Alysha Clark Bio
Alysha Angelica Clark (Hebrew: אלישה קלארק; born July 7, 1987) is an American-Israeli professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). In college, she led the NCAA in scoring three years in a row. She was drafted in the second round of the 2010 WNBA draft by the San Antonio Silver Stars. In 2018, Clark won a championship with the Seattle Storm as they swept the Mystics in the 2018 WNBA Finals, and in 2020 won her second championship as the Storm swept the Las Vegas Aces. She won her third WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. In 2018, she led CCC Polkowice to a Polish championship and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. The next year, she won a Ligue Féminine de Basketball championship with her French team, Lyon Asvel. Clark is known for her swarming defense and clutch shooting.
Early Life and Background
Alysha Clark was born in Denver, Colorado, to Jan and Duane Clark, both of whom were musicians. She has an older brother, Corey Clark, who gained fame as a contestant on American Idol. The family later moved to Mount Juliet, Tennessee, where Alysha attended Mount Juliet High School. During her senior year, she excelled in basketball, averaging 24 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, and earned several accolades including being named the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year. Her early exposure to basketball laid a solid foundation for her future career. Clark’s maternal grandparents were Jewish, and although she was baptized as a child and identified as a Christian, she later explored her Jewish roots and became an Israeli citizen.
Path to Basketball
Clark began her collegiate basketball career at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she played for two years. During her freshman year, she led the Atlantic Sun Conference in total points, field goals, and free throws, earning the title of Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year. After two successful years at Belmont, she transferred to Middle Tennessee State University, where she continued to dominate the court. In her first year at Middle Tennessee, she led the NCAA with 27.3 points per game and was named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Player of the Year. Her remarkable performances made her the first basketball player to be named Player of the Year in two different Division I conferences.
Alysha Clark Career
Early Career (2010-2012)
Alysha Clark was drafted with the 17th overall pick in the second round of the 2010 WNBA draft by the San Antonio Silver Stars. However, she did not make the roster that year or in 2011. During this time, she played for Hapoel Rishon LeZion in the Israeli National League, where she was awarded the Domestic Player of the Year Award. In 2012, she signed with the Seattle Storm, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in her professional career.
Breakthrough (2018-2023)
Clark’s breakthrough came during her time with the Seattle Storm. In 2018, she played a crucial role in the Storm’s WNBA Championship run, starting every game and contributing significantly in the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Mercury. She logged a double-double in the decisive Game 5 and led the team in playing time during the championship-clinching win against the Washington Mystics. In 2020, she was instrumental in securing her second championship with the Storm. After a brief stint with the Washington Mystics in 2021, where she was sidelined due to injury, Clark returned to prominence in 2023, winning her third WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces and earning the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Award.
Notable Works and Milestones
Alysha Clark is a three-time WNBA champion, having won titles in 2018, 2020, and 2023. She was named the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year in 2023 and has been recognized for her defensive skills, being selected for the All-Defensive First Team in 2020. Her contributions to the sport extend beyond the court, as she is also involved in mentoring young athletes through the WNBA Changemakers Collective.
Alysha Clark Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Alysha Clark has received several nominations, including recognition for her defensive prowess and contributions to her teams in the WNBA.
Alysha Clark Awards Won
Alysha Clark has won numerous awards, including three WNBA championships and the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Award in 2023.
Alysha Clark Family
Alysha Clark comes from a musical family, with both of her parents being musicians. She has an older brother, Corey Clark, who gained fame as a contestant on American Idol.
Personal Life
Alysha Clark has explored her Jewish roots and became an Israeli citizen, reflecting her connection to her heritage. She is actively involved in mentoring young athletes, aiming to inspire the next generation of basketball players.
