The Prime Voice
TRENDING
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Atlanta Dream
  • Chicago Sky
  • Connecticut Sun
  • Dallas Wings
  • Indiana Fever
  • Los Angeles Sparks
SUBSCRIBE
  • Home
  • Atlanta Dream
  • Chicago Sky
  • Connecticut Sun
  • Dallas Wings
  • Indiana Fever
  • Los Angeles Sparks
No Result
View All Result
The Prime Voice
No Result
View All Result
Home Los Angeles Sparks

Layshia Clarendon retires from WNBA after 12 seasons

by John Maxner
21 September 2024
in Los Angeles Sparks
0
Layshia Clarendon retires from WNBA after 12 seasons

Clarendon’s legacy extends far beyond their stat line, though. Off the court, Clarendon spent much of their career fighting for WNBA player rights during two terms as first vice president of the WNBPA and as a foundational member of the players’ association’s social justice council. Clarendon was also the league’s first openly nonbinary and transgender player and a fierce advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The ninth overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the 2013 WNBA Draft, Clarendon is a University of California, Berkeley alum and San Bernardino native. The 33-year-old guard played for six teams over their WNBA career: the Fever, Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, before spending their last two seasons with the Sparks.

Clarendon was named as an All-Star in 2017 and averaged 7.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists over 284 career games in the WNBA, despite a number of injuries in their final few seasons in the league. During their two-year stint in Los Angeles, Clarendon averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

“It’s bittersweet to reach this time in my life and career,” Clarendon said in a press release. “Coming home to LA and spending my final seasons with the Sparks was deeply meaningful. 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. Both big and small. The WNBA is in such a great place and I’ll be forever honored to be one of 144.” 

Also Read:   WNBA Notes: Bright Future Sparks, Reenergized Sky, and more!

Add Locked On Women’s Basketball to your daily routine

Here at The Next, in addition to the 24/7/365 written content our staff provides, we also host the daily Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast. Join us Monday through Saturday each week as we discuss all things WNBA, collegiate basketball, basketball history and much more. Listen wherever you find podcasts or watch on YouTube.


In a post shared to social media, Clarendon said they were “deeply at peace with this choice as my mind, body, and spirit know unequivocally that it’s time to move on.”

“The saying is that athletes have 2 deaths,” Clarendon wrote. “Our careers and our true last breaths. I can tell you, I have been deeply in mourning over this loss. I’ve loved this game with every ounce of my being.”

“Lay was a true professional, showing up each day with a desire to help our teams compete and improve,” Sparks coach Curt Miller said in the release. “Simply stated, Lay is a winner. Off the court, Lay is a trailblazer and impacted so many with their bravery to be authentic and unapologetic while consistently fighting for the marginalized.” 

Miller heaped additional praise on the guard on social media, posting to X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge Clarendon’s retirement. Indiana Fever general manager Lin Dunn and Sparks GM Raegan Pebley similarly shared their appreciation. 

Congratulations Lay… you will be missed! From our days in CT to you helping us lead our build in LA, you were always someone I loved going to battle with. Your Grit was contagious & your leadership on and off the court can’t really be summed up in words. Congrats again 💐 🎉 https://t.co/6lCaD4GNkP

— Curt Miller (@CurtMillerWBB) September 20, 2024

THANKYOU Layshia for your contributions on the court and off the WNBA court! It was my pleasure to draft you and follow your career! Wishing you “ All the best” ! ❤️😍❤️ https://t.co/iHbQ1vdxey

— Chalk Talk (@LD_ChalkTalk) September 20, 2024

Much will be deservingly said about the enormous impact @Layshiac has had off the court. AND, let’s not miss that they have been a force on the court as well. Lay the hooper has been fierce AND a winner; a guard who could dish AND score, knock down a 3 AND take you into the… https://t.co/3XQjvDRklY

— Raegan Pebley (@RaeganPebley) September 20, 2024


Get 24/7 soccer coverage with The Equalizer

The Next is partnering with The Equalizer to bring more women’s sports stories to your inbox. Subscribers to The Next receive 50% off their subscription to The Equalizer for 24/7 coverage of women’s soccer.

Also Read:   LA Sparks Are Rebuilding With Confidence In Picks And Vets » Winsidr

Related Posts

Los Angeles Sparks rookie Sania Feagin is adapting again
Los Angeles Sparks

Los Angeles Sparks rookie Sania Feagin is adapting again

8 August 2025
Sights and sounds from Cameron Brink's return to action
Los Angeles Sparks

Sights and sounds from Cameron Brink’s return to action

30 July 2025
How 'Julie squared' is making a big impact for the Sparks
Los Angeles Sparks

How ‘Julie squared’ is making a big impact for the Sparks

27 July 2025
Consecutive wins propel Sparks into second half of the season- The Next
Los Angeles Sparks

Consecutive wins propel Sparks into second half of the season- The Next

22 July 2025
Rae Burrell is back, and picking up just where she left off
Los Angeles Sparks

Rae Burrell is back, and picking up just where she left off

15 July 2025
Locked On Women's Basketball: WNBA breakout players in 2025
Los Angeles Sparks

Locked On Women’s Basketball: WNBA breakout players in 2025

13 July 2025
Next Post
Playoffs Preview — Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever » Winsidr

Playoffs Preview — Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever » Winsidr

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • 311 Followers

Recommended

From Then to Now » Winsidr

From Then to Now » Winsidr

13 June 2024
6 takeaways for the Connecticut Sun from their Game 1 win

6 takeaways for the Connecticut Sun from their Game 1 win

23 September 2024
Caitlin Clark deals with another injury as All-Star break nears

Caitlin Clark deals with another injury as All-Star break nears

17 July 2025
Why can't the Connecticut Sun play like the Valkyries?

Why can’t the Connecticut Sun play like the Valkyries?

2 July 2025
Sydney Colson ready for new chance with Indiana Fever

Sydney Colson ready for new chance with Indiana Fever

25 April 2025
Paige Bueckers' WNBA debut reveals room for growth

Wings’ Paige Bueckers returns with fresh perspective

12 June 2025

About Us

At ThePrime Voice, we are passionate about bringing you the latest and most exciting developments in the world of technology. Our mission is to simplify the complex, making tech news accessible to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned tech enthusiast or just starting your journey into the digital realm.

Categories

  • Atlanta Dream
  • Chicago Sky
  • Connecticut Sun
  • Dallas Wings
  • Indiana Fever
  • Las Vegas Aces
  • Los Angeles Sparks
  • New York Liberty
  • Seattle Storm
Locked On Women's Basketball: Lynx-Wings trade breakdown

Locked On Women’s Basketball: Lynx-Wings trade breakdown

8 August 2025
Los Angeles Sparks rookie Sania Feagin is adapting again

Los Angeles Sparks rookie Sania Feagin is adapting again

8 August 2025
Maddy Siegrist shines in return as Wings fall to Liberty

Maddy Siegrist shines in return as Wings fall to Liberty

8 August 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Copyright © 2024 - The Prime Voice. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Atlanta Dream
  • Chicago Sky
  • Connecticut Sun
  • Dallas Wings
  • Indiana Fever
  • Los Angeles Sparks

Copyright © 2024 - The Prime Voice. All Rights Reserved.