Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Candace Parker

How Candace Parker built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Candace Parker, nicknamed "Ace", is a retired American professional basketball player considered among the WNBA's greatest. 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. Notably, she won a WNBA championship with each of these three teams, cementing her legacy as a dominant and successful player.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Lady Vols Last National Championship Since 1998

In 1998, the Lady Vols last won a national championship since Parker led them to their first national championship since then on April 3, 2007.

December 27, 2001: First Dunk in Competition

On December 27, 2001, Candace Parker dunked for the first time in competition as a 15-year-old sophomore at Naperville Central High School, believed to be the first slam dunk by a female athlete in Illinois.

2002: Sparks Last WNBA Finals Title

In 2002, the Los Angeles Sparks last won the WNBA Finals title, until Candace Parker led them to win it in 2016.

2002: Sparks last championship

In 2016, the Sparks claimed their first championship since 2002.

November 11, 2003: Commitment to Tennessee

On November 11, 2003, during her senior year, Candace Parker announced her commitment to Tennessee on ESPNEWS, becoming the first women's player to announce the oral commitment live on the network.

2003: High School Class AA State Title

In 2003, Candace Parker led her high school basketball team to a Class AA state title.

2003: Sparks last reached the WNBA Finals

In 2016, the Sparks reached the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003.

March 29, 2004: Slam Dunk Contest Win

On March 29, 2004, Candace Parker won the slam dunk contest at the McDonald's All-American Game, becoming the first woman to win the event.

August 2004: Won gold medal 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.

August 2004: Gold Medal and Knee Surgery

In August 2004, Candace Parker led the USA Junior World Championship team to a gold medal, averaging 16.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. During training, Parker had a relapse of knee pain and underwent surgery on her left knee.

2004: Second High School Class AA State Title

In 2004, Candace Parker led her high school basketball team to a second consecutive Class AA state title.

February 17, 2005: Redshirt Season Announcement

On February 17, 2005, Tennessee announced that Candace Parker would redshirt her first season due to a knee injury suffered in a summer league game.

2005: Start with the Tennessee Lady Vols

Candace Parker started for the Tennessee Lady Vols during the 2005-06 season.

March 19, 2006: First Woman to Dunk in NCAA Tournament Game

On March 19, 2006, in an NCAA tournament first-round game against Army, Candace Parker became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, and subsequently the first to dunk twice in the same game.

2006: FIBA World Championship for Women

In 2006, Candace Parker was the only college player named to the USA squad for the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil, where the USA squad finished in third place.

January 28, 2007: Fastest Lady Vol to Score 1,000 Points

On January 28, 2007, during a game against Alabama, Candace Parker became the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points, achieving the record in 56 games.

2007: NCAA National Championship

In 2007, Candace Parker led the Tennessee team 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 career in basketball.

April 8, 2008: Second Straight NCAA Women's Title

On April 8, 2008, Candace Parker led the Lady Vols to their second straight NCAA women's title, despite a dislocated shoulder, and was named the Most Outstanding Player for the second consecutive NCAA tournament.

April 9, 2008: First Pick in the WNBA Draft

On April 9, 2008, one day after winning the NCAA title, Candace Parker was selected as the first pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.

May 17, 2008: WNBA Debut

On May 17, 2008, in her debut game against the Phoenix Mercury, Candace Parker had 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Her 34 points broke the record for a rookie in a debut game.

May 28, 2008: 5x5 Stat Line

On May 28, 2008, Candace Parker posted a 16 points, 16 rebounds, 6 blocks, 5 assists, and 5 steals game, becoming the only woman in WNBA history to post a 5x5 stat line.

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: Hanns-G 'Go Beyond' Rookie of the Month

In July 2008, Candace Parker was named the Hanns-G 'Go Beyond' Rookie of the Month.

August 2008: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In August 2008, Candace Parker was selected for the US team at the 2008 Summer Olympics. The US team won the gold medal with eight straight victories. Parker averaged 9.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

October 3, 2008: Rookie of the Year and MVP Awards

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.

2008: Started Brand Partnership With Adidas

In 2008, Candace Parker began a long-running brand partnership with Adidas shoe company that included a signature sneaker line.

2008: Second Consecutive NCAA National Championship

In 2008, Candace Parker led the Tennessee team to their second consecutive national championship and was named the Final Four's most outstanding player for the second time.

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 beginning of her professional basketball career.

2008: Won first Olympic gold medal

In 2008, Candace Parker won her first gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics, defeating Australia 92–65.

July 5, 2009: Return From Maternity Leave

On July 5, 2009, Candace Parker played her first game back from maternity leave, after missing the first eight games of the 2009 WNBA season.

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.

2010: Shoulder Injury

In 2010, Candace Parker played only 10 games due to a shoulder injury, sidelining her for the rest of the season and the playoffs.

2010: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg

Starting in 2010, Candace Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during each WNBA off-season.

2010: Part of team selection for 2010 FIBA World Championship

The team selected to play for the 2010 FIBA World Championship is usually chosen from the players in the 2009 USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp.

2011: Torn Meniscus Injury

In 2011, Candace Parker tore her meniscus in her right knee, causing her to miss the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game.

2011: Best field goal percentage since 2011

In the 2020 season, Candace Parker posted a 51% field goal percentage, her best since 2011.

2012: Won another Olympic gold medal

In 2012, Candace Parker played for Team USA at the Summer Olympics and helped them win another gold medal, defeating France 86–50.

