History of Candace Parker in Timeline
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.
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.
December 27, 2001: First Dunk in Competition
On December 27, 2001, Parker dunked for the first time in competition as a 15-year-old sophomore at Naperville Central High School.
2002: Illinois Player of the Year
In 2002, Parker was a consensus pick as player of the year in Illinois
2002: Sparks' First Championship Since 2002
In 2016, Candace Parker led the Sparks to their first championship since 2002, marking a significant milestone for the team.
November 11, 2003: Commitment to Tennessee
On November 11, 2003, Parker announced her commitment to Tennessee on ESPNEWS.
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, becoming only the second junior to receive the award.
2003: Class AA State Title
In 2003, Parker led her high school basketball team to a Class AA state title.
2003: USA Today High School Player of the Year
In 2003, she was a two-time award winner of the USA Today High School Player of the Year.
2003: Sparks advanced to the WNBA Finals
In 2016, the Sparks advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003, facing the Chicago Sky in the semi-finals after finishing the season with a 26-8 record.
March 29, 2004: Slam Dunk Contest Winner at McDonald's All-American Game
On March 29, 2004, Parker won the slam dunk contest at McDonald's All-American Game, becoming the first woman to win the event.
August 2004: Won Gold Medal at FIBA Americas Championship
In August 2004, Candace Parker and the USA Women's U18 team won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, defeating Puerto Rico in the final. Parker was the leading scorer for the team, averaging 16.6 points per game.
August 2004: Gold Medal at USA Junior World Championship
In August 2004, Parker led the undefeated USA Junior World Championship team to a gold medal, averaging 16.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. During training, she had a relapse of knee pain and required surgery.
2004: Second Class AA State Title
In 2004, Parker led her high school basketball team to their second consecutive Class AA state title.
2004: Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year
In 2004, Parker was named Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year.
2004: Second Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award
In 2004, Parker won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, making her the only woman to achieve this.
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.
2005: Started for Tennessee Lady Vols
During the 2005-06 season, Parker started for the Tennessee Lady Vols, playing as a forward, center, and guard.
March 19, 2006: First Woman to Dunk in NCAA Tournament
On March 19, 2006, in an NCAA tournament first-round game against Army, Parker became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, then the first woman to dunk twice in the same game.
2006: FIBA World Championship
In 2006, Parker was the only college player named to the USA squad for the FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil, where the team finished in third place.
January 28, 2007: Fastest Lady Vol to 1,000 Career Points
On January 28, 2007, Parker became the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points.
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.
2007: National Championship with Tennessee
In 2007, Candace Parker led the Tennessee team to a national championship.
February 21, 2008: Decision to Forego Final Season
On February 21, 2008, Parker announced that she would forgo her final season of eligibility at Tennessee.
April 8, 2008: Led Lady Vols to Second Straight NCAA Title
On April 8, 2008, despite a dislocated shoulder, Parker led the Lady Vols to their second straight NCAA women's title and was named the Most Outstanding Player.
April 9, 2008: Drafted First Overall by Los Angeles Sparks
On April 9, 2008, Parker was selected as the first pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, one day after winning the NCAA title.
May 2008: Graduation
Candace Parker graduated in May 2008 with her incoming class with a degree in sports management.
May 17, 2008: Debut Game Record
On May 17, 2008, in her debut game against the Phoenix Mercury, Parker scored 34 points, breaking the record for a rookie in a debut game.
May 28, 2008: 5x5 Stat Line
On May 28, 2008, Parker achieved a 5x5 stat line, becoming the only woman in WNBA history to do so.
June 22, 2008: Second Player to Dunk in WNBA Game
On June 22, 2008, Candace Parker became the second player to dunk in a WNBA game.
June 24, 2008: First to Dunk Twice in WNBA Career
On June 24, 2008, Candace Parker became the first player to dunk twice in their WNBA career during a regulation game against the Seattle Storm.
July 9, 2008: Career High 40 Points
On July 9, 2008, Candace Parker scored a career-high 40 points, along with 16 rebounds and 6 assists, in a win against the Houston Comets.
July 2008: Rookie of the Month
Candace Parker was named the Hanns-G 'Go Beyond' Rookie of the Month for the month of July 2008.
July 21, 2008: Suspension in Sparks-Shock Brawl
On July 21, 2008, Parker was one of 11 people suspended in the Sparks-Shock brawl.
August 2008: Olympic Gold Medal
In August 2008, Parker was selected to the US team for the 2008 Summer Olympics, where the team won the gold medal.
October 3, 2008: Rookie of the Year and MVP Awards
On October 3, 2008, Parker became the first WNBA player to win both the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player awards in the same season.
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.
2008: Started Adidas Partnership
In 2008, Candace Parker began her long-running brand partnership with Adidas, which included a signature sneaker line.
2008: Won First Olympic Gold Medal
In 2008, Candace Parker won her first gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics, as the USA beat Australia 92–65.
2008: Second National Championship with Tennessee
In 2008, Parker led the Tennessee team to their second consecutive national championship.
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.
2009: Invited to USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp
In the fall of 2009, Candace Parker was invited to the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp.
