Broadway resumed operations last fall, withtheaters enforcing strict health protocols, including mask and vaccine requirements. I am committed to making positive changes and I plan to use what I have learned to set a good example and help make a difference in the world around me. Reception will have Hors d'oeuvres, finger foods, and cake with a cash bar. Her other roles at the station included filing live reports for tornadoes, earthquakes, and other acute weather events for local and national television programs. She was born to her father and mother in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the United States. Cocktail Hour Sunday, December 12, 2021 4:30 PM-5:30 PM The Vineyards I felt like Glo was right for my sister, Ms. Roy said. During the W.N.B.A.s off-season that winter, Ms. Griner was in China with the Womens Chinese Basketball Association and Ms. Johnson played in the Russian womens league. Brittney Johnson is an American journalist currently working as an anchor and reporter at WSOC Channel 9 Eyewitness News in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. The following week, Ms. Griner pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct charges and agreed to complete 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling, after which the charges would be dropped. Later, Brittney matriculated at Howard University in 2003 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications in 2007. They have been a couple ever since, and were engaged in August 2014 in an elaborate surprise party that Ms. Griner hosted in Atlanta. She is not only very prompt but knowledgeable and fast. September 03, 2023. We know we must set better examples, even during the most trying times, and we are EXTREMELY sorry for all the negative attention we brought to ourselves, our family, and the league #LoveLife #StillBlessed #WorkInProgress #NobodysPerfect. I AM THE FOUNDER AND OWNER OF BRITTNEY JOHNSON MAKEUP, LLC. Its fun.. Johnson wore a gown selected on the TLC series "Say Yes to the Dress." Facebook Part of that attraction is the fact that Ms. Griner understands her and supports her career, Ms. Johnson said, while appreciating the things she does, large and small, to demonstrate her love. Brittney is eager to meet with you to discuss your ideas and vision for the day. Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner married her fiance Glory Johnson on an Arizona mountaintop on Friday, according to People. Back in 2019, the actress made history as the first woman of color to play Glinda in the hit production, going on as the understudy. Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson join TLC's 'Say Yes to the Dress' Jan. 30 on their hunt for Johnson's wedding gown. In the magazine's photos of the wedding, the two are all smiles as Griner places a ring on Johnson's finger. Brittany Johnson Harrison Barnes is the small forward from Iowa currently playing for the Sacramento Kings is married to the stunning Brittany Johnson. There is no biological connection to petitioner and the unborn child., That may not matter, however. She has pleaded not guilty to assault and disorderly conduct charges and is due back in court June 17, but her lawyer, Howard Snader, said he would seek dismissal. To paraphrase Glindas opening line, its good to be seen. Glory Johnsons brother, Isaac, and Brittney Griners mother, Sandra Griner, walked the women down the aisle. Griner pleadedpleaded guilty to disorderly conduct under a plea deal and is set to attend 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling and upon completion all charges will be dismissed,USA Todayreported on April 28, adding that she voluntarily began counseling the day after her arrest and is cooperating with the WNBA's investigation. This will never happen again, and I take my relationship and my responsibility as a role model seriously, Ms. Griner said in a statement. 1 draft pick in April 2013, though her sexuality had not been a secret and it generated little notice in her new hometown Phoenix. The triple threat also a songwriter and screenwriter dreams of originating a starring role that would showcase her vocal talents and other strengths. I am committed to making positive changes and I plan to use what I have learned to set a good example and help make a difference in the world around me.". Brittney Johnson Children She has not yet gone public stating any information concerning this section. During her free time, Brittney enjoys yoga, running, taking coffee, eating, trying out new restaurants, exploring life, and spending time with her friends and family. She said yes, we popped some bubbly and took off in a seaplane to enjoy a quiet and romantic weekend on the San Juan Islands. There, she reported economic development and environmental concerns in South Arkansas and Northeast Louisiana. Johnson likes to keep her personal life private hence information about her dating life is not available. We kindly ask you keep the little ones at home. Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner and Tulsa Shock forward Glory Johnson wed Saturday in Phoenix. Furthermore, she worked for KTVU Channel 2 News as a special reports intern for eight months from September 2008 to April 2009. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Johnson came to the Channel 9 News team as a reporter in March 2015. She was born on May 4, 1985, in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. I still dont really feel like Im attracted to females in general, Ms. Johnson said. According to the police report, an argument turned physical in the Goodyear, Ariz., home the pair had bought two days earlier. She has tutored children as a reading buddy, volunteered and hosted bone marrow registry drives for Be The Match, and served as a coach for Girls on the Run. Spencer & Brittney. We are actively seeking help in order to do BETTER. She was born on May 4, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the United States of America. Plus, Glory is straight, Ms. Griner said. Brittney is 37 years old. Sometimes working two shows at a time., Johnson has further graced the stage with credits in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Sunset Boulevard. Appearing on a past episode of the Drama podcast, she fangirled to co-hosts Connor and Dylan MacDowell about icons such as Audra McDonald, and Sunset star, Glenn Close. After Britney Spears and longtime boyfriend Sam Asghari tied the knot at her California mansion Thursday evening, the newly married couple drove away with a "Just Married" sign taped to their. The city embraced Ms. Griner, a lanky Houston native with a deep voice, huge hands (a bigger grip than LeBron James) and size 17 shoes. Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson are married, two weeks after their domestic violence arrest. I will continue to book her for every event. However, this information will be updated as soon as it is revealed. Search for a couple's wedding registry or wedding website here. to be taken care of. I am multipublished artist as well as trained skin therapist. But Ms. Griner and Ms. Johnson hardly missed a beat, arriving as scheduled the next day for the wedding walk-through at a Phoenix resort. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. Just as the couples relationship developed in the public eye, through their prolific social media accounts, so it is that its apparent demise is playing out publicly, too. Seeing the ornate sets, costumes and thespians was life-changing, and foreshadowed her future. I dont expect this to be easy., For Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson, a Complicated Match Made on the Hardwood, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/11/fashion/weddings/photographs-from-brittney-griner-and-glory-johnsons-wedding.html, Ms. Griner, the 6-foot-8 center for the Phoenix Mercury, Ms. Johnson, a 6-foot-3 forward for the Tulsa Shock. However, details about the exact amount of salary she earns are currently not available. You can watch this spellbinding performance for yourself, live, through February 12, 2023 at The Gershwin Theatre in New York City. Johnson wore a gown selected on the TLC series "Say Yes to the Dress. All-Star and the leagues third-ranked rebounder, averaging 14.7 points last season. Wedding guest 101 (You'll thank us later) View all. PHOENIX -- The WNBA's Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson were married in a ceremony in a Phoenix resort. If Brittney carries the children, all hell would break loose, Ms. Johnson said. Since 2010, Brittney has been creating beautiful hair and makeup looks for private clients as well as for projects ranging from fashion to film. Do's and Don'ts for Wedding Guests. But this one was different. *Check your spam/junk folder for an e-invite sent by 'greenvelope.com' or contact the host(s) Jacqueline and/or Carolyn Staten by phone (714) 925.0021 or email AlexanderlovesBrittney@gmail.com to receive a replacement invitation ASAP. I started taking private voice lessons at age 8., In high school, her classical vocal training came in handy when she performed in musical theater, although she quips, I wanted to be the next Mariah Carey.. Johnson posted a photo of the wedding on Instagram, and People magazine showed photographs and an account of the event online. As of now, she works at NBCUniversal located in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as an anchor and reporter since joining back in September 2021. Hence, she celebrates her birthday on May 4 every year. In a statement and in the ESPN interview, Ms. Griner said she and Ms. Johnson, who are both 24, had agreed to end their marriage. Brittney Johnson Makeup, LLC is a hair and makeup service based out of Houston, TX specializing in weddings and other occasions. It is therefore not known whether she is married or has any children. She then furthered her