Brittney Griner, the basketball superstar known for her dominant presence in the WNBA, has always defied expectations. Standing at 6’9”, Griner is a force to be reckoned with on the court, where she has earned a reputation as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and an eight-time WNBA All-Star, she has shattered records and broken barriers, becoming a household name not just for her skills, but for her advocacy on issues like LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. Read More
Off the court, Brittney’s journey has been equally commanding—a story of resilience, identity, and love. But recently, Brittney has taken on a new role, one that has challenged her in ways even the most intense games couldn’t prepare her for: motherhood. Or, as she prefers to call it, “Pophood.”
The decision came about during an intimate conversation between Brittney and her wife, Cherelle. As they prepared for the arrival of their first child, they discussed everything from nursery colors to the names they’d go by as parents. Cherelle naturally embraced the title of “Mom.” But for Brittney, something about the word “Mom” didn’t resonate. It felt traditional, almost too conventional for someone who had spent her entire life breaking molds.
“I’ve always been different,” Brittney explained to Cherelle, her voice steady but thoughtful. “And I love that about myself. I don’t want our baby to see me through a lens that doesn’t feel like me.”
Cherelle, who had always supported Brittney’s authentic self, asked what she had in mind. That’s when Brittney smiled—a grin that carried the weight of countless decisions, both on and off the court. “Pops,” she said simply. “I want to be called Pops.”
Cherelle laughed, a warm sound that filled the room. “Pops?” she repeated, letting the word roll off her tongue. It wasn’t just unexpected; it was perfect. “I love it.”
Brittney beamed, feeling a sense of relief and joy. “Yeah, Pops. It’s strong, it’s unique, and it just feels right for me.”
As time passed and their baby grew, Brittney’s new role as Pops took on its full meaning. She wasn’t just breaking gender norms; she was creating a new one, a space where love transcended traditional roles and titles. In their home, Pops wasn’t just a name—it was a badge of honor, a reflection of Brittney’s identity and the love she had for her family.
The first time their baby, a chubby-cheeked bundle of energy, looked up at Brittney and babbled, “Pops,” it was like scoring the winning point in the most important game of her life. Brittney felt a warmth that she couldn’t describe, a connection that went beyond words and titles.
For Brittney, being called Pops was more than a simple name change; it was a declaration. It was a statement to her child, to the world, and to herself that she would continue to live authentically, embracing every part of who she was.
And so, in the Griner household, “Pops” became a name that symbolized strength, love, and the endless possibilities of family—crafted in the same spirit that Brittney Griner has always lived her life: unapologetically true to herself.
