WNBA Pioneer Bridget Pettis Releases Her Inspiring Memoir, Journey to Freedom
WNBA Pioneer Bridget Pettis Releases Journey to Freedom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
She Helped Build the WNBA. Then Began the Hardest Journey of Her Life.
Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor inductee Bridget Pettis shares the untold story behind the jersey in her powerful new memoir, Journey to Freedom, releasing July 22, 2026.
EAST CHICAGO, IN— To the world, Bridget Pettis was living the dream.
She played professional basketball around the world, became an original member of the Phoenix Mercury during the inaugural WNBA season, coached at the highest level of women’s basketball, won championships, and in 2024 was inducted into the Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor.
But behind the applause, another journey was unfolding.
One that few people ever saw.
On July 22, 2026, Pettis will release her first memoir, Journey to Freedom, a deeply personal story that takes readers beyond the basketball court and into a journey of faith, healing, identity, forgiveness, and purpose.
More than a sports memoir, Journey to Freedom reveals the woman behind the jersey.
With remarkable honesty, Pettis shares her journey from the housing projects of East Chicago, Indiana, to professional basketball courts around the world while revealing the hidden battles she faced along the way. From childhood wounds and personal loss to spiritual searching and discovering God’s grace, she invites readers into the moments that ultimately transformed her life.
“I did not write this book because I had all the answers. I wrote it because I needed to tell the truth.”
The memoir features a heartfelt foreword by Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller, who selected Pettis for the inaugural Phoenix Mercury roster in 1997.
“What I didn’t fully realize at the time was that the greatest thing about Bridget had nothing to do with basketball. Her compassion, authenticity, faith, and unwavering commitment to helping others have touched countless lives. She is one of the most genuine human beings I have ever known.”
While basketball carried Pettis across the globe, she discovered that the greatest victories in life happen far away from the scoreboard.
Journey to Freedom is an invitation to anyone who has ever questioned their worth, carried hidden pain, searched for purpose, or wondered whether healing was truly possible.
Throughout the memoir, Pettis reflects on the lessons she learned through success and disappointment, faith and fear, grief and grace. Rather than offering easy answers, she shares an honest story of discovering that true freedom isn’t found in achievements or recognition—but in embracing the person God created her to be.
Today, Bridget Pettis continues to live that purpose as founder of the Bridget Pettis Foundation, where she mentors youth, promotes urban agriculture, helps address food insecurity, and serves communities through education, wellness, leadership, and faith.
Her message is simple:
“Basketball gave me a platform. God gave me a purpose. For both, I will always be grateful.”
As women’s basketball reaches unprecedented popularity around the world, Journey to Freedom offers something rarely seen from one of the league’s pioneers—the deeply personal story behind the public success.
It is a story of resilience.
Of redemption.
Of faith.
And of discovering that our greatest victories are often the ones no one else sees.
Meet Bridget Pettis at Her Book Launch
Join us for an inspiring evening with Bridget Pettis—WNBA Pioneer, Coach, Community Leader, and now Author—as she celebrates the release of Journey to Freedom.
Hear the remarkable story of a young girl from East Chicago, Indiana, whose journey led her from neighborhood playgrounds to becoming one of the original players in the WNBA. Bridget’s story is one of faith, perseverance, healing, and discovering that true freedom begins within.
Event Highlights
- Meet Bridget Pettis
- Hear excerpts from Journey to Freedom
- Purchase a signed copy of the memoir
- Celebrate a hometown legend
Book Launch & Signing
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
5:00–7:00 PM
East Chicago Public Library
2401 E. Columbus Drive
East Chicago, IN 46312
Continue the Celebration During WNBA All-Star Weekend
Support the Bridget Pettis Foundation during a special evening celebrating the legacy of women’s basketball while investing in programs that serve youth, seniors, and families.
WNBA All-Star Charity Event
Thursday, July 23, 2026
6:00–10:00 PM
Wesley Tavern
Downtown Chicago
Book Release & Preorder
Journey to Freedom releases July 22, 2026.
Preorder your copy today:
www.bridgetpettisfoundation.org/store
About Bridget Pettis
Bridget Pettis is a former WNBA player and coach, entrepreneur, community advocate, urban farmer, and founder of the Bridget Pettis Foundation. An original member of the Phoenix Mercury and a 2024 Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor inductee, Pettis has dedicated her life to mentoring youth, strengthening communities, promoting sustainable food initiatives, and empowering others through faith, resilience, and purposeful living.
Connect with Bridget Pettis
Follow Bridget’s journey leading up to the release of Journey to Freedom.
@iambridgetpettis
@bridgetpettisfoundation
@msbesgardenmarket
@authenticpathclothing
@doublecrossovermagazine
Websites
MsBesGardenMarket.com
Request an Interview
Bridget Pettis is available for:
- Television interviews
- Radio interviews
- Podcast appearances
- Speaking engagements
- Book signings
- Community events
- WNBA features
- Faith & inspirational programming
Media Contacts
Lisa Padilla
Director of Media Relations
Editorial Director & Developmental Editor, Journey to Freedom
Great Central Sun Media Group LLC
Email: lisa@greatcentralsunmediagroup.com
Phone: 602-348-9894
Dr. Mechelle Tucker
Senior Executive Publicist
Email: Mechelle@1stclassconsultant.com
Phone: 623-703-2147
Leslee Hamadeh
Media & Event Coordinator
Email: lesleehamadeh1@gmail.com
Phone: 623-888-2796
Media Inquiries
To schedule an interview, request a review copy of Journey to Freedom, book Bridget Pettis for a speaking engagement, coordinate media appearances, or inquire about book launch events, please contact Lisa Padilla, Director of Media Relations, or Dr. Mechelle Tucker, Senior Executive Publicist.
For event logistics, scheduling assistance, and media coordination, please contact Leslee Hamadeh, Media & Event Coordinator.
