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 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

April 19, 1986: Candace Parker's Birth

On April 19, 1986, Candace Nicole Parker, nicknamed "Ace", was born. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time.

Others born on this day/year

November 11, 2003: Commitment to Tennessee

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

2003: Class AA State Title

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

2004: Second Class AA State Title

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

2004: Entered University of Tennessee

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

February 17, 2005: Redshirt Season Announcement

On February 17, 2005, Tennessee announced that Parker would redshirt her first season due to a knee injury.

May 7, 2007: Named to People's 100 World's Most Beautiful People

On May 7, 2007, Candace Parker was named to People Magazine's 100 World's Most Beautiful People list.

December 2007: Academic All-American

As of December 2007, she had a 3.35 GPA and was named University Division I Academic All-American of the Year in women's basketball for 2008 by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

May 2008: Graduation

Candace Parker graduated in May 2008 with her incoming class with a degree in sports management.

November 13, 2008: Marriage to Shelden Williams

On November 13, 2008, Candace Parker married Shelden Williams, who played college basketball at Duke University and in the NBA.

July 5, 2009: Return from Maternity Leave

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

2009: Birth of Daughter Lailaa Nicole Williams

In 2009, Candace Parker and Shelden Williams welcomed their daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams.

2013: Purchase of Home in Encino

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

January 2014: Williams Group Holdings relinquished Sparks Ownership

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

November 2016: Divorce 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: 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.

2019: Marriage to Anna Petrakova

In 2019, Candace Parker married Anna Petrakova.

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.