HOUSTON — Months after the detainment of WNBA superstar Brittney Griner in Russia, Griner’s high school basketball coach, Debbie Jackson, is calling for her safe return.

Jackson has been coaching basketball for over 40 years. She sits in her sunroom, rocking back and forth in her rocking chair, reflecting on her days of coaching Brittney Griner at Nimitz High School.

She first met Griner as a sixth-grader who played on the volleyball team. Jackson said Griner’s height was the first thing to stand out as a freshman. She recalls asking Griner to try the sport and see what happens.

“She gave it a try and I think it was like love at first sight,” said Jackson.

Jackson relived dozens of precious memories of coaching the rising superstar, which are now overshadowed by Griner’s detainment in Russia and the uncertainties that followed.

“It’s been very scary because there are so many unknown factors,” said Jackson.

Brittney Griner is a WNBA All-Star who was detained at a Russian airport earlier this year. Griner allegedly had vape cartridges containing hash oil in her luggage. According to reports released earlier this month, the United States government believes Griner is being wrongfully detained. Officials say they will now move forward in securing her release.

“I feel like we were all family members on the team. Brittney is one of my daughters, one of my Cougar family daughters,” cried Jackson.

Jackson says she’s hopeful Griner will make it home soon, but she’s preparing herself mentally for another round of uncertainty when it comes to foreign governments.

“I do worry about Brittney every day and she’s in my prayers every day. She’s a special kid. All my kids are special to me. This is one thing you never expect— someone you know that is going through this,” said Jackson.