studies at the University of California the same year and graduated with a Masters Degree of Arts in Journalism in 2009. Along the way, thereve been a slew of accolades, among them, several Tony awards and a Grammy. The basketball star Brittney Griner and her fiance, Glory Johnson, who is also an All-Star player in the W.N.B.A., were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of assault and disorderly conduct. The wedding comes two weeks after both women werearrested on suspicion of assaultand disorderly conduct after police responded to a domestic dispute at their new home outside of Phoenix. Registry. While there, she served as a weekend anchor and reporter from July 2010 to March 2015. For Brittney Johnson, the latest Good Witch on the Great White Way, its good to be seen. In a petition for annulment filed June 5, Ms. Griner, a center for the Womens National Basketball Associations Phoenix Mercury, said their marriage of less than a month was void based on fraud and duress. Ms. Johnson, the court papers said, pressured Ms. Griner into marrying her with threatening statements. (The New York Times featured the wedding in a Vows article on May 17.). Anyone can read what you share. Brittney Johnson height Johnson stands at an average height of 5 feet 4 inches and is of moderate weight. I am in the fashion industry and I have worked with many,many MUAs. West Linn, OR. JOURNALISTS, USA JOURNALISTS' BIOS Nevertheless, we are still looking into this matter at hand and will get back to you as soon as all the details are ready. Both women have been suspended for the first seven games of the season by the W.N.B.A. The show doesnt follow Baums main character, Dorothy, but instead focuses on the unlikely friendship between the fiery, misunderstood witch Elphaba and her bubbly, popular classmate Glinda. When she did tell them, Ms. Johnson said they didnt believe her. After doing the show, I really felt like I am a dancer. I can execute the choreography and hold my own. Share with your guests to collect your wedding photos. We met as many students at the University of Oregon do - at a mutual friends' house party! Throughout her career, Brittneys reporting has garnered an Emmy nomination and recognition from community groups and the Associated Press. Should they be suspended from the league? The same year, police arrested Chamique Holdsclaw, a W.N.B.A. She blocks all our shots. She never considered a romantic relationship with Ms. Griner. While there, Brittney worked as an anchor and reporter for the station. While partner abuse makes headlines in mens professional sports, the Griner-Johnson incident wasnt the first time female players have faced such charges. In 2012, the former Detroit Shock guard Deanna Nolan was arrested and charged with assaulting her wife in front of the couples children. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows! In the first months after Broadway shut down in March 2020, it was easy to maintain my practice schedule, Johnson said. Moreover, she made history in the musical saga of revenge and redemption, set in 19th century France. The wedding came less than a month after the two were arrested on domestic violence-related charges at their home in the Phoenix suburb of Goodyear. She co-anchors the NBC 5 News at 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, information regarding her parents including her mother, father, and siblings is not yet known to the public. However, while we hit it off the very first night we met, it wasn't until 3 years later when fate would reconnect us for good. I give her a struggle, but shes patient with me.. Ms. Johnson thought Ms. Griner was a really cool person off the court, but not on. Once their legal troubles are resolved, Ms. Griner and Ms. Johnson must continue to navigate public and private scrutiny of their relationship while living apart during the season and keeping their heads in the game as they play against each other five times during the regular season. The wedding website of Brittney Johnson and Spencer Smith. Beauty Group Bookings, Hair Stylists, Hair Trials Available, Makeup, Airbrushed Makeup, Makeup Artists, Makeup Trials Available, On-Site Hair & Makeup, Black-owned Business, Woman-owned Business. I went along with it. (Calls to the couple and their representatives were unreturned.). Johnson was born and brought up in the United States of American. I didnt want to sing.. The brief and tumultuous high-profile union between the professional basketball stars Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson appears to be ending in much the same way it began with drama. Brittney Johnson Makeup, LLC offers on-site wedding hair and makeup for your convenience. Were planning on kids sooner than later, Ms. Johnson said. 4.9 out of 5 rating , 5 Reviews, 5.0 out of 5 rating , 3 Reviews, 4.9 out of 5 rating , 51 Reviews, 4.9 out of 5 rating , 121 Reviews. Lives in Branson, Missouri. Griner plays