Minor was raised in Mundelein, Illinois.[5] She began playing tennis at the age of four. Minor attended Carmel High School and during her senior year at Carmel, she went undefeated during the season, winning a state championship in the process.[6][7] On November 13, 2014, she signed her national letter of intent to play collegiate tennis at the University of Michigan.[8] Minor had been ranked as the 15th best recruit in the country.
During her first season with the Wolverines, Minor finished with a 36–10 record.[6] Her performance earned her spots in both the National Collegiate Athletic Association singles and doubles tournaments. She earned all-Big Ten and ITA All-American honors at the end of the season.[6]
Minor capped off her sophomore season by winning the 2017 NCAA Division I Women's singles title, the first in Michigan's history.[3] Minor defeated the Florida'sBelinda Woolcock in the final. She was also the first African-American woman to accomplish this feat and the first black athlete to win a singles title since Arthur Ashe in 1965.[3] As it is tradition with American NCAA champions, Minor received a wildcard entry into the 2017 US Open. Minor was also named ITA All-American for the second straight year.[9]
Brienne's parents are Kevin and Michelle Minor.[5] She has two older sisters named Jasmine and Kristina. Minor is majoring in sports management.[6] As a big fan of pop singer Beyoncé, Minor received the nickname "Briyoncé," from best friend Caroline Nonnenmacher.[10]
