History of Candace Parker in Timeline
Candace Parker, known as "Ace", is a retired American professional basketball player celebrated as one of the WNBA's all-time greats. Drafted first overall in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks, she played 13 seasons with them before joining the Chicago Sky and later the Las Vegas Aces. Parker uniquely won a WNBA championship with all three teams, solidifying her legacy as a winner. Her impact extended beyond the court, as she is credited with significantly boosting the popularity of women's basketball. She will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026.
5 hours ago : Rookie Pauline Astier Impresses, Joins Candace Parker Territory in WNBA
Pauline Astier, a WNBA rookie, is impressing the Liberty with her maturity and skills, drawing comparisons to Candace Parker and Paige Bueckers. She is showing elite passing skills.
April 19, 1986: Candace Parker's Birth
On April 19, 1986, Candace Nicole Parker, nicknamed "Ace", was born. She is an American former professional basketball player.
1997: Cynthia Cooper's Rookie Debut
In 1997, Cynthia Cooper held the rookie debut record before Candace Parker's debut on May 17, 2008.
1998: Lady Vols Last National Championship
In 1998, was the last time the Lady Vols won a national championship before Candace Parker led them to another in 2007.
December 27, 2001: First Dunk in Competition
On December 27, 2001, Candace Parker dunked for the first time in a competition as a 15-year-old at Naperville Central High School, believed to be the first by a female athlete in Illinois.
2002: Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award
In 2002, Candace Parker won the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award.
2002: Sparks Claim Championship
In 2016, Candace Parker led the Sparks to their first championship since 2002.
November 11, 2003: Commitment to Tennessee
On November 11, 2003, Candace Parker announced her commitment to Tennessee on ESPNEWS, becoming the first women's player to announce her oral commitment live on the network.
2003: Class AA State Title
In 2003, Candace Parker led her high school basketball team to a Class AA state title.
2003: Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award
In 2003, Candace Parker won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award for the first time.
2003: USA Today High School Player of the Year Award
In 2003, Candace Parker won the USA Today High School Player of the Year award for the second time.
2003: Sparks Advance to WNBA Finals
In 2016, Candace Parker and the Sparks advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003.
March 29, 2004: Slam Dunk Contest Winner at McDonald's All-American Game
On March 29, 2004, Candace Parker won the slam dunk contest at the McDonald's All-American Game, making her the first woman to win the event.
August 2004: Parker Wins Gold at FIBA Americas Championship
In August 2004, Candace Parker and the USA Women's U18 team won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, defeating Puerto Rico in the final. Parker was the leading scorer for the team, averaging 16.6 points per game.
August 2004: Gold Medal and Knee Surgery
In August 2004, Candace Parker led the USA Junior World Championship team to a gold medal, but then had a relapse of knee pain requiring surgery on her left knee.
2004: Second Class AA State Title
In 2004, Candace Parker again led her high school basketball team to a Class AA state title.
2004: Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year Award
In 2004, Candace Parker was named Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year, WBCA All-American, and McDonald's All-American.
2004: Second Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award
In 2004, Candace Parker won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, becoming the first woman to achieve this.
2004: Entered University of Tennessee
In the fall of 2004, Candace Parker entered the University of Tennessee.
February 17, 2005: Redshirt Announcement
On February 17, 2005, the University of Tennessee announced that Candace Parker would redshirt her first season due to a knee injury.
2005: Tennessee Lady Vols season
In 2005, Candace Parker started for the Tennessee Lady Vols and was listed as a forward, center, and guard.
March 19, 2006: First Woman to Dunk in NCAA Tournament Game
On March 19, 2006, Candace Parker became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, and then the first to dunk twice in the same game, playing against Army.
2006: FIBA World Championship
In 2006, Candace Parker was the only college player named to the USA squad for the FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil, where the team finished third.
January 28, 2007: Fastest Lady Vol to 1,000 Career Points
On January 28, 2007, Candace Parker became the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points, achieving it in 56 games.
April 3, 2007: National Championship and Most Outstanding Player
On April 3, 2007, Candace Parker led the Lady Vols to their first national championship since 1998, beating Rutgers, and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
May 7, 2007: Named to People's 100 World's Most Beautiful list
On May 7, 2007, Candace Parker was named to People magazine's 100 World's Most Beautiful list.
2007: National Championship with Tennessee Lady Vols
In 2007, Candace Parker led the Tennessee Lady Vols to a national championship and was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.
