Vancouver’s Historic WNBA Night Rekindles Legacy of Trailblazer Layshia Clarendon

By Troy Tyrell | WBN News Vancouver | August 15, 2025
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VANCOUVER — While tonight’s first-ever WNBA regular-season game in Canada between the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream made headlines for its historic location, it’s also a reminder of the groundbreaking athletes who have shaped the league’s commitment to inclusion.

One of the most notable trailblazers is Layshia Clarendon, the first openly nonbinary and transgender player in WNBA history.

Who Is Layshia Clarendon?

• Assigned female at birth, Clarendon played college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley, leading the Golden Bears to the 2013 NCAA Final Four.
• Drafted ninth overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft, they played 12 seasons in the league, earning a 2017 All-Star selection and building a reputation as both a fierce competitor and vocal advocate for social justice.
• In 2020, Clarendon publicly came out as nonbinary and transgender, using they/them and he/him pronouns.

A First for the League

Clarendon made history not only by being the first openly nonbinary and trans player to compete in the WNBA, but also by undergoing top surgery while active in the league. Their openness inspired conversations about gender diversity in professional sports, helping normalize inclusion in locker rooms, front offices, and fan culture.

Legacy and Retirement

Clarendon retired on September 20, 2024, leaving behind a career marked by leadership, advocacy, and barrier-breaking visibility. While there are currently no active trans or nonbinary players in the WNBA, Clarendon’s influence continues to ripple through the league and beyond.

Che Flores, a nonbinary and transgender official who has worked WNBA, NCAA, and NBA games, further represents the shift toward greater inclusivity in professional basketball.

Why It Matters

Clarendon’s journey underscores the evolving landscape of sports, where athletes’ authenticity off the court can be as impactful as their performance on it. Their courage to live openly has paved the way for future generations to pursue athletic excellence without hiding who they are.

By Troy Tyrell, Founder of Tsquared Personal Training
WBN Contributor | Community Builder | Mountain Biker | Advocate for Local Business & Fitness
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