Candace Parker is a legendary figure in women's basketball, known for her remarkable career in the WNBA and her impact on the sport both on and off the court.
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Biography and Early Life
Candace Parker was born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in a sports-oriented family, with her older brother Anthony Parker also becoming a professional basketball player. Candace showed early promise in basketball, leading her high school team to its first state championship in 2004 and being named a McDonald's All-American.
College Career
Parker attended the University of Tennessee, where she played college basketball under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. She led the Lady Vols to their first NCAA championship in 2006 and was named the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. In 2007, she repeated as NCAA champion and again earned the Most Outstanding Player award.
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WNBA Career
In 2008, Parker was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. She quickly made an impact, winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and leading the Sparks to their first WNBA championship in 2016. Parker was named the WNBA Finals MVP for her outstanding performance.Throughout her 16-season WNBA career, Parker was a seven-time WNBA All-Star, two-time WNBA MVP, and a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. She also won two Olympic gold medals with the USA Women's Basketball Team in 2008 and 2012.
Retirement and Post-WNBA Career
Parker announced her retirement from the WNBA on April 28, 2024, after playing for the Las Vegas Aces. She finished her career as one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, with three WNBA championships, two WNBA MVP awards, and numerous other accolades.
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After retiring from playing, Parker transitioned into a new role as the President of adidas Women's Basketball. In this capacity, she aims to influence and elevate the future of women's sports, focusing on access, increased representation, and breaking down barriers on a global scale.
Personal Life
Candace Parker is married to Anna Petrakova, a former professional basketball player from Russia. They met while playing together at UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia and got married in 2019. They have three children together.
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Current Activities
Parker remains active in various basketball-related activities. She is an NBA and college basketball analyst with Turner Sports and continues to be involved in various charitable and advocacy efforts, including raising awareness for Alzheimer's research through the Pat Summitt Foundation.
Conclusion
Candace Parker's legacy in women's basketball is undeniable. Her achievements on the court, coupled with her off-court contributions, have solidified her as one of the most influential and memorable figures in the sport. As she continues to shape the future of women's basketball through her new role at adidas, her impact is sure to be felt for generations to come.