February 21, 2008: Announcement to Forgo Final Season
On February 21, 2008, Candace Parker announced that she would forgo her final season of eligibility at Tennessee to focus on the 2008 Olympics and pursue a professional basketball career.
April 8, 2008: Second Straight NCAA Title
On April 8, 2008, Candace Parker led the Lady Vols to their second straight NCAA women's title and was named the Most Outstanding Player for the second consecutive NCAA tournament.
April 9, 2008: Drafted by Los Angeles Sparks
On April 9, 2008, Candace Parker was selected as the first pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, one day after winning the NCAA title.
May 2008: Graduation
In May 2008, Candace Parker graduated with her incoming class.
May 17, 2008: WNBA Debut
On May 17, 2008, Candace Parker made her WNBA debut against the Phoenix Mercury, scoring 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, breaking the record for a rookie in a debut game.
May 28, 2008: 5x5 Stat Line
On May 28, 2008, Candace Parker achieved a 5x5 stat line, becoming the only woman in WNBA history to do so.
June 22, 2008: Second WNBA Dunk
On June 22, 2008, Candace Parker became the second player to dunk in a WNBA game.
June 24, 2008: First Player to Dunk Twice in WNBA Career
On June 24, 2008, Candace Parker became the first player to dunk twice in their WNBA career during a regulation game against the Seattle Storm.
July 9, 2008: Career-High Points
On July 9, 2008, Candace Parker scored a career-high 40 points, along with 16 rebounds and 6 assists, in an 82–74 overtime win against the Houston Comets.
July 2008: Rookie of the Month
In July 2008, Candace Parker was named the Hanns-G 'Go Beyond' Rookie of the Month.
July 21, 2008: Sparks-Shock Brawl Suspension
On July 21, 2008, Candace Parker was one of 11 people suspended in the Sparks-Shock brawl.
August 2008: Summer Olympics Gold Medal
In August 2008, Candace Parker was selected to join the US team at the 2008 Summer Olympics, where they won the gold medal.
October 3, 2008: Rookie of the Year and MVP
On October 3, 2008, Candace Parker became the first WNBA player to win both the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player awards in the same season.
November 13, 2008: Married Shelden Williams
On November 13, 2008, Candace Parker married Shelden Williams, who played college basketball at Duke University and also played in the NBA.
2008: Second National Championship with Tennessee Lady Vols
In 2008, Candace Parker led the Tennessee Lady Vols to their second consecutive national championship and was again named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.
2008: Parker Partners with Adidas
In 2008, Candace Parker partnered with Adidas to include a signature sneaker line.
2008: Parker Wins First Olympic Gold Medal
In 2008, Candace Parker played for Team USA and won her first gold medal as the USA beat Australia 92–65.
2008: Drafted into the WNBA
In 2008, Candace Parker was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, marking the start of her professional career.
July 5, 2009: Return from Maternity Leave
On July 5, 2009, Candace Parker returned to play after maternity leave, marking her first game back.
2009: Birth of daughter Lailaa Nicole Williams
In 2009, Candace Parker and Shelden Williams had a daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams.
2009: Invited to USA Basketball Women's National Team Training Camp
In the fall of 2009, Candace Parker was invited to the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp, a key step toward selection for the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Olympics.
2010: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg
From 2010 to 2015, Candace Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during each WNBA off-season.
2010: Selection Consideration for 2010 FIBA World Championship
In 2009, Candace Parker was invited to the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp, a key step toward selection for the 2010 FIBA World Championship .
2010: Shoulder Injury
In 2010, Candace Parker played only 10 games before being sidelined for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.
2011: Torn Meniscus
In 2011, Candace Parker suffered a torn meniscus in her right knee, causing her to miss the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game.
2011: Parker's Best Field Goal Percentage Since 2011
In the 2020 season, Candace Parker posted a 51% field goal percentage, her best since 2011.
2012: Selection Consideration for 2012 Olympics
In 2009, Candace Parker was invited to the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp, a key step toward selection for the 2012 Olympics.
2012: Parker Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 2012, Candace Parker played for Team USA at the Summer Olympics. She led the team in rebounds and blocks, helping them win another gold medal by defeating France 86–50.
