Alysha Clark, the veteran forward for the Dallas Wings and a three-time WNBA champion, has ventured into a new realm as a first-time author with her just-released children’s book, *Paw Paw’s Playlist*. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she shared the personal journey that inspired this heartfelt project, underscoring her deep connection with her late father, Duane Clark, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022.
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The book explores the themes of grief and remembrance through the eyes of a young boy as he strives to honour the memory of his grandfather. Such themes resonate powerfully with Clark, who has experienced the profound void left by her father’s absence. “It was hard after losing him, just in terms of, like, what does this mean now without him?” Clark reflected. “That was such a huge void to fill.”
Duane Clark, who enjoyed a successful career as a musician, was a passionate supporter of his daughter throughout her basketball career. His enthusiasm often took centre stage during her games, even in the most challenging circumstances. “He would be booing the opposing team, and I would just be sitting there like, ‘No way,’” Clark recounted with amusement. In a league where some venues might not be filled with fans, she vividly remembers her father’s distinct voice rising above the crowd. “It’s an away game, we’re playing, they’re at the free-throw line, and all you hear is my dad booing,” she laughed, “But he didn’t care. He was ride or die for me and whatever team I was on.”
Alysha Clark’s journey to professional basketball has been anything but linear. Selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Silver Stars, she faced the disappointment of not making the roster. Despite this setback, she persevered and ultimately secured her place in the league two years later with the Seattle Storm. Over nine successful seasons in Seattle, she solidified her reputation as a key player before transferring to the Washington Mystics in 2022, and then to the Las Vegas Aces, where she celebrated a championship victory in 2023. This season, she has joined the Dallas Wings, taking on a mentoring role among a roster filled with young talent.
Among her younger teammates are Paige Bueckers, last season’s Rookie of the Year, and Azzi Fudd, who was the first pick in the upcoming 2026 draft. Clark has embraced this new phase of her career, balancing on-court leadership with her light-hearted banter with Bueckers, often teasing her about her culinary skills. “There’s a lot of give and take,” Clark said, highlighting the mutual benefits of learning from one another. “The game is changing, and so we learn a lot from each other.”
Reflecting on her time in the league, which now spans 13 seasons, Clark acknowledges the lasting influence of her father on her development as both an athlete and an individual. “It’s been a really special journey to be able to go through, and I’m just happy that he got to experience the high of the highs with me,” she said, speaking of the joy her father took in her accomplishments.
The release of *Paw Paw’s Playlist* marks an emotional chapter for Clark, as it encapsulates not only her grief but also the love and admiration she has for her father. The book seeks to provide comfort and understanding for children grappling with the concept of loss, conveying that remembrance can be a powerful way to heal.
As she continues her illustrious career in the WNBA, Clark is not just a role model on the court but also an advocate for emotional resilience through her writing. Her experience in tandem with her father’s legacy ensures that *Paw Paw’s Playlist* is a guide through grief, and a celebration of the memories that live on in the hearts of those left behind. In this way, Alysha Clark is living testament to the idea that the impact of a loved one never truly fades but instead transforms into something enduring and beautiful.