It was while in the audience, watching a New York Liberty game as a fan, that Aubrey Griffin first considered a future in professional basketball.
She grew up playing soccer and was so passionate about that sport, she didn’t get into organized basketball until middle school. But in her freshman year at Ossining High School, Griffin looked the part of a phenom, turning heads while leading the Pride to a state championship.
“That was the second (WNBA) game I’d been to, but this time was when I was really into basketball and things were starting to come together,” she told The Journal News/lohud. “It made me start wondering how far basketball could take me.”
Griffin drove from the perimeter, beating a defender with a quick crossover, then finished with a left-handed layup, drawing a loud ovation from the Barclays Center crowd on May 8.
That basket came with 36 seconds remaining in a game that long had been decided, but the moment was a highlight for the home crowd and a forever memory for the hometown kid. Griffin had just scored her first WNBA points — while playing for the Liberty in their season opener.
“It felt surreal,” the 24-year-old said, still beaming. “After everything I’ve been through, with all the setbacks, it was so nice to be out there and get to experience that. I’m really fortunate to get that opportunity.”
Well, resilient and determined as much as lucky.
Griffin inked a 10-day contract with the Liberty, joined the team hours before that game, then played five minutes in the fourth quarter of what was a 106-75 win over the Connecticut Sun.
A spate of injuries, including to stars Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, left the Liberty with only seven active players for their opener. In those instances, the WNBA allows teams to temporarily exceed the maximum 12-player roster and sign free agents to short-term “hardship contracts.” The Liberty added Griffin and veteran guard Julie Vanloo.
“I was pumped; really excited, and I was ready,” Griffin said of getting into the game despite not having practiced with the team. “I ran to the check in. I don’t think I had any nerves, but I was anxious to get on the court. It felt so good.”
Her mom, stepdad, grandmother, cousin and a few friends were in attendance, brimming with pride.
This is a brief audition for Griffin with no guarantee of playing time, but it’s a significant step forward — and a foot in the door — for a once heralded basketball prospect whose career was seemingly derailed by injuries.
“I don’t feel any pressure,” she insisted. “I’ll be myself and play the game the way I know how. I’m confident in what I can bring to the table, and I’m gonna give my absolute best and let my play speak for itself.”
The Liberty are a heavy favorite to win the WNBA championship this season and have a star-studded roster led by Breanna Stewart, another former New York state champion and UConn great with whom Griffin has a connection. This would seem the ideal landing spot for her, but even if there isn’t room for her once the injured players return, a healthy and successful run here could lead to opportunities with other teams.
The Liberty visited the Washington Mystics on Sunday, then travel west to face the Portland Fire for games on Tuesday and Thursday. Their next home game is May 21.
Griffin is the second Ossining native to make the WNBA, joining former Dallas Wings guard Saniya Chong, who debuted in 2017.
The long and arduous road to this point
“She’s an incredible athlete from an amazing athletic family,” longtime Ossining coach Dan Ricci said, referring to Griffin’s parents and brothers being accomplished athletes. “If she had never gotten hurt, I think she would’ve been a top five draft pick and maybe already a star. But the fact that she’s fought back from so many things speaks to her toughness and the kind of person she is.”
The 6-foot-1 forward scored over 2,000 points in high school, despite playing only two full varsity seasons and a portion of another. After an incredible freshman year, a torn ACL wiped out her sophomore season, and an ankle injury hampered her as a junior.
She returned triumphantly as a senior, leading Ossining to another state title in 2019 while being crowned Miss New York Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American, before going on to UConn.
Griffin was then besieged by injuries and bad luck in college, including back surgery and another torn ACL, which led eventually to her spending six seasons at UConn. She was part of their 2025 NCAA championship team.
“Most people would’ve given up in college,” Ricci said. “Coming back after the back surgery was amazing itself, and then to be set back again with another ACL tear, that would’ve been it for most people. But she’s special.”
Despite all the delays and hindrances, Griffin was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx with the 37th pick in 2025. However, another knee surgery nixed the season before her professional debut. She was waived by the Lynx earlier this month during training camp.
“It’s been difficult, and it’s frustrating sometimes, but you want to go after something that’s been your dream,” Griffin said. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work, especially this year, getting healthy and getting back to playing, and I feel good. So, for the Liberty to give me this chance, it means everything.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Ossining’s Aubrey Griffin gets another shot at WNBA with NY Liberty
Reporting by Stephen Haynes, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
