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 all-time greats. Drafted first overall in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks, she played 13 seasons with them. She further played two seasons with the Chicago Sky, and one season with the Las Vegas Aces. Notably, Parker won a WNBA championship with each of these three teams, a testament to her impact and skill.
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.
2002: Illinois Player of the Year
In 2002, Candace Parker was a consensus pick as player of the year in Illinois.
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 an oral commitment live on the network.
2003: High School State Title
In 2003, Candace Parker led her high school basketball team to a Class AA state title.
2003: USA Today High School Player of the Year
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: Enrolls at the University of Tennessee
Candace Parker entered the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2004.
2004: High School State Title
In 2004, Candace Parker led her high school basketball team to a Class AA state title.
2004: USA Today High School Player of the Year
In 2004, Candace Parker won the USA Today High School Player of the Year, Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award and Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year.
December 2007: Academic Statistics
As of December 2007, Candace Parker had a 3.35 grade-point average.
May 2008: Graduation
In May 2008, Candace Parker graduated with her class.
November 13, 2008: Parker Marries Shelden Williams
On November 13, 2008, Candace Parker married Shelden Williams, a former college and NBA basketball player.
July 5, 2009: First Game Back From Maternity Leave
On July 5, 2009, Candace 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, Los Angeles
In 2013, Candace Parker and Shelden Williams purchased a 7,000-square-foot home in Encino, Los Angeles, for $3.56 million.
November 2016: Parker and Williams Split Up
In November 2016, Candace Parker and Shelden Williams split up after eight years of marriage, with Williams filing for divorce due to "irreconcilable differences".
2016: Parker Re-signs with Sparks and Dedicates Season to Pat Summitt
In 2016, Candace Parker re-signed with the Sparks as an unrestricted free agent. Later that year, Parker's college coach, Pat Summitt, passed away, and Parker dedicated her season to her mentor. The Sparks finished with a 26-8 record, advancing to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003.
December 14, 2021: Marriage and Expecting a Baby
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
On February 11, 2022, Anna Petrakova gave birth to a son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker.
December 14, 2023: Expecting Another Child
On December 14, 2023, Candace Parker announced that she and Anna Petrakova were expecting another child.
May 21, 2024: Birth of Second Son
On May 21, 2024, Anna Petrakova gave birth to their second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker.
