In 2013, Brittney Yvette Griner was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury. Her rookie season was the first time she was named an All-Star. A title she would go on to receive eight other times while adding two-time defensive player of the year to her list of accolades.

The Mercury championed for her release while she was detained in Russia in 2022, and rolled out the red carpet to welcome her home upon her release.

The Mercury championed for her release while she was detained in Russia in 2022, and rolled out the red carpet to welcome her home upon her release.

It seemed as if Griner’s WNBA legacy would begin and end with the Mercury. But, in 2025, a new chapter began. 

It seemed as if Griner’s WNBA legacy would begin and end with the Mercury. But, in 2025, a new chapter began. 

In February 2025, after 11 remarkable seasons with the Mercury, the 6 ‘9″ center signed a one‑year deal with the Atlanta Dream. Perhaps the move was more than professional — but a needed step in her personal growth and healing. 

In February 2025, after 11 remarkable seasons with the Mercury, the 6 ‘9″ center signed a one‑year deal with the Atlanta Dream. Perhaps the move was more than professional — but a needed step in her personal growth and healing. 

In her memoir Coming Home, Griner reveals that during her detention, she faced numerous challenges to her mental health, including isolation, uncertainty, and the constant fear of being forgotten.

In her memoir Coming Home, Griner reveals that during her detention, she faced numerous challenges to her mental health, including isolation, uncertainty, and the constant fear of being forgotten.

Those challenges didn’t disappear when she returned stateside. “I’m not okay,” she recalls in her book. Returning home didn’t mean she returned to the life she once knew.

Those challenges didn’t disappear when she returned stateside. “I’m not okay,” she recalls in her book. Returning home didn’t mean she returned to the life she once knew.

Griner battled PTSD, sleep issues, difficulty with her personal relationships, and she struggled to move forward.  

Griner battled PTSD, sleep issues, difficulty with her personal relationships, and she struggled to move forward.  

Forever the force on the court and for LGBTQ rights, Griner now had a new cause, “I will not rest until Paul Whelan and others are home,” she says in her book.

Forever the force on the court and for LGBTQ rights, Griner now had a new cause, “I will not rest until Paul Whelan and others are home,” she says in her book.

That determination has also led her to advocate for prison reform and the rights of detainees. It is obvious that Brittney Griner is different. Perhaps a different home wasn’t just a professional move, but a necessary one in her healing journey. 

That determination has also led her to advocate for prison reform and the rights of detainees. It is obvious that Brittney Griner is different. Perhaps a different home wasn’t just a professional move, but a necessary one in her healing journey. 

Still, she is an undeniable asset to the Dream. Teammates and front office staff cite her infectious energy and mentorship, noting how her presence elevates both performance and culture. As the Dream blaze toward the playoffs, Griner’s experience and advocacy set the tone. She’s not just adding wins—she’s empowering a franchise and a city. 

Still, she is an undeniable asset to the Dream. Teammates and front office staff cite her infectious energy and mentorship, noting how her presence elevates both performance and culture. As the Dream blaze toward the playoffs, Griner’s experience and advocacy set the tone. She’s not just adding wins—she’s empowering a franchise and a city. 

Whether it’s speaking out about mental health struggles, fighting for marginalized communities, or inspiring young athletes with her story, her impact resonates far beyond WNBA arenas.

Whether it’s speaking out about mental health struggles, fighting for marginalized communities, or inspiring young athletes with her story, her impact resonates far beyond WNBA arenas.

In a league often shaped by dynasties and dynastic dreams, Brittney Griner stays true to her core: using talent as a tool for transformation. A new jersey doesn’t change her mission—on and off the court, she’s still the same firebrand, ready to lead with purpose, passion, and boundless humanity.

In a league often shaped by dynasties and dynastic dreams, Brittney Griner stays true to her core: using talent as a tool for transformation. A new jersey doesn’t change her mission—on and off the court, she’s still the same firebrand, ready to lead with purpose, passion, and boundless humanity.

