Candace Parker facts for kids
Parker in 2017
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| No. 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Power forward | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | April 19, 1986 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
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| High school | Naperville Central (Naperville, Illinois) |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 184 lb (83 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| College | Tennessee (2004–2008) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| NBA Draft | 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected by the Los Angeles Sparks | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro career | 2008–2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2008–2020 | Los Angeles Sparks | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2010–2015 | UMMC Ekaterinburg | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | Guangdong Dolphins | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | Fenerbahçe | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017–2018 | Xinjiang Tianshan Deers | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021–2022 | Chicago Sky | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | Las Vegas Aces | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medals
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Candace Nicole Parker (born April 19, 1986), also known as "Ace", is a famous American former professional basketball player. Many people consider her one of the greatest WNBA players ever. She was the very first player chosen in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Candace played for the Sparks for 13 seasons. She also played two seasons with the Chicago Sky and one season with the Las Vegas Aces. She won a championship with each of these teams!
Parker was a very flexible player. She could play as a forward or a center. In high school, she won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award twice. This was a huge achievement!
When she played college basketball for Tennessee, she led her team to win two national championships in a row (2007 and 2008). She was also named the best player of the Final Four in both those years. She was the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game. She was also the first woman to dunk twice in a college game.
After being drafted into the WNBA, Candace signed big deals with companies like Adidas and Gatorade. In 2016, she led the Sparks to win their first WNBA Finals title since 2002. She also won the WNBA Finals MVP Award. In 2021, she helped the Sky win their first championship.
Parker won two WNBA Most Valuable Player Awards (2008, 2013). She also won a WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award (2013). She earned two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) and the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award (2008). She was the first player to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Candace Parker was also the second player to dunk in a WNBA game, which happened on June 22, 2008.
Since 2018, Parker has worked as a sports analyst and commentator for TNT Sports. She talks about NBA games on TNT and NBA TV. She also covers the NCAA men's basketball tournament. After she retired from playing in 2024, Parker became the president of Adidas women's basketball.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Candace Parker was born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri. She has two older brothers. One of them, Anthony Parker, also played professional basketball in the NBA.
When Candace was two years old, her family moved to Naperville, Illinois. She grew up there. Her family loved basketball, and she started playing at a young age. Her father, Larry, played basketball in college. The Parker family were big fans of the Chicago Bulls.
At first, Candace was worried about playing basketball. She feared she wouldn't be as good as her father and brother. So, she focused on playing soccer instead. It wasn't until she was in eighth grade that her family convinced her to play competitive basketball. Her father helped coach her and gave her tips. Candace said her dad would challenge her to make her better.
High School Basketball Success
Candace Parker went to Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois. She led her high school basketball team to win state championships in 2003 and 2004. She scored a school record of 2,768 points and grabbed 1,592 rebounds during her high school career.
She was the only player to win the USA Today High School Player of the Year award twice (in 2003 and 2004). Parker also won the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award in both 2003 and 2004. In 2004, she was named Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year. She also became a McDonald's All-American.
On December 27, 2001, when she was 15, Parker dunked for the first time in a game. This was a very rare event for a female player at that time. On March 29, 2004, Parker won the slam dunk contest at the McDonald's All-American Game. She was the first woman to win this event, beating male players like Josh Smith and J. R. Smith.
In November 2003, during her senior year, Parker announced she would go to the University of Tennessee. She made this announcement live on ESPNEWS, which was a first for a women's basketball player. She chose to wear the number 3 on her jersey to honor former NBA player Allen Iverson. He had encouraged her during her high school years.
College Basketball Journey
Parker started at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2004. However, she had to sit out her first season because of a knee injury.
She began playing for the Tennessee Lady Vols in the 2005–06 season. She played as a forward, center, and guard. On March 19, 2006, in an NCAA tournament game, she made history. She became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game. Then, she became the first woman to dunk twice in the same NCAA tournament game.
Parker was named the SEC Rookie of the Year. She helped the Lady Vols win the 2006 SEC tournament championship. She even hit the game-winning shot with only 17 seconds left in the championship game! She was named the tournament's MVP.
In her second year (2006–07), Parker quickly reached 1,000 career points. She did it faster than any other player in Lady Vols history. On April 3, 2007, she led the Lady Vols to their first national championship since 1998. They beat Rutgers 59–46. Parker scored 17 points and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
On April 8, 2008, Parker led the Lady Vols to their second straight NCAA women's title. This was the eighth championship for Tennessee and the last for their legendary coach, Pat Summitt. Parker was named the Most Outstanding Player for the second NCAA tournament in a row. Only a few other female players have achieved this.
