Layshia Clarendon is a retired American professional basketball player who made history in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Known for their remarkable 12-year career, Clarendon was the league’s first openly non-binary and transgender player, breaking barriers both on and off the court.
A standout athlete at the University of California, Berkeley, they were drafted ninth overall by the Indiana Fever in 2013 and went on to play for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and Los Angeles Sparks.
Beyond their athletic achievements, Clarendon is celebrated for their advocacy on social justice, racial equity and LGBTQ+ issues.
Siblings
Layshia has one sister named Jasmine.
However, not much is known about Jasmine, including her personal life or career persons as she leads a private life compared to her famous sister.
Career
Clarendon’s basketball journey began at Cajon High School in San Bernardino, where they emerged as a top recruit, earning the title of California Ms. Basketball.
At Cal, they led the Golden Bears to their first Final Four appearance in 2013, averaging 16.4 points per game as a senior.
Drafted by the Indiana Fever, Clarendon spent three seasons with the team before being traded to the Atlanta Dream in 2016.
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It was with the Dream that they solidified their reputation as a starting point guard, earning an All-Star nod in 2017.
Over the years, Clarendon played for several WNBA teams, showcasing versatility and leadership.
Their final two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks included a standout moment in 2024 when they recorded their first career triple-double (11 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) in the season opener against the Atlanta Dream.
Clarendon retired on September 20, 2024, citing a need to prioritize mental health and personal healing after 284 games in the league.
Accolades
Clarendon’s career is decorated with both athletic and cultural achievements.
On the court, they averaged 7.6 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, with a career-high 30 points scored against the New York Liberty in 2023.
Their 2017 All-Star selection remains a highlight, as does their 2024 triple-double, making them only the fourth player in Sparks history to achieve this feat.
Off the court, Clarendon’s impact is profound: they were elected first vice president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association in 2016 and played a key role in negotiating the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, which improved player salaries and conditions.
In 2015, they won Outsports’ Female Hero of the Year for their advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
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