for the WNBA defending champion Phoenix Mercury, while Johnson plays for the Tulsa Shock. Maybe. Please arrive on time as the ceremony will begin promptly at 3:30 pm PST! She is a 37-year-old eminent American award-winning journalist working at NBCUniversal located in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as an anchor and reporter since joining back in September 2021. According to People 's Jeff Truesdell, roughly 75 guests attended the ceremony, which was. That impact extends to hotels, restaurants and small businesses throughout the city. Brittney Johnson Makeup, LLC is a wedding beauty service based in Houston, Texas, serving clients throughout Southern Texas. championship. Spencer & Brittney. Genevieve Curtis WSOC-TV, Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Salary and Net Worth, Anthony Kustura WSOC, Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Salary and Net Worth, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Jeff Stahl KESQ-TV, Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Salary, Wiki, and Net Worth. This was a wedding that two weeks earlier many werent sure was going to happen. We got a blue sky, and that means the good lord approved it.. season started in early June, they reconnected. Brittneys work has accumulated various Emmy nominations and awards from the Associated Press. She could be herself.. Johnson is around 38 years old as of 2022. But Ms. Johnsons sports marketing agent, D. J. Fisher, said in a statement that his client was blindsided by the court filing, had put her career on hold to carry their child and remained committed to the marriage. To enhance your experience, services like tattoo coverage, glitter eyeshadow, and lash upgrades are available. Wedding Day. Though they differ on how large their family will be (Ms. Johnson says three max and Ms. Griner says a basketball team), they agree on who will carry the children. Information regarding her other body measurements is currently under research. Wearing a sky-blue ball gown and a glittery tiara, she smiles and remarks: Its good to see me, isnt it?. Its based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holzman. Now, shes poised to break barriers again, taking over full-time as the shows first Black leading lady beginning Feb. 14. Owner and lead artist Brittney enjoys building relationships with her clients and creating looks that highlight their inner beauty. Sign up on The Knot to reach more couples and book more weddings! after a domestic violence incident, which came 17 days before their wedding, at their recently purchased suburban Phoenix home. The 24-year-old WNBA stars wed on Friday at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix. Please see our, Get Our Wedding Planner App On Your Mobile Device. That was probably one of the worst decisions of my life.. Apparently, there is no available information concerning Brittneys wedding. The courtship and wedding plans of Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson, marquee players in the Womens National Basketball Association, have been complicated. Ms. Johnson said she wasnt sure what was happening, but that was O.K. Glory Johnsons sisters, Grace and Judy Johnson, and Ms. Griners friend Julio Trejo tried unsuccessfully to separate the couple. Brittney Johnson is an eminent American award-winning journalist. Join us for a cocktail hour following the ceremony where selected appetizers and unlimited house wine, champagne, and beer will be served. Brittney Johnson September 3, 2023 West Linn, OR 218 days 8 hours 49 minutes 54 seconds RSVP How We Met We met as many students at the University of Oregon do - at a mutual friends' house party! The couple, who will use the surname Johnson-Griner, wrote their own vows. Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers & Parties, Flower Girl Dresses and Ring Bearer Outfits. Ms. Griner publicly came out as gay shortly after she was selected by the Mercury as the No. Find your friends on Facebook. Johnsons star continued to rise when she joined Les Misrables in 2015. The two suffered minor injuries. These days, even in conservative Arizona, same-sex weddings are a dime a dozen. It instilled a lot of confidence in me.. She has not yet gone public stating any information concerning this section. Since 2010, Brittney has been creating beautiful hair and makeup looks for private clients as well as for projects ranging from fashion to film. Home Schedule Travel Registry Gallery Things To Do FAQs RSVP. It was a sunny summer day in the city and we spent the afternoon with friends, watching the seaplanes take off from Lake Union. WNBA players Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson tied the knot Friday in a ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona. Ms. Griner and Ms. Johnson, each 24 years old, have also been entertaining and largely public, including their active presence on Twitter and Instagram, their January appearance