New Haven’s Bria Holmes Heads To The WNBA

This week has been nothing short of pure joy and excitement for New Haven native and resident Bria Holmes. In addition to her turning 22 on Tuesday, she is off to Atlanta Friday morning to start her lifelong dream of becoming a professional basketball player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), as a member of the Atlanta Dream!

Holmes, a 2012 Hillhouse High School graduate, had an idea she would be drafted in to the WNBA. However, she didn’t know she would be a first-round pick.

“We were texting each other throughout the draft, and I told her I believe she will go in the first round,” said Tyrese Sullivan, Holmes’ mentor and James Hillhouse Boys basketball coach.

To Holmes’ surprise and that of her family and agent, this West Virginia University Mountaineer senior was indeed a first-round pick, 11th overall. She became the first New Havener to be drafted into the WNBA.

A Hillhouse graduate and mentor, Tyrese Sullivan, along with Paul ​“Hollywood” Henderson, quickly organized a congratulatory party in Holmes’ honor. It took place last weekend at Park Place East on Humphrey Street. The facility was full of decorations, including Holmes’ framed West Virginia University Jersey, glass vases with her photo and little basketballs on the inside, as well as posters. Cupcakes with basketball rings served as the dessert to all the delicious food provided at the party.

The music was pumping ​“It’s Going Down!” by Yung Joc, as Holmes basked in all the love and support she received from the village that raised her, ​“The HouseFam”: Holmes’ mentor, AAU and high school basketball coaches, teammates, principals, teachers and the high school security guards. From day one, she received the support of her mother, Carol Keel; aunts, sisters and brothers. ​“Her mother worked so hard,” Sullivan said. ​“She did a lot by herself. And then she had us to assist.”

When asked how Holmes developed into the stand out player that she is, Sullivan said, ​“you have to give a lot of credit to Coach Catrina and her staff.”

According to Hillhouse teacher Jack Paulishen, Holmes was more than an excellent athlete. She was a good student, too. It showed the night of her party: Not only were her former coaches, teammates and principals there; her teachers were on hand too just to enjoy the moment with her, as were ood New Haven community members, who have been a staple of New Haven pride, cheering on any young person doing good.

Bria Holmes, a humble soul who has accomplished quite a bit in her 22 years, was the first Connecticut girl to ever play in the prestigious McDonalds All American game. She and her Hillhouse teammates won three back-to-back state championships. She was also one of the top 25 girl high school basketball players in the U.S. Last week she received the Senior Class Award All America Second Team at her college, from which she will be graduating in May. Now Bria Holmes is a member of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream! #SistersRIse #WeMatter