Layshia Clarendon: A Trailblazer on and off the Court
Written By: Jackie Rae
On July 7, the Los Angeles Sparks faced the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Ahead of the game, Clarendon, a veteran of 11 seasons in the WNBA, opened up about the toll of a long career.
"The thing that shifts is like, after the game, you're hurting," Clarendon candidly shared in an interview with JackieRaeTV. "My legs are achy, you know; you just don't quite have the same bounce back."
That insight sums up the physical and mental grind that professional athletes face as their careers mature. It was the cumulative toll of years on the court for Clarendon, who has always been an integral part of the Sparks offense. A sacrifice came with tremendous rewards but also significant challenges.
The season began promisingly for Clarendon, who put up a triple-double in the first game of the season against the Atlanta Dream, notching 11 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds. In doing so, Clarendon became the second-oldest player in WNBA history to record such a feat. It was a remarkable moment that underscored their ability to impact a game, even after over a decade in the league.
But then, adversity struck. A concussion sustained during a May 15 game against the Dallas Wings sidelined Clarendon for a stretch. When they returned to action on June 5 against the Minnesota Lynx, it was clear that the injury, coupled with the wear and tear of 11 seasons, had begun to take a toll. The player who once played 30 minutes a game found themselves logging fewer and fewer minutes, scoring just 7 points in their return.
By August 15, Clarendon's court time dwindled, playing just over 11 minutes against the New York Liberty. From that point forward, Clarendon was listed as out for mental health reasons.
It was impossible not to miss Clarendon's presence on the floor. A consummate leader, they consistently brought 11 years of professional experience to every practice, game, and locker room. Their impact, however, extended far beyond the hardwood. A vocal advocate for acceptance, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, Clarendon has used their platform to bring attention to important causes, most notably advocating for the more than one million people living in the United States who identify as non-binary or gender-nonconforming.
Clarendon's leadership set a standard for their teammates and the entire league, making them a respected voice both on and off the court.
On September 20, 2024, Clarendon officially announced their retirement from the WNBA. Reflecting on their career, Clarendon shared heartfelt words about the journey.
"It's bittersweet to reach this time in my life and career. Coming home to LA and spending my final seasons with the Sparks was deeply meaningful," Clarendon told the Sparks. "I wasn't sure if I would ever make it back to California to play. And I did, which meant the world to me and my family. I want to thank everyone within the organization, my teammates and coaches for all they've supported me through."
Clarendon's career began in 2013, when they were drafted ninth overall by the Indiana Fever after a stellar college career at the University of California, Berkeley. Their senior season saw them named First-Team All-Pac-12, leading the Golden Bears to their first Final Four appearance in school history.
On the court, Clarendon was known for their grit, IQ, and unwavering professionalism. But it's their contributions off the court that many will remember just as vividly.
"Layshia has made a huge impact on and off the court throughout their outstanding basketball career," said Sparks Head Coach Curt Miller. "Lay was a true professional, showing up each day with a desire to help our teams compete and improve. Simply stated, Lay is a winner."
General Manager Raegan Pebley echoed similar sentiments: "Layshia Clarendon has made us, our game, and our world better. Their on-court toughness and competitive fire is only matched by how they have shown up off the court. We wish Layshia and their family the absolute best as they enter this new chapter."
Though Clarendon's time as a player in the WNBA has come to an end, their legacy will endure. From their standout performances on the court to their trailblazing efforts off it, Clarendon leaves the league better than they found it. In a time when the WNBA is becoming increasingly influential on a global scale, Clarendon's courage to be authentic and to champion for the marginalized has cemented them as one of the game's true pioneers.
Their presence will be missed, but their impact will resonate for years to come.