on the TLC show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, and the mug shots that accompanied articles about their April 22 arrests on domestic violence charges after a fight at their new home west of Phoenix. Schedule. Johnston posted a wedding photo of herself and her partner on Saturday on her Instagram page. People named Brittney Johnson. March 4, 2023. "This will never happen again, and I take my relationship and my responsibility as a role model seriously. But Brittney is different., Ms. Johnson also was going against her aversion to dating other athletes. Im grateful.. Join us for an evening of delicious food with unlimited wine, champagne, and beer while we dance the night away. About Zola 1-408-657-ZOLA Free Shipping Every . We know we must set better examples, even during the most trying times, and we are EXTREMELY sorry for all the negative attention we brought to ourselves, our family, and the league. Im really excited for people to be able to see someone who looks like them onstage, wearing the crown, said Johnson, who has used her platform to address representation and equity issues on Broadway. Travel. After heading to the Big Apple for college, Johnson graduated with a bachelor of fine arts from New York Universitys Tisch School of the Arts in 2012. Brittney Griner, left, and Glory Johnson, right. Vandersloot to New York, the rise of superteams and a Liberty-Aces WNBA Finals? Loved by over 2 million couples Free shipping, price matching, and more And world class customer service. Search. Brittney stands at a height of 5 ft 4 in ( Approx 1.63m). But something changed on their last day in Las Vegas. My mom says I was singing before I was talking, she said. Online resources estimate Brttneys net worth to be $813,336. Like the circus.. No reviews yet! It has always been a dream of mine to start a family with someone I love, Ms. Johnson said in the leagues June 4 news release. Her man joined the Dallas Mavericks, in 2016, he also played for the Golden State Warriors prior to that. Brittney was also named by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) as the 2019 Anchor of the Year. Johnson graduated from Howard University and furthered her studies at the University of California at Berkeley where she received a masters degree in journalism. Brittney Johnson Husband| Wedding Johnson likes to keep her personal life private hence information about her dating life is not available. The former couple appeared on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta prior to their wedding. Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Brittney served as an anchor and reporter at WSOC-TV Eyewitness News based in Charlotte, North Carolina Area for six years and eight months. That day, the Tulsa Shock announced that Ms. Johnson, a forward, would sit out the 2015 season because of her pregnancy. Wicked has been a blockbuster since its 2003 opening at the Gershwin Theatre. ", WE'RE OK! FollowNBCBLKonFacebook,TwitterandInstagram. On May 8, the couple looked ahead, even as showers threatened their outdoor ceremony at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix. The photo shows a close-up of Ms. Griner lying on Ms. Johnsons bare belly: One day until Im reunited with my Wife @brittneygriner This is about to be one CRAZY SUMMER!! However, Brittney has not babbled paramount intelligence with reference to her devoted parents or whether she has any siblings. Could they help raise awareness about same-sex domestic violence? Nevertheless, we are still looking into this matter at hand and will get back to you as soon as all the details are ready. In Act one of the Broadway musical "Wicked," the character Glinda makes a dramatic entrance, floating onstage in a magic bubble. Just two weeks after WNBA star Brittney Griner and fiance Glory Johnson were arrested on assault and disorderly conduct allegations, the couple tied the knot in a ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona . I started auditioning for about a full year before I ever booked Les Miz, she said, describing a full circle moment, because shed appeared in the musical back in high school. That show really required it. Registry. Would they still marry? Im really excited for people to be able to see someone who looks like them onstage, wearing the crown, said Johnson, who takes the stage on Monday. Both missed their flights the next morning. Well probably be a family that has homes in multiple locations, Ms. Griner said in an interview before their arrests. While at Berkeley, she also served as a health fellow at The Washington Post and moved overseas to report on health issues in rural India. