Americans woke up to news Thursday that WNBA star Brittney Griner has been freed from Russian imprisonment after nearly 300 days and is on her way back to the United States following a one-for-one prisoner swap.
No one was as relieved as those who know Griner best, including her peers and colleagues around the women's basketball world, many of whom spent much of the last 10 months advocating regularly for her release.
Here's how those in that space reacted to the news that Griner is finally coming home.
God's grace is SUFFICIENT! @brittneygriner is home! I love you BG!
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) December 8, 2022
BG is FREE!!! 294 days and she is coming home!!! 😭🤍🙏🏻❤️
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) December 8, 2022
When I tell you nothing could kill my vibe today! My sis is coming home 🙌🏾🫶🏾😁
— Jonquel Jones (@jus242) December 8, 2022
BG is FREE 🙌🏾🥹
Welcome home, Brittney Griner 🤍 pic.twitter.com/ELtuqHiwXk
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) December 8, 2022
Over 270 days filled with uncertainty and impatience, but hype it was worked out 🥺🫶🏾 #WeAreBG https://t.co/B2Jc6hWzhw
— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) December 8, 2022
— Chris Paul (@CP3) December 8, 2022
BG!!! I am literally tearing up right now!!! Faith man!!!! Thank God!!! My heart just dropped!!! Thank you to everyone that pushed FREE BG ❤️
— Erica Wheeler (@EWeezy_For3eezy) December 8, 2022
Today feels like a holiday!
HAPPY BG DAY! 🫶🏾
The best news to start our day with: finally, our sister BG is coming home!!
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) December 8, 2022
So grateful for all those who tirelessly worked to make this happen. Welcome home, Brittney!!!!
Absolutely loved that Cherelle said that today our family is whole, but she and BG will continue to advocate to help bring others wrongfully detained including Paul Whelan home. 🤍
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) December 8, 2022
BG is Free ❤️ https://t.co/lsqsPJjnGI
— Sue Bird (@S10Bird) December 8, 2022
BG is finally coming home!🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/WdAVrPe3H9
— Sandy Brondello (@SBrondello) December 8, 2022
our sister BG is home🫶🏼 all praise to God! time to keep praying and fighting for other Americans being wrongfully imprisoned.... the fight isn't over but we are thankful!
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) December 8, 2022
Went from FREE BG to BG is FREE!! Won't he do it! 🙌🏾
— Shey Peddy (@SheyP11) December 8, 2022
BG is coming home!!!!!🥺🥺🙏🏽🙏🏽🤍🤍
— Kia Nurse (@KayNurse11) December 8, 2022
🤍 see you soon @brittneygriner pic.twitter.com/m4xnL0AEET
— Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) December 8, 2022
A statement from Tara VanDerveer and @StanfordWBB on Brittney Griner's release. pic.twitter.com/cI29DDnx1X
— Stanford Women's Basketball (@StanfordWBB) December 8, 2022
Best news ever this am!
— Niele Ivey (@IrishCoachIvey) December 8, 2022
Welcome Home BG! ❤️🙏🏽
Brittney Griner is free!
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 8, 2022
After 294 days in Russian captivity, @POTUS negotiated a "one-for-one" prisoner swap.
Thank you to President Biden, and to all those who worked so hard to secure her freedom.
!!!!!! https://t.co/zFJ1DMxp5t
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) December 8, 2022
FREED BG🙏🏽
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) December 8, 2022