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Brittney Griner's journey has been very interesting, yet also very shocking. Standing at 6-foot-9, the WNBA superstar is one of the most unique basketball players in the world. However, her road to stardom has been very rough.
Despite having the talent and size to become a successful basketball player, Griner has often struggled mentally. In her book, "In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court," the Phoenix Mercury star revealed interesting details about her childhood.
The former WNBA champion confessed that her father wanted her to be inside the house all the time. As the basketball player put it, she was supposed to live "inside a glass box."
Brittney Griner's childhood was rough
Becoming a professional basketball player is a difficult task, no matter how much talent a person has. Reaching this level requires a lot of hard work and effort, and it also requires being in a good place mentally.
Unfortunately, Griner has struggled throughout her childhood and could not fit in with her classmates. She felt alone and was bullied and mocked by the other kids in her school, which made things worse.
Griner revealed in her book:
"I could see my classmates were finding their place in the social structure, but I felt adrift, alone, scrambling to figure it all out."
She added:
"My dad wanted me to live inside a glass box, tucked safely away inside our house, exposed to nothing, including the typical interactions kids need."
Raymond Griner, Brittney's father, was just worried about his child. Mr. Griner, a retired deputy sheriff, was aware of his daughter's surroundings and did not want her classmates to hurt her.
You may be interested in reading: Who are Brittney Griner's parents Raymond Griner and Sandra Griner? All you need to know
Brittney was a few inches taller than most girls in her class, which is why she felt like a misfit. Due to her appearance, Griner became a regular target for her classmates, who began to constantly bully and attack her.
Griner's struggles did not stop her from reaching stardom
Shortly before she was drafted with the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury, Brittney Griner came out as gay. While the basketball player received a lot of support from the LGBTQ community, a lot of fans disliked her for this as well.
You may be interested in reading: What was Brittney Griner's salary in the most recent WNBA season she played in? Here are all the details
Fortunately, the WNBA star has always had the support of her parents, who have helped her become who she is today.
Brittney Griner, who was recently released by Russia and returned to the United States, has been one of the best players in the history of the WNBA. In nine seasons in the league, Griner has won one championship and has made the All-Star team seven times.
The 6-foot-9 center has also led the league in blocks eight times and has won the scoring title twice. Besides her success in the WNBA, Griner has achieved a lot overseas, winning three championships in Russia and four EuroLeague titles.