She graduated from Tennessee in May 2008. She studied sports management and had excellent grades. She was named the University Division I Academic All-American of the Year in women's basketball for 2008. During her time at Tennessee, her team won 100 games and lost only 10. She averaged 19.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
WNBA Career Highlights
Los Angeles Sparks: Rookie Year and MVP (2008)
The Los Angeles Sparks chose Candace Parker as the first pick in the 2008 WNBA draft on April 9, 2008. This was just one day after she won her second NCAA title. She joined Olympic teammates Lisa Leslie and DeLisha Milton-Jones on the Sparks.
In her very first game on May 17, 2008, she scored 34 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and had 8 assists. Her 34 points set a new record for a rookie in a debut game. On May 28, 2008, Parker made history again. She had 16 points, 16 rebounds, 6 blocks, 5 assists, and 5 steals. This made her the only woman in WNBA history to achieve such a rare "5x5" stat line.
On June 22, 2008, she became the second woman in WNBA history to dunk during a game. Her teammate Lisa Leslie was the first. Just two days later, on June 24, 2008, Parker became the first player to dunk twice in her WNBA career.
In August 2008, Parker was chosen to play for the US team at the 2008 Summer Olympics. The US team won all eight of their games and took home the gold medal. Parker averaged 9.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
On October 3, 2008, Parker became the first WNBA player to win both the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player awards in the same season. This was an amazing achievement!
Overcoming Challenges (2009–2011)
Parker missed the first eight games of the 2009 WNBA season because she gave birth to her daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams. Even though she missed time, she was still named to the All-WNBA second team. She led the league in rebounding that season. The Sparks made it to the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Phoenix Mercury.
In 2010, Parker played only 10 games due to a shoulder injury. She also missed the playoffs. In 2011, she played six games before tearing a meniscus in her right knee. This injury caused her to miss the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game. She returned later in the season, but the Sparks did not make the playoffs.
Second MVP and Playoff Battles (2012–2014)
In 2012, Parker signed a new contract with the Sparks. She played the full season and helped her team achieve a great record. They made the playoffs as the second seed in the Western Conference. They won their first-round series. However, they lost to the Minnesota Lynx in the Western Conference Finals.
On July 27, 2013, Parker played in her first All-Star game. She scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, earning the WNBA All-Star MVP award. On September 19, Parker was named the 2013 WNBA Most Valuable Player. She became one of only a few players to win multiple WNBA MVP awards. The Sparks faced the Phoenix Mercury in the playoffs. Parker played incredibly well, but the Sparks lost a very close game three, ending their season.
In 2014, the Sparks got new owners, including Magic Johnson. Parker continued to lead the team. They made the playoffs again, but were defeated by the Phoenix Mercury, who went on to win the championship.
First WNBA Championship (2016)
In 2016, Parker re-signed with the Sparks. She averaged 15.3 points per game. Sadly, in late June, Parker's college coach and mentor, Pat Summitt, passed away. That night, Parker had an amazing game, scoring 31 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. She dedicated the season to Coach Summitt.
With a strong team, the Sparks were top contenders. They finished with a great record and made it to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003. They faced the defending champions, the Minnesota Lynx. This Finals series was one of the most exciting in WNBA history.
In Game 3, Parker scored 24 points and helped the Sparks take a 2–1 lead. The series went to a decisive Game 5. The Sparks won the championship on the road with a last-second shot by Parker's teammate, Nneka Ogwumike. After the game, an emotional Parker said, "this is for Pat," honoring her late coach. Parker won her first championship and was named Finals MVP. She scored 28 points and had 12 rebounds in Game 5. In 2016, Parker was also named to the WNBA Top 20@20, a list of the league's best 20 players ever.
Later Years with Sparks (2017–2020)
Parker continued to play for the Sparks. In 2017, she was voted into her fourth All-Star game. On July 28, 2017, Parker achieved a rare triple-double with 11 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Sparks had another great season and made it to the WNBA Finals again, facing the Minnesota Lynx in a rematch. The Sparks won Game 3, but ultimately lost the series in five games.
In 2018, Parker had another historic game with 21 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. She was the first WNBA player to get such a stat line. She was voted into her fifth All-Star game. The Sparks made the playoffs but were eliminated in the second round.
