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It would mean a lot to her to have her jersey retired at the school she left eight years ago, despite not attending a game there since.
The thought of getting her jersey retired is something that she has seen with her teammates and friends. I met my wife there. I have in my blood the name Baylor. I like the school. I love the city of Waco. It would mean a lot to me. It's something I would love and cherish.
She said she wishes both her alma mater and Mulkey well. In the spring of 2013, Mulkey and Griner had a falling out after she told reporters she was encouraged to keep quiet about her sexuality. Before being drafted by the Mercury, Griner came out publicly. She wrote a book about her sexuality in the summer of 2014).
She said that her comments were not directed toward Mulkey personally but at the general atmosphere of not feeling encouraged to be open about sexuality and at the policies of the school. In May, a private Baptist university passed a resolution to provide support for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, but it also chastised sexual relations of any kind outside of marriage.
LSU's women's basketball coach, Mulkey, said she will always be grateful for the work done by the player.
After she left Baylor, she said she and Mulkey had a discussion, but they are not in contact.
"Maybe we could have talked about it, but we didn't," he said. It wasn't with open ears, probably from both sides. We are probably two strong-headed individuals. It's difficult. I wish Kim well. LSU has a good coach. I'm happy for her.
She said her time at the school was special because of the 40-0 national championship season.
"I plan on going back to see a game now that I've finished my degree, and I still love my alma mater," said the former Lady Bears star. I haven't been to a game since I left. I plan on playing my first game this month and supporting my coach. I have a lot of respect for her.
At the Big 12 media day in October, Collen said that the Bears were talking about retiring Griner's No. 42.
A three-time Big 12 Player of the Year and a Division I record-holder for blocked shots, Griner is fourth on the career scoring list with 3,283 points. She thinks NaLyssa Smith will be a great player in the WNBA.
"I'm biased, but I'm a big fan of hers," he said.
