After 11 impactful years in the WNBA, one of the league’s trailblazers, Layshia Clarendon, has decided to hang up their jersey. The Los Angeles Sparks guard announced their retirement in a heartfelt Instagram post, bringing an end to a career that left an indelible mark on the sport and the WNBA community.
Clarendon, 33, made history in 2020 by becoming the first WNBA player to come out as nonbinary, a courageous step that not only challenged societal norms but also paved the way for more inclusivity in professional sports. Their announcement marks the conclusion of a groundbreaking career, not only defined by accomplishments on the court but also by advocacy and representation off it.
“The lesson I’ve been learning this last year is that everything comes to an end,” Clarendon wrote in their announcement, reflecting on their journey. “The time has come for my basketball career to end. I am deeply at peace with this choice as my mind, body, and spirit know unequivocally that it’s time to move on.” Clarendon, who uses he/him, she/her, and they/them pronouns, expressed gratitude for their career while acknowledging the personal growth they’ve experienced throughout the years.
Clarendon’s professional journey spanned six teams, starting with the Indiana Fever, who drafted them in 2013. Over the course of their career, Clarendon’s versatility and leadership were evident as they moved through the league, contributing on and off the court. Their most productive season came in 2017 with the Atlanta Dream, where they averaged a career-high 10.7 points per game and earned a spot in the WNBA All-Star Game. That season solidified Clarendon as a standout player, known not only for their scoring but also their ability to lead and inspire teammates.
RELATED: Fans Voice Major Concern Over Schedule for Caitlin Clark’s Playoff Debut
In the 2024 season, Clarendon played for the Los Angeles Sparks, averaging 4.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Though these numbers may not reflect the heights of their All-Star season, their presence in the locker room and leadership remained crucial, especially for younger players navigating the professional game.
Before turning pro, Clarendon enjoyed a stellar college career with the University of California Golden Bears. They made two All-Pac-12 teams in 2012 and 2013, leading the Golden Bears to their first and only NCAA Final Four appearance in 2013 under coach Lindsay Gottlieb. Clarendon’s performance in college helped lay the foundation for their WNBA career, where they continued to exceed expectations and break barriers.
Beyond the stats and accolades, Clarendon’s influence reached far beyond the hardwood. As the first openly nonbinary player in the league, they used their platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity, both in sports and in society.
Their courage in living authentically inspired countless fans and athletes, showing that true greatness comes not just from athletic achievements but from the strength to be yourself.
Clarendon’s retirement is not just the end of a basketball career but the beginning of a new chapter. While they have yet to announce what’s next, it’s clear that Clarendon’s voice and influence will continue to be felt, both in the world of sports and beyond.
Their legacy as a trailblazer, both as an athlete and an advocate, will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
