Brittney Griner is widely considered one of the best women’s basketball players of all time, and this week, the Baylor Bears will be paying homage to her greatness by retiring her jersey number later this year.
On Feb. 18, the Baylor Bears will officially retire the No. 42 jersey belonging to Brittney Griner in a move that frankly feels long overdue.
“We are excited to welcome Brittney back to Baylor and share this special day with her,” Baylor Vice President and Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades said according to the Associated Press. “There’s no doubt she is one of the most decorated student-athletes in Baylor athletics history and we’re thrilled the timing has worked out for all of us to celebrate and honor her. She always has been, and always will be, a significant member of the Baylor Family.”
Griner is excited to return back to Baylor for the ceremony.
“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.”
During her junior season at Baylor, Griner led the Bears to a perfect 40-0 record on the way to a national championship. She was named the AP Player of the Year in both 2012 and 2013.