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. FAQs. I was singing, doing my lessons and warmup. See Photos. She transformed this passion into her career when she founded her own business in 2010. Brittney Johnson and Dannie Custalow from Smithfield, VA have registered at The Knot Cash Funds for their wedding on December 19, 2020. In the magazine's photos of the wedding, the two are all smiles as Griner places a ring on Johnson's finger. Answer. After Tulsa gave the Mercury their first loss of the season, the two went out with teammates from each club, but they went back to Ms. Johnsons Tulsa home together. She is 37 years old. The couple stayed in touch for a while through text messages, but their schedules soon got in the way. Join Alexander and Brittney as they exchange their wedding vows to form one union as man and wife! November 15th at 11:59 pm PST and Remember to register your guest/significant other and provide your meal selections. Ms. Griner was brief, funny and tender: With you by my side, I know that Ill always be taken care of and protected. Along with meeting new people and moving around the world, Brittney likes hosting events, training for marathons, and spending time with family. Moreover, Brittney worked for The Washington Post as a health intern for three months from June 2008 to August 2008. Therefore, it is hardly known whether Brittney has any children at the moment. Premium cocktails and spirits will be available at an additional charge. They were extremely welcoming.. But Ms. Griner was coming out of a relationship and worried that her timing might be off. From the beginning, I could trust her, Ms. Johnson said. December 12, 2021 3:30 PM-4:30 PM The Vineyards 2525 Stow St, Simi Valley, CA, 93063 Attire: Dressy Casual Join Alexander and Brittney as they exchange their wedding vows to form one union as man and wife! She was not attracted to women, but she realized she was attracted to Ms. Griner. From soft natural looks to full-blown glam, your makeup look will be expertly done to reflect your unique personality. Travel. Ms. Griner said she has admired Ms. Johnson since they were college rivals (Ms. Griner at Baylor and Ms. Johnson at Tennessee) but didnt have the nerve to flirt with her. When they both attended a 2013 USA Basketball training camp together in Las Vegas, Ms. Griner flirted like crazy. Your hair can be spun up into a messy tousled updo or carefully formed into an elegant bun, letting your style shine through. Brittney Johnson WSOC Most of Ms. Johnsons teammates from her senior year at Tennessee were there to witness the engagement. For Brittney Johnson, the latest Good Witch on the Great White Way, it's good to be seen. While we love your kiddos so much, we want our wedding to be your night off! She always arrives before the call time and stays if I ask her for touch ups. "This will never happen again, and I take my relationship and my responsibility as a role model seriously. Things To Do. She strives to provide professional hair and makeup services to their clients on the happiest day of their lives. Johnson, a millennial, brings her own talents and accomplished rsum to the acclaimed production. The fact that she has no sperm? Ms. Griner, the 6-foot-8 center for the Phoenix Mercury, is one of the most decorated female college basketball players in history. 999 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley, CA, 93065, United States, 2100 East Mariposa Avenue, El Segundo, CA, 90245, United States, https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=LAXAGGI&arrivalDate=2021-12-09&departureDate=2021-12-12&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink. Search by couple's first names, last names, or event handle. This vendor is by far the best I have ever worked with. Prior to returning to her home state, Brittney chased storms and stories as an anchor and reporter at KARK 4/FOX 16 News in Little Rock, AR, and Monroe, LA. Therefore, Brittneys parents and siblings whereabouts are currently not available. Be the first couple to share your thoughts! May 5, 2020 If a couple has created a wedding website through The Knot, you can find it by using our Couple Search Tool . According to Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League, Broadway contributes an estimated $14.7 billion to New York Citys economy, and supports 96,900 local jobs on and off the stage. She said that the marriage was a "huge mistake" and that she had tried "several times" to. Previously, Brittney worked in Monroe, Louisiana Area as a reporter and fill-in anchor at KTVE NBC 10 from July 2009 to July 2010. Enter the couple's name and wedding date and see your results. At the same time, this union of two fiercely competitive athletes is raising sometimes uncomfortable questions about same-sex domestic violence, professional sports policies, gender blending and societys obsession with celebrities as role models. The wedding comes two weeks after Griner and Johnson . I got my arm around her, and I was so happy.. Shes just a different Brittney., Janelle Roy, Ms. Griners best friend from high school, said she encouraged the relationship after feeling a connection with Ms. Johnson that she never had with other women Ms. Griner had dated.