5 Unwavering Facts About Brittney Griner’s Parents, Raymond And Sandra Griner, After Her Russian Ordeal

The journey of WNBA star Brittney Griner has captivated the world, from her decorated career with the Phoenix Mercury to her harrowing 10-month detention in Russia and subsequent return home in late 2022. As of December 2025, the focus has shifted to her recovery, her return to basketball (signing a new contract in January 2025), and the joyful arrival of her son, Bash, with wife Cherelle in July 2024. Behind every step of this extraordinary life has been the unwavering foundation of her family, particularly her parents, Raymond and Sandra Griner.

The Griner family, based in Houston, Texas, has maintained a relatively private life, but their steadfast support was a quiet strength during their daughter's most challenging times. This article delves into the biographical details of Brittney Griner's mother and father, their professional backgrounds, and their current role as the pillars of support for one of America’s most recognizable athletes.

Brittney Griner: A Quick Biography and Family Profile

Brittney Griner, often referred to as 'BG,' is a towering figure in women's basketball, both literally and figuratively. Her family history is rooted in service and a strong work ethic, which she has carried into her professional career.

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• Full Name: Brittney Yevette Griner
• Parents: Raymond Griner and Sandra Griner
• Date of Birth: October 18, 1990
• Hometown: Houston, Texas, U.S.
• Spouse: Cherelle Griner (m. 2019)
• Child: Son, Bash Griner (b. July 2024)
• Siblings: DeCarlo Griner (brother, from Raymond's previous marriage), SheKera Griner (sister, from Raymond's previous marriage), and Pier Griner (sister)
• Education: Baylor University (Waco, Texas)
• WNBA Team: Phoenix Mercury
• Notable Career Achievements: 8x WNBA All-Star, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, WNBA Champion, 3x WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

The Powerful Background of Raymond Griner: A Life of Service

Brittney Griner’s father, Raymond Griner, has a deep-seated history of service to the United States, a background that informed the family's resilience during the crisis of her Russian detention. His life story is one of duty and commitment.

Vietnam Veteran and U.S. Marine

Raymond Griner is a proud veteran who served two tours in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Marine. This military experience instilled in him a discipline and stoicism that likely helped his family navigate the high-stakes international political drama surrounding his daughter’s imprisonment. His service is a core part of the Griner family identity.

Harris County Deputy Sheriff

Following his military service, Raymond continued his commitment to public safety by becoming a police officer in Houston, later serving as a deputy sheriff for Harris County, Texas. This law enforcement career grounded the family in the Houston community and provided a stable environment for Brittney and her siblings to grow up in. The strength and resolve required for these professions are traits often attributed to Brittney herself.

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The Blended Family Dynamic

Raymond and Sandra Griner created a blended family. Raymond had two older children, DeCarlo and SheKera, from a previous marriage. Together, Raymond and Sandra welcomed two daughters, Pier and Brittney, with Brittney being the youngest of the four children. This large, supportive family unit rallied around Brittney during her time in Russian custody, providing a critical emotional anchor upon her return.

Sandra Griner: The Homemaker and Emotional Anchor

While Raymond’s career was in the public eye, Sandra Griner, Brittney’s mother, provided the essential stability at home. She is described as a homemaker, focusing her efforts on raising her four children and managing the family's day-to-day life.

A Private But Powerful Presence

Sandra Griner has maintained a low public profile, but her influence on Brittney is undeniable. In a 2008 interview, Brittney mentioned her mother’s support, highlighting her role as the family's emotional center. The collective family statement released after Brittney’s release in December 2022, which thanked the Biden administration and acknowledged the Whelan family, reflected the parents' and siblings' unified front of support and gratitude.

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Instilling a Strong Work Ethic

It was in the Griner household that Brittney developed her unique interests and powerful drive. She often recounts spending time with her father, Raymond, fixing cars, a hobby that speaks to the mechanical and determined nature she possesses. This hands-on, grounded upbringing, fostered by both parents, laid the foundation for her later success as an elite athlete.

The Latest Chapter: Raymond and Sandra As Grandparents

The most recent and joyful news surrounding the Griner family is the birth of Brittney and Cherelle Griner's son, Bash, in July 2024. This event marks a significant and happy new chapter for Raymond and Sandra Griner, who are now grandparents to the newest member of the family.

The arrival of Bash brings a sense of normalcy and profound joy after years of international turmoil and stress. While Raymond and Sandra have not given a specific public interview about their grandson, the family's excitement is palpable. Brittney has spoken about the life-changing experience of becoming a parent, saying she is "excited to be 'pops'". This new role for Brittney means a new, supportive role for her parents, who can now share in the simple, beautiful moments of family life, far removed from the headlines of courts and international diplomacy.

As the WNBA season approaches, with Brittney signing a new contract in 2025, the Griner parents can now watch their daughter compete with the Phoenix Mercury, not with the anxiety of her imprisonment, but with the pride of her resilience and the joy of her complete and whole family. Raymond and Sandra Griner stand as a testament to the enduring strength of a family unit, providing the crucial, quiet support that allowed a global star to overcome her greatest challenge.