Brittney Griner is back from the penal colony but the 10 months that the WNBA star spent in Russian custody still torments her loved ones. While Griner was in Russia, undergoing trial and getting sentenced to nine years in prison, her wife Cherelle Griner was working restlessly to bring her back home. Cherelle remained a constant voice pleading for Griner’s release, working with the US officials, and remaining in constant contact with Griner’s attorneys in Russia. Several weeks after Griner’s release, Cherelle dauntingly took a trip down memory lane.

Brittney Griner was released from prison on December 8 and she was back on American soil in the wee hours of December 9. An emotional Cherelle finally embraced her wife after 294 days and the tears were unstoppable. While the couple is currently getting settled in their life, Cherelle took some time out to talk about her journey.

Cherelle talks about the time Brittney Griner was in Russia

Cherelle Watson married 2014 WNBA champion Brittney Griner in June 2019 following which the former changed her surname to Griner. The couple had been married for over two years when Griner was detained in the Russian airport for possession of hash oil. In an interview with PEOPLE, Cherelle Griner opened up about the struggles she faced while Brittney Griner was being held in Russia. During the 10 months they were separated, Cherelle graduated law school while also working actively for Griner’s release.

“I was hopeless a lot of days. You try and stay grounded, but I’m human. Still, I would never completely give up hope on my wife’s life,” Cherelle told PEOPLE.

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Furthermore, Cherelle shared that she barely went to sleep and the time difference didn’t help as it was the only time she could talk to Griner’s lawyers.

She said, “Every night, that’s the only time I could talk to her attorneys and I could handle things, anything related to Russia. And so I just hadn’t slept.”

Cherelle speaks following Brittney Griner’s release

On December 8, President Joe Biden announced via press conference that Brittney Griner was on her way back home. Biden revealed that he and Griner’s wife, Cherelle, spoke to the Phoenix Mercury star who was on the plane at the time. Shortly after that, Cherelle came forth to address the matter.

The 30-year-old lawyer thanked Biden and his administration for bringing Griner back home. Cherelle also stated out that she would be working on bringing several other Americans, including Paul Whelan, home.

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“But as you all are aware, there?s so many other families who are not whole. And so BG is not here to say this, but I will gladly speak on her behalf and say that BG and I will remain committed to the work of getting every American home, including Paul, whose family is in our hearts today as we celebrate BG being home,” announced Cherelle.