2012: Sparks' Season Ends in Western Conference Finals
In 2012, Candace Parker re-signed with the Sparks, contributing to a 24–10 record and a playoff berth. The Sparks defeated the San Antonio Stars in the first round but lost to the Minnesota Lynx in the Western Conference Finals. Parker's performance in Game 2, with 33 points and 15 rebounds, wasn't enough to prevent an 80–79 defeat, ending their season. Parker was emotional after the loss.
July 27, 2013: WNBA All-Star MVP
On July 27, 2013, Candace Parker played in her first All-Star game, scoring 23 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead the West to a win and earning the title of WNBA All-Star MVP.
2013: Purchased home in Encino, Los Angeles
In 2013, Candace Parker and Shelden Williams purchased a 7,000-square-foot home in Encino, Los Angeles, for $3.56 million.
2013: WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award
In 2013, Candace Parker received the WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award and also won one of her two WNBA Most Valuable Player Awards.
January 2014: Williams Group Holdings Relinquishes Ownership of the Sparks
In January 2014, Williams Group Holdings abruptly announced they would relinquish their ownership of the Sparks, putting the team's future in Los Angeles in jeopardy.
2015: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg
From 2010 to 2015, Candace Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during each WNBA off-season, winning five consecutive championships with the team.
January 2016: Signed with Guangdong Dolphins
In January 2016, Candace Parker signed with the Guangdong Dolphins to replace Yelena Leuchanka during the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) playoffs.
November 2016: Split from Shelden Williams
In November 2016, Candace Parker and Shelden Williams split up after eight years of marriage, when Williams filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences".
2016: WNBA Finals Title and MVP
In 2016, Candace Parker led the Los Angeles Sparks to win their first WNBA Finals title since 2002 and was awarded the WNBA Finals MVP Award.
2016: Parker Wins First WNBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2016, Candace Parker led the Sparks to their first championship since 2002, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling five-game series. Parker won Finals MVP, scoring a game-high 28 points in the decisive Game 5 and dedicated the win to Pat Summitt. She was also named in the WNBA Top 20@20.
2016: Parker Re-Signs with Sparks and Dedicates Season to Pat Summitt
In 2016, Candace Parker re-signed with the Sparks. After the death of her college coach, Pat Summitt, Parker dedicated the season to her. She had a notable performance against the Dallas Wings with 31 points and 13 rebounds, leading her team to victory. The Sparks finished the season 26-8 and advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003.
2016: Not selected for Team USA in 2016 Summer Olympics
In 2016, despite her previous Olympic performance and participation in national team training, Candace Parker was not selected to play for Team USA in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
February 2017: Signed with Fenerbahçe
In February 2017, Candace Parker signed a 2-month contract with Fenerbahçe of the Turkish Super League.
February 2017: Parker Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension with the Sparks
In February 2017, Candace Parker signed a multi-year contract extension with the Sparks, continuing her career with the team.
July 28, 2017: Parker Records Triple-Double
On July 28, 2017, Candace Parker recorded a triple-double in a win against the San Antonio Stars, with 11 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 assists.
December 2017: Signed with Xinjiang Magic Deer
In December 2017, Candace Parker signed with the Xinjiang Magic Deer of the WCBA for the 2017–18 WNBA off-season.
2017: Declined invitation to national team training camp
In 2017, USA Basketball invited Candace Parker to the 2017–2020 national team training camp, but she declined, due to her exclusion from the Rio games.
July 10, 2018: Parker Makes History with Unique Stat Line
On July 10, 2018, Candace Parker achieved a stat line of 21 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks in an overtime victory against the Seattle Storm, becoming the first player in WNBA history to reach this combination.
July 15, 2018: Parker Scores Season-High 34 Points
On July 15, 2018, Candace Parker scored a season-high 34 points, along with 11 rebounds and 9 assists, in a victory over the Las Vegas Aces.
July 19, 2018: Parker Voted into WNBA All-Star Game
On July 19, 2018, Candace Parker was voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game, marking her fifth all-star nomination.
2018: Began working for Turner Sports
In 2018, Candace Parker started working as an analyst and commentator for Turner Sports during the 2018–19 NBA season, primarily on Tuesday night NBA games under the Players Only brand. She also served as an analyst for the 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
2018: Analyst and Commentator for TNT Sports
Since 2018, Candace Parker has worked as an analyst and commentator for TNT Sports, covering NBA games on TNT and NBA TV, and the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
May 2019: Parker Suffers Hamstring Injury
In May 2019, Candace Parker suffered a hamstring injury during the Sparks' first preseason game and was ruled out for 3–5 weeks.
