A Star Retires: Layshia Clarendon Reflects on WNBA Life

Layshia Clarendon ended their 12-year career in the WNBA this September, feeling it was the right time to retire. The Los Angeles Sparks star, who made history as the first openly transgender player, shared their experiences in a recent interview. They compared their decision to a good book, saying they were ready for a new chapter. Clarendon missed their teammates but felt it was time to move on. They appreciated the support from their teammates and fans, especially during the 2020 season when the New York Liberty wore "Trans Lives Matter" shirts. Clarendon came out as non-binary a few weeks later, receiving widespread acceptance.In the locker room, Clarendon enjoyed a friendly atmosphere. One memorable moment was when a teammate, Natalie Achonwa, offered to help with their makeup. Sports gave Clarendon tools to cope with personal issues and provided travel and financial stability. Clarendon admitted that if forced to choose, they would prioritize their identity over basketball. Their self-esteem grew as they accepted their non-binary identity, leading to their retirement. They had a less successful final season but reflected on their achievements, including being a first-round pick and an All-Star.