Childhood and Education Journey of Candace Parker in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Candace Parker. A timeline of key moments.

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

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 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time.

Others born on this day/year

2002: Consensus Pick as Player of the Year

In 2002, Candace Parker was a consensus pick as player of the year in Illinois and a four-year member of the All-State first team.

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: Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award

In 2003, Candace Parker won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award during her high school career.

2003: USA Today High School Player of the Year Award

In 2003, Candace Parker won the USA Today High School Player of the Year, Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, and Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award.

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.

2004: Second Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award

In 2004, Candace Parker secured her second Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award, becoming the only woman to receive the award twice.

2004: Multiple Player of the Year Awards

In 2004, Candace Parker won several awards including USA Today High School Player of the Year, Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award, Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year, WBCA All-American, and McDonald's All-American.

2004: Entered the University of Tennessee

In the fall of 2004, Candace Parker entered the University of Tennessee.

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.

December 2007: Academic All-American of the Year

As of December 2007, Candace Parker had a 3.35 grade-point average and was later named University Division I Academic All-American of the Year in women's basketball for 2008.

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.

May 2008: Graduation

In May 2008, Candace Parker graduated with her incoming class.

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.

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: Birth of daughter

In 2009, Candace Parker and Shelden Williams' daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, was born.

2013: Purchased Home in Encino

In 2013, Candace Parker and Shelden Williams purchased a 7,000-square-foot (650 m) home in Encino, Los Angeles, for $3.56 million.

January 2014: Williams Group Holdings relinquished ownership of the Sparks

In January 2014, Williams Group Holdings announced they would relinquish their ownership of the Sparks, putting the Sparks' future in Los Angeles in jeopardy.

November 2016: Split up after eight years of marriage

In November 2016, Candace Parker and Shelden Williams split up after eight years of marriage when Williams filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences".

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.

May 2019: Hamstring injury during preseason

In May 2019, Candace Parker suffered a hamstring injury during the Sparks' first preseason game and was ruled out for 3–5 weeks.

2019: Married Anna Petrakova

In 2019, Candace Parker married former basketball player Anna Petrakova.

October 2020: Part of Angel City FC Ownership

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.

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.