonner returned, fans erupted with cheers the moment she was spotted in the stands, even before rejoining the Phoenix Mercury roster. This time, however, Bonner is asking fans to channel that passionate energy toward supporting Griner’s heartfelt initiative, the BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive, which aims to help local people in need.
Although Griner is currently playing for the Atlanta Dream and experiencing a challenging phase in her career, her ties to Phoenix run deep. She has been a defining figure for the Mercury for well over a decade, contributing to their 2014 WNBA championship victory and setting franchise records as the all-time leader in blocks and rebounds.
DeWanna Bonner Reflects on Brittney Griner’s Impact in Phoenix
Bonner, a former Fever forward and longtime teammate of Griner, understands the strong connection the city holds for the star center. She emphasized,
“In this state. I mean, you can’t mention Phoenix without mentioning BG, what she’s done, she won championships here. She grew up here, literally got drafted here, and just became a great person to this community. So I’m sure Phoenix is excited to get her back.”
— DeWanna Bonner, WNBA Player
Griner’s rookie year in Phoenix set the tone for her iconic career. Not only did she make history by dunking twice in her debut professional game, but she also secured a spot on the All-Star team that same year—a distinction she earned nine more times over the following seasons. Beyond her powerful presence on the court, she connected deeply with the Phoenix community through acts of kindness and compassion.
The Origins and Importance of BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive
Griner’s connection to Phoenix goes beyond basketball. During her early years with the Mercury, she noticed homeless individuals in Arizona, particularly during the hot summers, who lacked proper footwear. Initially, she carried shoes in her car to hand out when the opportunity arose. In 2016, Griner transformed this personal effort into a wider outreach by launching BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive through the Mercury organization. This initiative collaborated with the team’s passionate fan base, players, and the Phoenix Rescue Mission to provide shoes to those in need.
Since then, the shoe drive has become an annual event, aiding nearly 2,000 individuals across the Phoenix Valley. With Griner’s upcoming visit back to Phoenix, the shoe drive tradition is set to continue, drawing community support and shedding light on homelessness in the area.
Bonner Appeals for Fan Support to Sustain Griner’s Charitable Mission
As Griner prepares to return to Phoenix wearing the jersey of a rival team, DeWanna Bonner is asking fans to rally around the cause Griner champions. She encouraged,
“And just to see her and everything she has going on, and she had a shoe drive going on. So bring your shoes, donate to BG’s shoe drive. So we’re excited to get her back here in Phoenix, we’re excited to see her. The fans around the court, and I’m sure that it’ll probably be emotional for her, but we’re excited to love her a little bit.”
— DeWanna Bonner, WNBA Player
Though Griner’s focus has shifted amid motherhood and adapting to a new team environment, her legacy in Phoenix remains profound. The franchise is honoring her homecoming by reviving the shoe drive during her visit, reinforcing the lasting bond between Griner and the community.
The Challenges and Changes in Brittney Griner’s Career with the Atlanta Dream
Brittney Griner’s recent trade to the Atlanta Dream has marked a significant transition after 11 memorable seasons in Phoenix. The move was difficult and emotional for Griner, who described it as stepping away from what she had always known. In her own words, she remarked,
“You know it was a hard decision. You’re leaving what you know, what I’ve known for my whole career. But there’s also the exciting factor of like, okay, this is a rebrand now, I get to show them something different.”
— Brittney Griner, WNBA Player
However, the change has come with challenges. Griner is currently experiencing career lows in key statistical categories such as points, rebounds, and blocks per game, ending her remarkable streak of 10 consecutive WNBA All-Star Game appearances. This decline has been attributed to her adaptation to a different team system where she no longer plays the primary offensive role and has fewer touches on the ball.
Balancing Motherhood and Professional Basketball
Aside from adjusting on the court, Griner’s personal priorities have evolved significantly since becoming a mother. She frequently shares joyful moments with her son, Bash, highlighting how motherhood has become central to her life. Griner describes Bash as her “world,” revealing how parenthood has reshaped her perspective and commitments.
Despite the challenges posed by her career transition, Griner continues to serve as a key leader for the Atlanta Dream, demonstrating resilience and determination as she builds chemistry with new teammates and a new system.
Griner’s Enduring Influence on Phoenix and the WNBA Community
Even though Brittney Griner’s current chapter unfolds outside of Phoenix, her influence and legacy in the community remain unshakable. From shattering records to making a lasting social impact through the shoe drive, Griner embodies more than just a basketball star. Her return to Phoenix, supported by DeWanna Bonner’s heartfelt plea for fans to back the BG’s Heart and Sole initiative, stands as a testament to the deep connection she has forged with the city and its people.
The continuation of the shoe drive during Griner’s visit amplifies its importance, offering a moment for Phoenix fans to celebrate their former star’s return in a meaningful way—by contributing to a cause that uplifts those in need and reinforces community unity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Brittney Griner give birth to a child?
A. In July, Griner announced that she and her wife had their first child. Before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the Phoenix Mercury player shared the news with CBS Sports. She mentioned their baby was born on July 8. “That’s my man,” she added.
Q. Who is the father of Brittney Griner’s baby?
A. There’s a new supporter of the USA Women’s Basketball team! Brittney Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medal winner, just welcomed her first child with her wife, Cherelle Griner, who is also a lawyer.
Q. Did Brittney Griner’s wife have IVF?
A. Johnson had the twins, Ava Simone and Solei Diem, through in-vitro fertilization while briefly married to Griner. In 2016, they were involved in a legal dispute to settle child support for their daughters. The twins now reside in Tennessee.
Q. Does Brittney Griner have a biological child?
A. Brittney Griner, a WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, shared on Friday that she and her wife, Cherelle Griner, have had their first child. This happy news comes less than two years after Brittney’s release from a Russian penal colony and her return to playing for the Phoenix Mercury.