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 one of the WNBA's all-time greats. Drafted first overall in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks, where she played for 13 seasons, she later won championships with the Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces. Her career is marked by success and championships with multiple teams in the WNBA.

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 would later become an American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

November 11, 2003: Commitment to Tennessee

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

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 she had suffered in a summer league game.

2005: Started for Tennessee Lady Vols

In 2005, Parker started for the Tennessee Lady Vols.

December 2007: Academic Achievements Update

As of December 2007, Candace Parker had a 3.35 grade-point average and was a sports management major.

February 21, 2008: Announcement to Forgo Final Season at Tennessee

On February 21, 2008, Parker announced that she would forgo her final season of eligibility at Tennessee in order to focus on the 2008 Olympics and pursue a professional career in basketball.

May 2008: Graduation

In May 2008, Parker graduated with her incoming class.

November 13, 2008: Marriage to Shelden Williams

On November 13, 2008, Candace Parker married Shelden Williams, a former college basketball player at Duke University and NBA player, marking the beginning of their marriage.

July 5, 2009: First Game Back 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, into the world.

2013: Purchase of Los Angeles Home

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 Sparks

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

November 2016: Divorce Filing by Shelden Williams

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

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

In 2016, Candace Parker re-signed with the Sparks as an unrestricted free agent. Later that year, in 2016, Parker's college coach and mentor, Pat Summitt, passed away. Parker dedicated her season to Summitt after an emotional victory against the Dallas Wings, where she scored 31 points.

2017: Declined Invitation to National Team Training Camp

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

2019: Marriage to Anna Petrakova

In 2019, Candace Parker married Anna Petrakova, although the announcement was made later in December 2021.

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.

2020: Declined Invitation to National Team Training Camp

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

December 14, 2021: Announcement of Marriage to Anna Petrakova and Pregnancy

On December 14, 2021, Candace Parker announced that she had married Anna Petrakova in 2019 and that they were expecting a baby.

February 11, 2022: Birth of Son Airr Larry Petrakov Parker

On February 11, 2022, Anna Petrakova gave birth to a son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, with Candace Parker.

2022: Angel City FC begins competing

In 2022, Angel City FC, the Los Angeles-based team co-owned by Candace Parker and her daughter, began competing in the National Women's Soccer League.