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 recognized as one of the WNBA's all-time greats. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, she played 13 seasons with the Sparks, followed by two seasons with the Chicago Sky and one season with the Las Vegas Aces. Notably, she secured a WNBA championship with each of these three teams, underscoring her impact and success.

Sections (4)

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

December 27, 2001: First Dunk in Competition

On December 27, 2001, Parker dunked for the first time in competition as a 15-year-old sophomore at Naperville Central High School.

2002: Sparks' First Championship Since 2002

In 2016, Candace Parker led the Sparks to their first championship since 2002, marking a significant milestone for the team.

November 11, 2003: Commitment to Tennessee

On November 11, 2003, Parker announced her commitment to Tennessee on ESPNEWS.

2003: Sparks advanced to the WNBA Finals

In 2016, the Sparks advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003, facing the Chicago Sky in the semi-finals after finishing the season with a 26-8 record.

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 in the final. Parker was the leading scorer for the team, averaging 16.6 points per game.

2005: Started for Tennessee Lady Vols

During the 2005-06 season, Parker started for the Tennessee Lady Vols, playing as a forward, center, and guard.

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

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

2006: FIBA World Championship

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

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

On January 28, 2007, Parker became the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points.

February 21, 2008: Decision to Forego Final Season

On February 21, 2008, Parker announced that she would forgo her final season of eligibility at Tennessee.

April 9, 2008: Drafted First Overall by Los Angeles Sparks

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

May 17, 2008: Debut Game Record

On May 17, 2008, in her debut game against the Phoenix Mercury, Parker scored 34 points, breaking the record for a rookie in a debut game.

May 28, 2008: 5x5 Stat Line

On May 28, 2008, Parker achieved a 5x5 stat line, becoming the only woman in WNBA history to do so.

June 22, 2008: Second Player to Dunk in WNBA Game

On June 22, 2008, Candace Parker became the second player to dunk in a WNBA game.

June 24, 2008: First 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 40 Points

On July 9, 2008, Candace Parker scored a career-high 40 points, along with 16 rebounds and 6 assists, in a win against the Houston Comets.

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

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.

2008: Started Adidas Partnership

In 2008, Candace Parker began her long-running brand partnership with Adidas, which included a signature sneaker line.

2008: Won First Olympic Gold Medal

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

July 5, 2009: Return from Maternity Leave

On July 5, 2009, Parker played her first game back from maternity leave.

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: Team Selection for FIBA World Championship

Candace Parker participated in the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp in 2009 to be selected for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

2010: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg

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

2011: Best Field Goal Percentage Since 2011

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

2012: Team Selection for 2012 Olympics

Candace Parker participated in the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp in 2009 to be selected for the 2012 Olympics.

2012: Won Another Olympic Gold Medal

In 2012, Candace Parker played for Team USA at the Summer Olympics, leading the team in rebounds and blocks and helping them win another gold medal, defeating France 86–50 in the gold medal game.

2012: Re-signed with the Sparks

In 2012, Parker re-signed with the Sparks and played the full season and helped her team to the Western Conference Finals.

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. She was named WNBA All-Star MVP following a comeback win for the West.

2015: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg

Until 2015, Candace Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during each WNBA off-season.

January 2016: Signed with the Guangdong Dolphins

In January 2016, Candace Parker signed with the Guangdong Dolphins to replace Yelena Leuchanka during the WCBA playoffs.

2016: Won first WNBA Championship and named Finals MVP

In 2016, Candace Parker led the Sparks to their first championship since 2002, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a five-game series. Parker was named Finals MVP, scoring a game-high 28 points in the deciding Game 5.

2016: Re-signed with the Sparks and Pat Summitt's Death

In 2016, Candace Parker re-signed with the Sparks. Late June, her college coach Pat Summitt passed away. That night, Parker guided her team to a victory dedicating the season to Summitt.

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, continuing her career with the team.

July 28, 2017: Recorded a Triple-Double

On July 28, 2017, Candace Parker recorded a triple-double in an 85–73 win over the San Antonio Stars with 11 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 assists, becoming the sixth player in league history to achieve this feat.

December 2017: Signed with the 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.

July 10, 2018: First Player in WNBA History to Achieve Specific Stat Line

On July 10, 2018, Candace Parker made history with a stat line of 21 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks in a 77–75 overtime victory against the Seattle Storm, making her the first player in WNBA history to achieve such a stat line.

July 15, 2018: Scored 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 99–78 victory over the Las Vegas Aces.

July 19, 2018: Voted into 2018 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: Analyst and Commentator for NBA on TNT

In 2018, Candace Parker started working as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT broadcasts during Tuesday games in the 2018–19 NBA season.

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June 18, 2019: Season Debut

On June 18, 2019, Candace Parker made her season debut, scoring 3 points on 1-of-9 shooting from the field in an 81–52 loss to the Washington Mystics.

August 4, 2019: Scored Season-High 21 points

On August 4, 2019, Candace Parker scored a season-high 21 points in an 83–75 victory over the Seattle Storm.

September 3, 2019: Tied Season-High of 21 points

On September 3, 2019, Candace Parker tied her season-high of 21 points in a 70–60 victory over the Atlanta Dream.

2019: Multi-Year Extension with Turner Sports

In 2019, Candace Parker signed a multi-year extension with Turner Sports to work as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT, NBA TV, and NCAA Tournament coverage on CBS Sports.

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October 2020: Ownership 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: 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 controversy over being left off the All-Defensive Teams.

2021: Won the 2021 WNBA Finals

In 2021, Candace Parker and the Chicago Sky won the WNBA Finals, defeating the Phoenix Mercury.

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.