In 2019, Parker dealt with a hamstring injury early in the season. She returned and helped the Sparks make the playoffs. They won their second-round game but were swept by the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals.
In the 2020 season, which was shorter due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parker played all 22 games. She led the league in rebounding and had 10 double-double performances. She was named Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in her career.
Chicago Sky: Second Championship (2021)
In 2021, Parker decided to leave the Sparks after 13 seasons. She signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Sky. This move allowed her to play closer to her hometown. She said, "Chicago is where my family raised me... I'm home."
During the season, Parker was named to The W25, a list of the 25 best and most influential players in the league's 25-year history. The Sky made the playoffs as the #6 seed. They won two single-elimination games and then upset the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals. They went on to beat the Phoenix Mercury to win the 2021 WNBA Finals. This was Parker's second WNBA championship!
Las Vegas Aces: Third Championship and Retirement (2023)
In February 2023, Parker signed with the Las Vegas Aces. She had foot surgery in July but still captured her third championship when the Aces won the 2023 WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty. The Aces won the series 3–1.
On April 28, 2024, Candace Parker announced her retirement from professional basketball. On May 8, 2024, Adidas announced that Parker would become the brand's president of women's basketball. She had a long partnership with Adidas since 2008.
Playing for Team USA
Parker was part of the USA Women's U18 team that won a gold medal in Puerto Rico in 2004. She was the top scorer for the team.
Parker played for Team USA in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. She won her first gold medal as the USA team beat Australia. She also played for Team USA at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. She led the team in rebounds and blocks, helping them win another gold medal.
Playing Overseas
During the WNBA off-seasons from 2010 to 2015, Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian League. She won five championships in a row with that team. She also played for teams in China and Turkey during other off-seasons.
Broadcasting Career
In 2018, Parker started working as an analyst and commentator for Turner Sports. She covered NBA games on TNT and NBA TV. She also worked as a studio analyst for the NCAA men's basketball tournament. In 2023, she became the first woman to be a color commentator for an NBA All-Star Game.
Parker will join Prime Video as a game and studio analyst for the 2025-26 NBA season. She will also lead their WNBA coverage.
Personal Life
In 2007, People named Candace Parker to its list of the 100 World's Most Beautiful People.
On November 13, 2008, Parker married Shelden Williams, who also played basketball. They had a daughter named Lailaa Nicole Williams in 2009.
In October 2020, Parker and her daughter became part of the ownership group for Angel City FC. This is a women's soccer team in Los Angeles.
On December 14, 2021, Parker announced that she had married Anna Petrakova in 2019. They welcomed a son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, on February 11, 2022. On December 14, 2023, Parker announced they were expecting another child. Anna Petrakova gave birth to their second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, on May 21, 2024.
Candace Parker has a dog named Prada. She also appeared in an ad for PETA with her previous dog, Fendi.
Awards and Achievements
Candace Parker has won many awards throughout her amazing career:
WNBA Awards
- 3× WNBA Champion: 2016, 2021, 2023
- WNBA Finals MVP: 2016
- 2× WNBA Most Valuable Player: 2008, 2013
- WNBA All-Star Game MVP: 2013
- WNBA Rookie of the Year: 2008
- WNBA Defensive Player of the Year: 2020
- 7× All-WNBA First Team
- 3× WNBA rebounding leader: 2008, 2009, 2020
- WNBA 20th Anniversary Team (Top 20 players): 2016
- WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (Top 25 players): 2021
College Awards
- 2× NCAA Champion: 2007, 2008
- 2× NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player: 2007, 2008
- Naismith College Player of the Year: 2008
- 2× USBWA Women's National Player of the Year: 2007, 2008
- 2× Associated Press Women's College Basketball Player of the Year: 2007, 2008
- John R. Wooden Award: 2007, 2008
- SEC Player of the Year: 2007
- SEC Freshman of the Year: 2006
High School Awards
- 2× Gatorade National Female Basketball Player of the Year: 2003, 2004
- 2× Naismith Prep Player of the Year: 2003, 2004
- 2× USA Today High School Player of the Year: 2003, 2004
- Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year: 2004
- McDonald's All-American: 2004
USA Basketball Awards
- 2× Olympic Gold Medal: 2008 Beijing, 2012 London
- FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship Gold Medal: 2004
Overseas Awards (UMMC Ekaterinburg)
- 5× Russian National League Champion: 2010–2014
- EuroLeague Women Champion: 2013
See also
In Spanish: Candace Parker para niños
