PHOENIX – The WNBA announced today that Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner is the winner of the June WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for being an outspoken leader, activist and ally for women, those impacted by gun violence, and the LGBTQ+ community. The monthly honor recognizes a player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have to make a difference in the community.
Turner is the fifth Mercury player to receive the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award, joining Briann January (2019), Diana Taurasi (2018), Brittney Griner (2017) and Temeka Johnson (2009).
“What distinguishes WNBA players is how willing they are to bring visibility to historically marginalized groups and how unapologetically they lead with their values,” said Mercury President Vince Kozar. “Breezy has always been this person and this year, in addition to those causes, she has helped keep Brittney Griner top-of-mind, speaking at her rally and distributing shoes to unhoused persons in BG’s honor. We are so proud to have someone like Breezy representing our organization and so gratified to see her receive this recognition that she absolutely deserves.”
In her position as a board member for Equality Texas, a group that aims to counter discriminatory laws for LGBTQ+ individuals, Turner consistently demonstrates her passion for bringing awareness to social issues and racial inequality, particularly in the area of LGBTQ+ rights.
In addition, Turner continuously uses her platform to address issues that are important to her such as gun violence, abortion rights, and the safe return of her teammate, Brittney Griner. After the school shooting in Uvalde, Tex., Turner brought awareness to the tragedy during her postgame media availability and through her social media accounts. In June, she also met with representatives of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement of Americans who fight for public safety from gun violence.
Turner further demonstrated her commitment to community service by volunteering at BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive, an initiative founded by Griner in 2016. On three separate occasions this summer she helped distribute shoes, water and hygiene kits to unhoused people in the Valley with Phoenix Rescue Mission. She also spoke in support of Griner at the team’s Bring BG Home Rally.
Turner will be presented with the award tonight ahead of the Mercury’s game against the Dallas Wings at 7 p.m. Fittingly, the team is hosting Inspiring Women Night at Footprint Center. The WNBA will donate $5,000 to Equality Texas as Turner’s nonprofit beneficiary of choice.