2012: Re-signed with Sparks

In 2012, Candace Parker re-signed with the Sparks to a multi-year deal once her rookie contract expired and helped her team make the playoffs as the second seed in the west. The Sparks lost to the Minnesota Lynx in the Western Conference Finals.

2012: Part of team selection for 2012 Olympics

The team selected to play for the 2012 Olympics is usually chosen from the players in the 2009 USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp.

July 27, 2013: First All-Star game and MVP award

On July 27, 2013, Candace Parker played in her first All-Star game, scoring 23 points with 11 rebounds, earning the WNBA All-Star MVP award in a win for the West team.

2013: WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award and WNBA Most Valuable Player Award

In 2013, Candace Parker won the WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award and the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award.

2015: Won championship with UMMC Ekaterinburg

By 2015, Candace Parker and her teammate, Kristi Toliver, had won five consecutive championships with UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during the WNBA off-season.

January 2016: Signed with Guangdong Dolphins

In January 2016, during the 2015-16 WNBA off-season, Candace Parker signed with the Guangdong Dolphins to replace Yelena Leuchanka during the WCBA playoffs.

2016: Not selected for the 2016 Summer Olympics

Despite her performance in previous Olympics, Candace Parker was not selected to play for Team USA in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

2016: WNBA Finals Title and MVP Award

In 2016, Candace Parker led the Sparks to their first WNBA Finals title since 2002 and was awarded the WNBA Finals MVP Award.

2016: Resigned with the Sparks and dedicated the season to Pat Summitt

In 2016, Candace Parker re-signed with the Sparks and dedicated the season to Pat Summitt after her death from Alzheimer's disease. The Sparks reached the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003.

2016: Won first WNBA championship and Finals MVP

In 2016, Candace Parker won her first WNBA championship with the Sparks, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in the finals and was named Finals MVP.

February 2017: Signed with Fenerbahçe

In February 2017, Candace Parker signed a 2-month contract with Fenerbahçe of the Turkish Super League.

February 2017: Signed multi-year contract extension with the Sparks

In February 2017, Candace Parker signed a multi-year contract extension with the Sparks.

July 28, 2017: Recorded a triple-double

On July 28, 2017, Candace Parker recorded a triple-double in a win against the San Antonio Stars, scoring 11 points, tying her career-high of 17 rebounds and achieving a career-high 11 assists.

December 2017: Signed with Xinjiang Magic Deer

In December 2017, Candace Parker signed with the Xinjiang Magic Deer of the Chinese League for the 2017–18 WNBA off-season.

2017: Declined invitation for national team training camp

In 2017, USA Basketball extended an invitation to Parker for the 2017–2020 national team training camp, but she declined.

July 10, 2018: Historic stat line against the Seattle Storm

On July 10, 2018, Candace Parker achieved a historic 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 achieve such a stat line.

July 15, 2018: Season-high 34 points against the Las Vegas Aces

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: Fifth All-Star nomination

On July 19, 2018, Candace Parker was voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game, marking her fifth all-star nomination.

2018: Analyst and Commentator for Turner Sports

In 2018, Candace Parker began serving as an analyst and commentator for Turner Sports during the 2018–19 NBA season, primarily working Tuesday night NBA games under the Players Only brand.

June 18, 2019: Season debut after injury

On June 18, 2019, Candace Parker made her season debut after recovering from a hamstring injury, scoring 3 points in a loss to the Washington Mystics.

August 4, 2019: Season-high 21 points against the Seattle Storm

On August 4, 2019, Candace Parker scored a season-high 21 points in a victory over the Seattle Storm.

September 3, 2019: Tied season-high 21 points against the Atlanta Dream

On September 3, 2019, Candace Parker tied her season-high of 21 points in a victory over the Atlanta Dream.

2019: Signed Multi-Year Extension with Turner

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.

2020: Declined invitation for national team training camp

In 2017, USA Basketball extended an invitation to Parker for the 2017–2020 national team training camp, but she declined in light of her exclusion from the team for the Rio games.

2020: Named Defensive Player of the Year

In the 2020 season, Candace Parker was named Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in her career, despite being controversially left off the All-Defensive Teams.

2021: Won the 2021 WNBA Finals with the Chicago Sky

During the 2021 season, Parker was named to The W25 and won the 2021 WNBA Finals with the Chicago Sky.

2021: Signed with the 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, citing the opportunity to play closer to home.

2021: WNBA Title with the Sky

In 2021, Candace Parker helped the Chicago Sky win their first WNBA title.

February 2023: Signed with the Las Vegas Aces

In February 2023, Candace Parker signed with the Las Vegas Aces.

July 7, 2023: Final WNBA game

Due to a foot fracture, Candace Parker's final WNBA game was played on July 7, 2023. She recorded 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in her final game.

2023: First Woman Color Commentator for NBA All-Star Game

In 2023, Candace Parker became the first woman color commentator for an NBA All-Star Game.

February 7, 2024: Re-signed with the Aces

On February 7, 2024, Candace Parker re-signed with the Aces on a one-year contract but did not play any games that season.

April 28, 2024: Announced retirement from professional basketball

On April 28, 2024, Candace Parker announced her retirement from professional basketball via her Instagram account.

May 8, 2024: Named 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.

2024: President of Adidas Women's Basketball

Following her retirement in the spring of 2024, Candace Parker was named president of Adidas women's basketball.

October 2025: Named One of the 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: Joined Prime Video

In 2025, Candace Parker will join Prime Video as a game and studio analyst during the 2025-26 season, also leading the streaming service's WNBA coverage.