Seattle Storm’s Alysha Clark Becomes WNBA’s Oldest Player, ⁣Credits Longevity to Passion⁤ and Preparation

Following Diana Taurasi’s retirement, seattle Storm⁤ forward ​Alysha clark, 37, now holds the title of​ the WNBA’s oldest ⁤player. The veteran,returning to the Storm after two seasons with the Las Vegas Aces,reveals her enduring love for the game,meticulous‍ preparation,and focus on recovery ⁣as⁤ keys to⁤ her continued success and longevity ⁤in‍ the league.

Alysha Clark’s Formula for WNBA⁣ Longevity

Clark emphasizes that her passion for basketball and commitment to preparation⁣ are paramount. She⁢ also ‌underscores the⁤ importance of recovery,‍ a facet often overlooked early⁢ in her career. “I don’t think⁢ it’s emphasized enough,” she stated, contrasting it with older attitudes ⁤of “if you’re not broken, you’re fine.” Realising the necessity of⁢ recovery as she matured has been instrumental in sustaining her career.

Drafted in 2010 by the San Antonio Stars but waived, Clark honed her ⁣skills overseas before joining the Seattle Storm in​ 2012. Over​ nine ‌seasons with the​ Storm, she⁤ secured championships in 2018 and 2020.A‌ stint with the Washington Mystics followed, and then a ⁣championship-winning season ⁤with the ‌Aces in 2023 before ⁤her return to‌ Seattle.

Injury a Blessing in disguise?

A Lisfranc injury to her right foot ⁣sustained while playing overseas forced her to miss the⁢ 2021 ‍WNBA season. However, Clark now ‌views this setback as beneficial in‌ the long run, crediting the physical therapists she worked ⁤with during that‍ period for their crucial role in her ‍recovery and career extension.

Future with‍ the Storm

As a free agent⁢ this offseason,‍ Clark affirmed her unwavering desire to⁤ continue playing, stating, “I don’t ⁤feel slow in any area. My mind ⁢is still sharp. My body still feels good before and ⁢after games.” Her career averages‌ stand at 6.9 points, 3.5 ⁣rebounds, ‍and 1.5 assists, ⁢shooting 48.5%⁣ from the field​ and 38.3% from three, showcasing her⁣ consistent⁢ contributions.

clark also acknowledges the significance of teams still seeking her talents, adding, “I’m grateful that ⁢teams still want me – and players still want to play ‌with me and see ‍my value. And then, I’m⁤ just​ healthy enough to be able to continue to play at ⁣this level.”

Beyond her on-court skills, what attributes or qualities has Alysha ⁢Clark demonstrated that have contributed to her ⁤success and ⁢the respect she commands in the WNBA?

Seattle StormS ⁢Alysha‍ Clark: Q&A on Longevity and ⁢Success

Here’s a breakdown of Seattle Storm’s Alysha Clark’s remarkable career and the secrets‌ to her⁣ longevity:

Q&A

• Q: Who​ is Alysha Clark?

  A: ‌Alysha Clark is ⁢a 37-year-old professional basketball player for the Seattle Storm, currently‍ the⁣ oldest player in⁣ the WNBA.

• Q: What are Alysha Clark’s keys to ⁤success?

  A: Passion for the game, meticulous preparation, and prioritizing recovery⁤ are crucial. She emphasizes that recovery is as important ​as training.

• Q: What teams has ‍she played for?

  A: San Antonio Stars (drafted but waived), Seattle Storm‍ (2012-2020 & 2024-present), Washington Mystics, and Las vegas Aces.

• Q: What championships has she won?

  A: She won WNBA⁤ championships⁤ with the Seattle Storm (2018, 2020) and the Las Vegas‌ Aces (2023).

• Q: How did a Lisfranc injury impact her career?

  A: The injury, which sidelined her in 2021, ⁤allowed her to‍ work with ⁤physical therapists‌ and now‌ she credits them for extending her career.

• Q: What are her career averages?

  A: 6.9‌ points, 3.5 rebounds, ⁤and 1.5 assists, shooting 48.5% from the field and 38.3%‍ from⁤ three.

• Q: What’s alysha ​Clark’s mindset ⁢about her age?

  A: She feels⁣ sharp ⁤mentally and ​physically, and ⁤she’s grateful teams still want her.

Alysha Clark’s story ⁣is a testament to the power of ⁣dedication‍ and‌ smart choices. ⁢To achieve longevity in any field, ⁢prioritize recovery, and never‌ lose​ your passion ‍for ⁤the craft.