Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner believes that she’s “blessed” to be part of Team USA and to represent the United States in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

The nine-time All-Star will be traveling to Europe for the first time since her harrowing detainment saga in Russia back in 2022. Griner has now put this traumatic experience behind her, and she’s ready to leave U.S. soil, trusting that everything will be all right.

According to Griner, this has a lot to do with the current state of her mental health. In a recent interview, the 6-foot-9 center opened up about how important counseling has been for her throughout this ordeal.

“Just having really good people around me, people that understand me, know me and see the signs that I might be wavering,” Griner said, via Marc J. Spears of Andscape. “And not being scared to seek counseling.

“I think more people should do it. It’s a resource that is there for us. I feel like everyone should have someone to talk to. Sometimes it hard to talk to family members and friends because sometimes you feel like there is a bias there.”

Griner has already moved on from her scarring 10-month detention in Russia. However, she revealed that she still receives counseling.

“When you have a counselor, there is no bias,” she said. “They are there for you to make sure that you’re great. I still use it to this day. Even though I’m in a good place, I still use it.”

It takes a powerful human being not only to live through that horrific spell inside a Russian prison but also to be able to move past the agony of that experience.

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Lisa Bluder Expressed Her Opinion That Coach Christie Sides Should Learn From Coach Cheryl Miller If They Want Indiana Fever To Go Further In The Season
Lisa Bluder, a respected figure in women’s college basketball, recently shared her thoughts on how Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides could improve her coaching strategies by observing the methods of Coach Cheryl Miller. Bluder’s comments came in the wake of a notable moment for the Fever, as rookie Caitlin Clark, star forward Aliyah Boston, and guard Kelsey Mitchell were all selected for the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game. Sides was also present at the event, which took place in Phoenix, where she was seen posing alongside her three All-Stars in a photo that quickly went viral on social media. The post, shared by @NoCapSpaceWBB, showcased the Fever’s representation at the All-Star Game and garnered significant attention, amassing nearly 90,000 views and 1,000 likes.

Lisa Bluder retires after Caitlin Clark-led Iowa teams reach last 2 NCAA title games

However, the attention was not all positive. Fans took to the comments to voice their dissatisfaction with Sides, with some suggesting that her presence at the All-Star Game was more about seeking coaching insights from Team WNBA head coach Cheryl Miller than celebrating her own players’ achievements. The discontent among the Fever fanbase reflects a broader criticism of Sides’ coaching tactics, which have been a subject of debate throughout her tenure. Many fans noticed that Caitlin Clark, in particular, seemed somewhat aloof or disinterested after the photo was taken, further fueling speculation about the dynamics between Sides and her star players.

 

In this context, Lisa Bluder’s opinion underscores a crucial point: if Sides wants to lead the Fever to greater success, particularly a playoff run, she would benefit from learning from Miller’s proven track record. Bluder suggested that Sides could observe how Miller’s strategic prowess and leadership qualities have helped her teams succeed. Coach Cheryl Miller, a Hall of Famer and an iconic figure in women’s basketball, has demonstrated an exceptional ability to harness her players’ talents and guide them to success. Bluder’s remarks imply that by studying Miller’s methods, Sides could gain valuable insights into effective coaching techniques and team management.

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Bluder’s perspective offers a pathway for Sides to potentially turn around the criticism surrounding her coaching and to capitalize on the talent of players like Clark, Boston, and Mitchell. If Sides can leverage the knowledge gained from observing Miller and apply it to her own coaching, it could pave the way for the Fever to advance further in the season and perhaps secure a place in the playoffs. Ultimately, Bluder’s advice highlights that continuous learning and adaptation are key to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success in the competitive world of professional basketball.

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Lisa Bluder coached the Iowa women’s basketball team to multiple final four appearances

She recently retired and many are wondering if she will come back to coaching next season

She is definitely one of the greatest coaches to ever coach women’s basketball

Iowa's Lisa Bluder shrugs off 'bar fight' comment despite Dawn Staley's frustration | Fox News

What y’all think about this situation?

In a revealing video, the dynamic between Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder and star player Caitlin Clark takes center stage, highlighting their journey from initial disagreements to a thriving partnership in Clark’s development as a basketball standout.

The narrative unfolds with insights from Coach Jensen, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics between Bluder and Clark. Initially marked by disagreements and differing perspectives, their relationship gradually transformed into one built on mutual respect and shared goals. This evolution underscores Bluder’s coaching style and her commitment to nurturing Clark’s potential within the team.

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Coach Jensen’s revelations provide a glimpse into pivotal moments where conflicts were navigated and understanding was forged, paving the way for a successful partnership. Bluder’s strategic guidance and mentorship played a crucial role in shaping Clark’s growth both on and off the court, underscoring the importance of effective coaching in athlete development.

Moreover, the video emphasizes the symbiotic nature of their relationship, where Clark’s talent and dedication met Bluder’s coaching acumen and leadership. This synergy not only propelled Clark’s individual achievements but also contributed to the team’s overall success under Iowa’s basketball program.

Beyond the strategic aspects of coaching, the narrative touches on the personal growth and maturity Clark attained through Bluder’s mentorship. Their journey together serves as a testament to the transformative impact of supportive coaching relationships in shaping young athletes into confident and skilled professionals.

In conclusion, the story of Lisa Bluder and Caitlin Clark transcends the court, illustrating the power of mentorship and collaboration in sports. Their evolving relationship—from initial disagreements to a harmonious partnership—reflects the resilience, mutual respect, and shared commitment that define successful coaching dynamics. As Clark continues to excel in her basketball career, Bluder’s role as a mentor and coach remains integral, shaping the next generation of athletes and inspiring future collaborations in women’s basketball.