WNBA Star Brittney Griner Makes Personal Request on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 1:25 PM ET

Brittney Griner, in her first WNBA season away from the Phoenix Mercury, has found success with the Atlanta Dream during the 2025 season, becoming one of the first three teams to secure their spot in the playoffs. However, Griner has taken a step back in her new role, averaging 9.8 points and 5.3 rebounds, both career lows.

Still, Griner, 34, is in the tail end of her career, and a second WNBA championship is on her mind. The Dream will continue to jockey for playoff position on Wednesday when they take on the Los Angeles Sparks at the Gateway Center Arena.

Ahead of the Dream-Sparks matchup, Griner announced on social media a new community initiative for her "BG's Heart and Sole Shoe Drive." She asked fans attending Atlanta’s final three home games, including Wednesday’s, to bring shoes and towels to donate.

The donations will "go directly toward Corner Evolution’s Showered with Hope Mobile Shower & Pop-Up Care Village, helping provide showers, clean clothing, and dignity for our unhoused neighbors."

"BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive in partnership with Showered with Hope Mobile Shower," Griner's post read. "Requesting donations for shoes and gently used or new towels. Attending Atlanta Dream games on September 3, 5, or 8? Items can be dropped off at Gateway Center Arena outside of the main doors and at the Skylot entrance. Drop-off Location: Outside of the main doors & at Skylot entrance. Donations are supporting Corner Evolutions’ Pop-Up Care Village."

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Griner launched her shoe drive in 2016 while playing for the Mercury. It began with her keeping shoes in her car trunk to give away whenever she saw someone in need. The effort quickly grew, with donation bins placed throughout Phoenix.

By 2023, the drive had provided shoes to more than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness. Griner's initiative even earned her the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2023.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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