Brittney Griner, an Olympic gold medalist and standout WNBA athlete, has her partner Cherelle Griner always supporting her from the sidelines. The couple met while they were undergraduates at Baylor University in Texas, where Brittney was establishing herself as a top college basketball player. They didn’t start dating until years later when they reconnected after Brittney split from her first wife, Glory Johnson. The couple got engaged in 2018 and tied the knot a year later, with both frequently expressing their love for each other on social media. Cherelle often shares videos of Brittney on the court and supported her through a difficult time when Brittney was detained in Russia in 2022.
Brittney and Cherelle’s relationship was put in the spotlight when Brittney was detained in Russia on drug charges while playing for the EuroLeague team UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason. The news of her detainment broke in the United States in March 2022, sparking concern for her safety amid Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. The U.S. State Department later confirmed that Russia had “wrongfully detained” Brittney, and efforts were made to secure her safe return. Cherelle stood by her wife during this challenging time, expressing gratitude for the support and prayers she received from others.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert described Brittney’s situation as unimaginable, with efforts being made to secure her release from Russia. The State Department’s reclassification of Brittney’s case as a wrongful detention brought hope for a positive resolution. Cherelle continued to support Brittney from afar, sharing messages on social media expressing her love and commitment during this trying period. In December 2022, Cherelle was present at the White House when President Joe Biden announced Brittney’s release from Russian custody, emphasizing the hard work that went into securing her return.
President Biden praised Brittney’s resilience and strength during her time in detention, noting that she should have been with her loved ones all along. Cherelle stood by his side during the press release, marking a significant moment as Brittney was finally reunited with her family and friends. The couple’s love story includes milestones such as their engagement and wedding, alongside moments of celebration and support for each other. Through challenges and triumphs, Brittney and Cherelle have shown the importance of love and partnership in overcoming adversity. Their journey serves as a reminder of the power of love and support in navigating life’s ups and downs.
