Alysha Clark eagerly embraced the opportunity to return to her roots in Tennessee this winter, joining Athletes Unlimited after spending several years playing overseas during the offseason. The organization is set to host its fourth season in Nashville from February 5 to March 2.
“It’s really exciting as I haven’t played at home since college,” Clark reflected during a phone interview. She previously played at Middle Tennessee State University and expressed her thrill about returning to her beginnings at this stage of her career.
Previously, the professional league held its inaugural season in Las Vegas, followed by two subsequent years in Dallas. Clark is also enthusiastic about contributing to her hometown community.
“What AU does with the players outside of the court is something I’m really excited about,” she shared, highlighting her desire to make a positive impact locally. @br>
The 37-year-old forward has achieved significant success in her career, securing three WNBA championships, including one with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. She feels grateful that there are now more opportunities for players to participate in domestic competitions, particularly with the advent of Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled, the newly established 3-on-3 women’s basketball league set to begin its season on January 17 in Miami.
“It’s amazing the growth and opportunities with AU leading that front,” Clark noted, emphasizing how this evolution showcases the advancement of women’s basketball and sports overall.
Growing up just half an hour from Nashville and later relocating there as a teenager, Clark is not the only player from Tennessee slated to compete in this AU season. Isabelle Harrison from Chicago, raised in Nashville, joins Clark as one of three former Tennessee Lady Vols participating, alongside Jordan Horston and Meighan Simmons.
Other notable WNBA talents in the league include Kia Nurse, Maddie Siegrist, Kiersten Bell, Sydney Colson, and Lexie Brown. Athletes Unlimited has announced 15 of its 40-player roster, with the remaining players to be revealed soon.
The league features a five-on-five format where athletes accumulate points both for team victories and individual achievements. Each week, teams are reshuffled, with the top four players in the standings taking on captain roles to draft their rosters. The player who amasses the highest points at season’s end is crowned the individual champion, with past winners including Tianna Hawkins, NaLyssa Smith, and Allisha Gray.
Lexie Brown, a long-time member of the league, expressed her excitement about playing in Nashville, having attended an event in the city last month.
“They love women’s basketball. I met a couple that has a WNBA watch group that gathers to watch games around the city,” Brown remarked. “It’s amazing. The South adores basketball. While many associate the region with football, there are countless basketball enthusiasts who would welcome a more accessible WNBA team in the area.”
The nearest WNBA franchise to Nashville is located in Atlanta.