June 18, 2019: Parker Makes Season Debut
On June 18, 2019, Candace Parker made her season debut, scoring 3 points in a loss to the Washington Mystics.
August 4, 2019: Parker Scores Season-High 21 Points
On August 4, 2019, Candace Parker scored a season-high 21 points in a victory over the Seattle Storm.
2019: Married Anna Petrakova
In 2019, Candace Parker married former basketball player Anna Petrakova.
2019: Signed multi-year extension with Turner Sports
In 2019, Candace Parker signed a multi-year extension with Turner to continue as an analyst and commentator for the NBA on TNT's rebranded Tuesday coverage and NCAA Tournament coverage on TNT and CBS Sports, while also joining NBA TV.
October 2020: Became part of the ownership group of Angel City FC
In October 2020, Candace Parker and her daughter became part of the ownership group of Angel City FC, a Los Angeles–based team in the National Women's Soccer League.
2020: Declined invitation to national team training camp
In 2020, USA Basketball invited Candace Parker to the 2017–2020 national team training camp, but she declined, due to her exclusion from the Rio games.
2020: Parker Named Defensive Player of the Year
In the 2020 season, Candace Parker led the league in rebounding and double-doubles, and was named Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in her career.
December 14, 2021: Announced marriage to Anna Petrakova and pregnancy
On December 14, 2021, Candace Parker announced that she had married former basketball player Anna Petrakova in 2019 and that they were expecting a baby.
2021: Parker Named to The W25 and Wins WNBA Finals with Sky
During the 2021 season, Candace Parker was named to The W25 and won the WNBA Finals with the Chicago Sky.
2021: Parker Signs with Chicago Sky
In 2021, Candace Parker became an unrestricted free agent and signed a 2-year deal with the Chicago Sky after 13 seasons with the Sparks, seeking a new opportunity closer to home.
February 11, 2022: Birth of son Airr Larry Petrakov Parker
On February 11, 2022, Anna Petrakova gave birth to a son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, with Candace Parker.
2022: Angel City FC began competing
In 2022, Angel City FC, a Los Angeles–based team in the National Women's Soccer League in which Candace Parker is part of the ownership group, began competing.
February 2023: Parker Signs with Las Vegas Aces
In February 2023, Candace Parker signed with the Las Vegas Aces, joining a new team in her career.
July 7, 2023: Parker's Final WNBA Game
Due to a foot fracture, Candace Parker's final WNBA game was played on July 7, 2023, when the Aces lost to the Dallas Wings 78 - 80. In her final game, Parker recorded 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block.
December 14, 2023: Announced second pregnancy with Anna Petrakova
On December 14, 2023, Candace Parker announced that she and Anna Petrakova were expecting another child.
2023: First woman color commentator for NBA All-Star Game
In 2023, Candace Parker became the first woman to serve as a color commentator for an NBA All-Star Game.
2023: Third WNBA Title with Las Vegas Aces
In 2023, Candace Parker won her third WNBA title with the Las Vegas Aces.
February 7, 2024: Parker Re-Signs with the Aces
On February 7, 2024, Candace Parker re-signed with the Aces on a one-year contract but ended up not playing any games that season.
April 28, 2024: Parker Announces Retirement
On April 28, 2024, Candace Parker announced her retirement from professional basketball via her Instagram account.
May 8, 2024: Parker Becomes President of Women's Basketball at Adidas
On May 8, 2024, Adidas declared that Candace Parker would become the brand's president of women's basketball. This follows a long-running partnership with the shoe company dating back to 2008 that included a signature sneaker line.
May 21, 2024: Birth of son Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker
On May 21, 2024, Anna Petrakova gave birth to a second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, with Candace Parker.
2024: President of Adidas Women's Basketball
In 2024, following her retirement, Candace Parker was appointed as the president of Adidas women's basketball.
October 2025: Associated Press' Greatest Collegiate Players
In October 2025, the Associated Press selected Candace Parker as one of the greatest collegiate players in the women’s poll era.
2025: Rookie Debut Record Stands
As of 2025, Candace Parker's rookie debut record of 34 points, set in her debut game on May 17, 2008, still stands.
2025: To Join Prime Video
In 2025, Candace Parker will join Prime Video as a game and studio analyst during the 2025-26 season, while also leading the streaming service's WNBA coverage.
2026: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 2026, Candace Parker is scheduled to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing her outstanding career and contributions to the sport.
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