Phoenix Mercury superstar Brittney Griner is all over the news for unfortunate reasons. However, this does not change the fact that she is a role model for numerous people around the world.

She is very confident regarding her personality and sexuality which sets her apart from other athletes. Moreover, Griner has unique tattoos that hold a special significance in her life.

While she might be flaunting her tattoos openly now, there was a time when she was heavily restricted. Griner played for Baylor University which happens to be a Christian institution. The coaching staff had forced Griner to wear long sleeves under her jersey to cover up her tattoos.

When Griner made her much anticipated debut in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury, she was finally relieved to flaunt her tattoos openly. The Mercury star revealed these details in her book, ‘In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court‘.

She wrote, “Hell yeah, I can show off my tats now! I feel free! I wasn’t constricted anymore or burning up in that long sleeve T-shirt I wore during my last season in college.“

Tattoos were not the only discrimination she faced in college. Her openness about her sexuality was also a problem for the officials including her coach.

Despite the hurdles, Brittney Griner was a star in college

Brittney Griner was selected by the Phoenix Mercury as the #1 overall pick during the 2013 WNBA draft. Thanks to her exploits in college, she was one of the hottest prospects in the country.

During the 2012-13 season which happened to be her senior year, Griner broke all records. She swept all the major accolades for a second season running and established herself as one of the best young talents in the country.

Some of her accolades include the AP Player of the Year, Wade Trophy, Naismith Trophy, USBWA Player of the Year, Wooden Award, and many more.

Her stats in the WNBA is nothing less than impressive as well. In 9 seasons, she has been selected as an All-Star on seven occasions. She averages 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 254 games.

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