Retired WNBA star Layshia Clarendon was inducted into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, with the former LA Spark recognized for contributions both on and off the court.
  • After coming out publicly in a 2015 Players Tribune article, Clarendon made history as the leagues first openly trans and nonbinary player.
  • The 2017 All-Star went on to serve as an advocate for justice and inclusivity across all sectors, helping to negotiate the game-changing 2020 WNBA CBA among other accomplishments.
  • "Lay was a true professional, showing up each day with a desire to help our teams compete and improve," said ex-Sparks coach Curt Miller. "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."
Big picture: First established in 2013, the LGBTQ Sports HOF lay dormant for a decade before the Sports Equality Foundation resurrected it this year, with Clarendon joining past inductees Billie Jean King, Megan Rapinoe, Brittney Griner, and golf legend Patty Sheehan, among others.