In an emotional post-game interview after the Las Vegas Aces became back-to-back WNBA champions Wednesday night, forward Alysha Clark dedicated the monumental win to her late father.
Per The Athletic, Clark’s father, Duane Clark, was a musician and an athlete who played football. He heavily supported the Denver native and loved that his daughter played sports like him. Sadly, he passed away in September of 2022.
Earlier this year, Clark reflected on their relationship. “He was everything. He was my biggest supporter,” Clark explained. “I mean, everything from high school through college. He was there for all the championships, pro. He was my No. 1 fan.”
Tonight, with emotions flowing, Clark explained to ESPN’s Holly Rowe why the Aces’s title-clinching win was in honor of her father.
Alysha Clark gets emotional in an interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe after the Las Vegas Aces repeat as WNBA champions. pic.twitter.com/WTukrDOTWl
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 19, 2023
Via the ESPN broadcast, Clark poured out her thoughts:
“He’s been with me all season. He’s been my sixth man. And I know he would be so happy right now, and I’m just so happy. I know he’s with me, and I wish he could be here. I wish I could call him. But this is for him. This entire season, I showed up every day because I know he loved watching me play.
“And I said, you know what, every day, every game, before the game, ‘My parents, Pops, I hope I make you proud. I hope you’re sitting there, joyous watching me play.’ That’s my prayer every day. So that’s how I show up on the floor.“
WNBA fans couldn’t help but notice such a heartfelt and soul-baring moment.
Here are the best reactions to Clark’s powerful dedication:
Feature image courtesy of ESPN.
Hell of an interview by Holly there with Alysha Clark. Man.
— Michael Sykes, II (@MikeDSykes) October 19, 2023
Sobbing right now. Alysha Clark is a legend.
— Lindsay Gibbs (@linzsports) October 19, 2023
The emotion for AC. That’s everything ❤️
“He’s been my 6th man. He would be so happy right now.”
Alysha Clark on her Dad who passed away last year pic.twitter.com/opyEXAGhcH
— Aces Lead (@AcesLeadSM) October 19, 2023
Ok I wasn’t prepared to cry but that Alysha Clark interview had other plans for my night. 🥺
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) October 19, 2023
This is what it’s all about.
Alysha Clark winning the title reflecting on her late father Duane who passed away last September.
She had the game-winning stop on Breanna Stewart in the final seconds.
An incredible dedication.
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) October 19, 2023
Proud of you @Alysha_Clark pic.twitter.com/QKhnt6vhw3
— Devereaux *casual fan* Peters (@MsPeters14) October 19, 2023
alysha clark just gave one of the best post championship win interviews i’ve ever watched. not me crying on my couch.
— gabb 💕 (@gabbgoudy) October 19, 2023
Alysha Clark’s interview has me in tears!! Congratulations @LVAces
— Jennifer Lynne Williams (@JT4USAB) October 19, 2023
Alysha Clark got me all messed up with her championship dedication to her dad! #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/cLMY8tjBMH
— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) October 19, 2023
