Brittney Griner Seeks New Horizons with Atlanta Dream and Aims for the 2028 Olympics
The star of women’s basketball, Brittney Griner, feels revitalized with her new beginning at the Atlanta Dream, after eleven seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. The player has set her sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as an ambitious goal.
“It’s a goal for me,” Griner stated in an interview, “Playing in the Olympics in your country would be amazing. My parents have never been to the Olympics. So I will push myself and try to do what I need to do to get that call or at least be in the camp and help those who go.”
Brittney Griner
Griner, a three-time gold medalist, feels that her transfer to the Dream has strengthened her mentally and physically. The 34-year-old player is looking for new motivations and challenges after years of staying in Phoenix.
The decision to leave the Mercury was not easy. Griner hoped to finish her career with the team that drafted her in 2013. However, plans changed when the team informed her about a possible restructuring of the roster.
After a meeting with the Mercury, Griner faced uncertainty about her future. Finally, she decided to look for a team that valued her and believed in her game.
Griner chose the Atlanta Dream as her new home, drawn by the team’s players and the possibility of fitting into the game system. The player is excited about the future and grateful for the support she received during her difficult experience in Russia.
In her first preseason game with the Dream, Griner showed her dominance with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. In addition, she has shown a new facet of her game, including three-point shots and fast breaks.
Griner is adapting to coach Karl Smesko’s five-player game system. “I’m learning to move better on the perimeter, where my positions are, instead of just being down low,” Griner commented. The player also highlighted the good rapport with her teammate Brionna Jones.
“Life sometimes pushes you out of that bubble, and I’m glad it did. I’m glad I came here.”
Brittney Griner
Griner is working on improving her shot and feels more comfortable with it. She is also participating more in fast breaks.
The player is clear that she will continue playing as long as she can contribute to the team. “When I can’t do that, or we have to hide me in the corner or put me in the easiest matchup, I’ll leave. I don’t want to be a burden on the court and there are too many good players coming, I’m not going to sit there and cling to a position because I just can’t let it go.”
In addition to her basketball career, Griner and her wife Cherelle became parents to a son last summer, which has brought a significant change to their lives. Despite the new challenges, Griner constantly remembers her experience in prison.
“I learned that I am definitely adaptable,” she said. “Honestly, I can make myself adjust to whatever I need to be okay.”
Griner reminds herself of her strength through a symbol: four dots that she draws on her hand, a reminder of her time in prison and her ability to overcome any adversity.