Michael Harris II has rapidly become a linchpin for the Atlanta Braves, showcasing exceptional talent and maturity since his major league debut in 2022.​

Born on March 7, 2001, in DeKalb, Georgia, Harris’s journey to the big leagues is a testament to his dedication and skill. Growing up in the Atlanta area, he dreamed of donning the Braves uniform—a dream that became reality when he was drafted by his hometown team in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft.​

Born on March 7, 2001, in DeKalb, Georgia, Harris’s journey to the big leagues is a testament to his dedication and skill. Growing up in the Atlanta area, he dreamed of donning the Braves uniform—a dream that became reality when he was drafted by his hometown team in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft.​

At Stockbridge High School, Harris’s athleticism and versatility were evident. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds during his senior year, he excelled both as a switch-hitting outfielder and a left-handed pitcher. His prowess on the field made him a standout, catching the attention of scouts nationwide.​

At Stockbridge High School, Harris’s athleticism and versatility were evident. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds during his senior year, he excelled both as a switch-hitting outfielder and a left-handed pitcher. His prowess on the field made him a standout, catching the attention of scouts nationwide.​

After being drafted, Harris quickly progressed through the Braves’ minor league system. His breakout moment came in 2021 with the Rome Braves, where his performance earned him a spot in the prestigious All-Star Futures Game.​

After being drafted, Harris quickly progressed through the Braves’ minor league system. His breakout moment came in 2021 with the Rome Braves, where his performance earned him a spot in the prestigious All-Star Futures Game.​

Harris made his MLB debut on May 28, 2022, against the Miami Marlins. In his rookie season, he played 114 games, achieving a .297 batting average with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs, securing the National League Rookie of the Year award.​

Harris made his MLB debut on May 28, 2022, against the Miami Marlins. In his rookie season, he played 114 games, achieving a .297 batting average with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs, securing the National League Rookie of the Year award.​

By the end of the 2024 season, Harris had accumulated a career batting average of .285, with 53 home runs over three seasons. His defensive prowess in center field further solidified his reputation as a dual-threat player. Braves manager Brian Snitker remarked, “We’ve seen what [Harris] can do. He’s a special talent. If we can keep him on the field for 150-plus games, he’s got a chance of being a really, really good, strong middle-of-the-lineup guy.” 

By the end of the 2024 season, Harris had accumulated a career batting average of .285, with 53 home runs over three seasons. His defensive prowess in center field further solidified his reputation as a dual-threat player. Braves manager Brian Snitker remarked, “We’ve seen what [Harris] can do. He’s a special talent. If we can keep him on the field for 150-plus games, he’s got a chance of being a really, really good, strong middle-of-the-lineup guy.” 

As the 2025 season unfolds, Harris continues to be a vital asset for the Braves. On March 31, 2025, he hit a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers, demonstrating his ongoing offensive capabilities. Reflecting on his aspirations, Harris stated, “I guess if I do whatever I know I can do, it’s possible… a 30-30 season would be amazing.” ​MLB.com

As the 2025 season unfolds, Harris continues to be a vital asset for the Braves. On March 31, 2025, he hit a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers, demonstrating his ongoing offensive capabilities. Reflecting on his aspirations, Harris stated, “I guess if I do whatever I know I can do, it’s possible… a 30-30 season would be amazing.” ​MLB.com

Recognizing his value, the Braves secured Harris with an eight-year contract extension worth $72 million in August 2022, ensuring his presence on the team through at least 2030.​

Recognizing his value, the Braves secured Harris with an eight-year contract extension worth $72 million in August 2022, ensuring his presence on the team through at least 2030.​

From his early days in Stockbridge to becoming a cornerstone of the Braves’ lineup, Michael Harris II’s journey is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and hometown pride.

From his early days in Stockbridge to becoming a cornerstone of the Braves’ lineup, Michael Harris II’s journey is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and hometown pride.