Brittney Griner has jersey retired at Baylor in emotional ceremony
Former Baylor superstar Brittney Griner had her jersey officially retired on Sunday afternoon, when Baylor hosted Texas Tech.
Griner is one of the most recognizable names in women’s college basketball over the past couple decades, a force on the floor and a figure who has drawn plenty of ink in the press off it as well.
She had previously shared her thoughts on having her jersey retired at Baylor, but despite the fact that she knew it would be a big honor, it sure looked like she wasn’t quite prepared for the emotional response seeing it actually happen would have on her.
“I’m honored to return home to Baylor and celebrate where so much of my journey started,” Griner said. “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 nearly broke down in tears as she watched her number hoisted into the rafters. You can check out a video of Baylor’s full tribute here, and you can watch Griner’s reaction to the tribute below.
The moment was big enough that several people connected to Brittney Griner chimed in on the massive honor, including her former coach at Baylor, current LSU coach Kim Mulkey.
Mulkey was Baylor’s head coach from 2000-2021 before returning home to Louisiana and accepting the Tigers’ head coaching position. Of her 22 years at the helm of the Bears program, four years were spent coaching Griner.
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On Thursday, during the LSU women’s basketball press conference, Kim Mulkey shared her feelings on her former star player’s jersey retirement.
“I think it’s awesome. It’s awesome, and I’m sure it’ll be a great environment,” said Mulkey.
Indeed it was.
Brittney Griner went on to immense success after her time at Baylor, becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury.
She finished her college career as a four-team All-Big 12 first-team honoree, was an All-American multiple times and earned national player of the year honors twice.
She holds the Big 12 women’s basketball record for most points scored (3,283), field goals made (1,247), free throws made (787), free throws attempted (1,054) and blocks (748).