Childhood and Education Journey of Candace Parker in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 12, 2026

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

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.

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.

Others born on this day/year

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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".

2019: Married Anna Petrakova

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

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 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.