WNBA star Layshia Clarendon, who became the league’s first openly transgender and nonbinary player, announced their retirement on Friday after a trailblazing 12-year career. Clarendon, 33, shared the news via Instagram, explaining that a culmination of mental, physical, and emotional healing led them to this decision. Despite not playing since August due to mental health reasons, Clarendon’s legacy both on and off the court remains monumental, particularly in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and social justice.
“It’s bittersweet to reach this time in my life and career,” Clarendon reflected in a heartfelt post. “Coming home to L.A. 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,” they added, marking their return to their home state. Clarendon grew up in nearby San Bernardino and played collegiately at Cal, where they helped lead the Golden Bears to their first NCAA women’s basketball Final Four in 2013.
Clarendon’s retirement follows a season of highs and lows, including a standout performance during the Los Angeles Sparks’ opener in May, when they recorded a triple-double, becoming the second-oldest WNBA player to do so. Clarendon finished their career with an impressive 7.6 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. Though the Sparks struggled this season with an 8-32 record and missed the playoffs, Clarendon’s leadership and resilience were ever-present.
“I’ve done a lot of healing in my life the last five years. It was just the culmination of my mind, my body, and my spirit telling me that it was time to move on,” Clarendon told ESPN in a separate interview. Their retirement was not only a personal decision but also a moment of reflection on the physical and mental toll that a professional athletic career takes. Clarendon emphasized the sense of readiness to embrace what’s next, adding that they felt “a deep knowing” it was the right time to step away from the game.
Clarendon was drafted ninth overall by the Indiana Fever in 2013, but it wasn’t until 2017, as a member of the Atlanta Dream, that they became a WNBA All-Star. In addition to playing for Indiana and Atlanta, Clarendon had stints with the Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, and Minnesota Lynx before signing with the Sparks in February 2023. While their on-court achievements speak volumes—reaching the 2,000 career points milestone and scoring a personal best 30 points last season—Clarendon’s impact on the game transcends statistics.
A Voice for Social Justice
Clarendon’s journey of self-discovery culminated in publicly coming out as nonbinary and transgender after the 2020 season, making them a beacon of hope for countless LGBTQIA+ athletes and fans. They have been vocal about the need for inclusivity and equality, not only in sports but across all facets of life. During the 2020 “bubble” season, Clarendon and their teammates on the New York Liberty famously wore “Trans Lives Matter” shirts, a quiet but powerful message supporting transgender rights. Shortly after, Clarendon openly shared their identity with the world, using their platform to advocate for policies that protect transgender people, particularly transgender athletes.
In addition to being a prominent player, Clarendon has been an unwavering leader in the WNBA’s push for social and racial justice. They were elected first vice president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) in 2016, a role in which they helped negotiate the groundbreaking 2020 collective bargaining agreement. This new agreement included much-needed improvements for WNBA players, such as higher salaries, enhanced travel accommodations, and better support for players with children. Clarendon’s work was instrumental in ushering in these changes, and their influence extended far beyond the court.
Sparks head coach Curt Miller praised Clarendon’s commitment to both the game and social causes, saying, “Lay was a true professional, showing up each day with a desire to help our team compete and improve. 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.” These words reflect the widespread respect Clarendon earned throughout their career, both as a player and as an advocate.
A Beacon for Transgender Athletes
For many within the transgender community, Clarendon’s career has been an inspiration and a reminder that representation matters. Transgender athletes have long faced hurdles in participating in sports, often becoming the focus of heated political debates. Laws across the United States have increasingly restricted the participation of transgender youth in school sports, with some states outright banning transgender girls from competing in girls’ teams. Clarendon has consistently used their platform to fight these discriminatory measures.
In an op-ed published alongside fellow WNBA player Brianna Turner, Clarendon condemned the rise in anti-transgender legislation and called on lawmakers to defend transgender athletes. “What started in the 2010s as fights to kick transgender people out of public bathrooms has moved into efforts to sideline transgender athletes from sports,” they wrote. Clarendon’s advocacy for trans youth is deeply personal, as they understand firsthand the challenges of navigating the world as a transgender athlete.
Support from allies has also been key to creating safe spaces for transgender athletes. Clarendon has often spoken about how the queer fanbase in the WNBA has been a source of strength throughout their career. “Fans were also a light for me,” Clarendon shared. “So much of this healing work is reciprocal. As much as I was the one to step out on a limb, I felt really caught and held by the queer fanbase in the W. That was really beautiful, so thank you.”
The Power of Representation
Clarendon’s retirement marks the end of an era, but their legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes—especially those from marginalized communities. Their career was filled with moments of triumph and trailblazing firsts, but their willingness to stand up for social justice issues and LGBTQIA+ rights sets them apart. For transgender youth who dream of one day competing in professional sports, Clarendon’s journey is proof that barriers can be broken.
With the increasing political focus on transgender athletes, it is more important than ever for allies to advocate for inclusive policies and ensure that trans youth have the same opportunities to compete. Clarendon’s advocacy highlights the urgency of this fight, reminding us that sports should be a place of inclusion and opportunity for all, regardless of gender identity.
The Bottom Line
As Clarendon steps away from the game they’ve loved for so long, they do so with a sense of peace and fulfillment. “I am deeply at peace with this choice as my mind, body, and spirit know unequivocally that it’s time to move on,” they said in their Instagram announcement. Clarendon now looks forward to the next chapter of their life, one that includes their wife, Jessica Dolan, and their child.
Clarendon leaves behind not only a remarkable basketball career but a lasting legacy of courage, advocacy, and leadership. Their voice, which has championed marginalized communities and pushed for equality, will continue to resonate beyond the WNBA. As they themselves said, this moment is not just an ending but a sweet culmination of years of healing and growth. Fans and allies alike can only hope that Clarendon’s next steps will be as impactful as their years on the court.