2010: Team Selection for FIBA World Championship
Candace Parker participated in the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp in 2009 to be selected for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
2010: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg
From 2010, Candace Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during each WNBA off-season.
2010: Shoulder Injury
In 2010, Parker played only 10 games and was sidelined for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.
2011: Best Field Goal Percentage Since 2011
During the 2020 season, Candace Parker posted a 51% field goal percentage, her best since 2011.
2011: Torn Meniscus
In 2011, Parker suffered a torn meniscus in her right knee, causing her to miss the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game.
2012: Team Selection for 2012 Olympics
Candace Parker participated in the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp in 2009 to be selected for the 2012 Olympics.
2012: Won Another Olympic Gold Medal
In 2012, Candace Parker played for Team USA at the Summer Olympics, leading the team in rebounds and blocks and helping them win another gold medal, defeating France 86–50 in the gold medal game.
2012: Re-signed with the Sparks
In 2012, Parker re-signed with the Sparks and played the full season and helped her team to the Western Conference Finals.
July 27, 2013: WNBA All-Star MVP
On July 27, 2013, Candace Parker played in her first All-Star game, scoring 23 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. She was named WNBA All-Star MVP following a comeback win for the West.
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.
2013: WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award
In 2013, Candace Parker won the WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award.
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.
2015: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg
Until 2015, Candace Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during each WNBA off-season.
January 2016: Signed with the Guangdong Dolphins
In January 2016, Candace Parker signed with the Guangdong Dolphins to replace Yelena Leuchanka during the WCBA playoffs.
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: Not Selected for the 2016 Summer Olympics
Despite her performance in the previous Olympics, Candace Parker was not selected to play for Team USA in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2016: Won first WNBA Championship and named Finals MVP
In 2016, Candace Parker led the Sparks to their first championship since 2002, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a five-game series. Parker was named Finals MVP, scoring a game-high 28 points in the deciding Game 5.
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.
2016: WNBA Finals Title and MVP
In 2016, Parker led the Sparks to win their first WNBA Finals title since 2002 and won the WNBA Finals MVP Award.
February 2017: Signed with Fenerbahçe
In February 2017, Candace Parker signed a 2-month contract with Fenerbahçe of the Turkish Super League.
February 2017: Signed multi-year contract extension with the Sparks
In February 2017, Candace Parker signed a multi-year contract extension with the Sparks, continuing her career with the team.
July 28, 2017: Recorded a Triple-Double
On July 28, 2017, Candace Parker recorded a triple-double in an 85–73 win over the San Antonio Stars with 11 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 assists, becoming the sixth player in league history to achieve this feat.
December 2017: Signed with the Xinjiang Magic Deer
In December 2017, Candace Parker signed with the Xinjiang Magic Deer of the Chinese League for the 2017–18 WNBA off-season.
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, in light of her exclusion from the team for the Rio games.
July 10, 2018: First Player in WNBA History to Achieve Specific Stat Line
On July 10, 2018, Candace Parker made history with a stat line of 21 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks in a 77–75 overtime victory against the Seattle Storm, making her the first player in WNBA history to achieve such a stat line.
July 15, 2018: Scored Season-High 34 Points
On July 15, 2018, Candace Parker scored a season-high 34 points along with 11 rebounds and 9 assists in a 99–78 victory over the Las Vegas Aces.
July 19, 2018: Voted into 2018 WNBA All-Star Game
On July 19, 2018, Candace Parker was voted into the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game, marking her fifth all-star nomination.
2018: Analyst and Commentator for NBA on TNT
In 2018, Candace Parker started working as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT broadcasts during Tuesday games in the 2018–19 NBA season.
May 2019: Suffered Hamstring Injury
In May 2019, Candace Parker suffered a hamstring injury during the Sparks' first preseason game and was ruled out for 3–5 weeks.
June 18, 2019: Season Debut
On June 18, 2019, Candace Parker made her season debut, scoring 3 points on 1-of-9 shooting from the field in an 81–52 loss to the Washington Mystics.
August 4, 2019: Scored Season-High 21 points
On August 4, 2019, Candace Parker scored a season-high 21 points in an 83–75 victory over the Seattle Storm.
2019: Marriage to Anna Petrakova
In 2019, Candace Parker married Anna Petrakova.
2019: Multi-Year Extension with Turner Sports
In 2019, Candace Parker signed a multi-year extension with Turner Sports to work as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT, NBA TV, and NCAA Tournament coverage on CBS Sports.
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.
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, in light of her exclusion from the team for the Rio games.
2020: Named Defensive Player of the Year
In the 2020 season, Candace Parker was named Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in her career, despite controversy over being left off the All-Defensive Teams.
December 14, 2021: Announcement of 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.
2021: Won the 2021 WNBA Finals
In 2021, Candace Parker and the Chicago Sky won the WNBA Finals, defeating the Phoenix Mercury.
2021: Signed with the 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, citing the opportunity to play closer to home.
2021: WNBA Title with the Sky
In 2021, Candace Parker helped the Sky win their first title.
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.
2022: Angel City FC Began Competing
In 2022, Angel City FC, of which Candace Parker is part owner, began competing in the National Women's Soccer League.
February 2023: Signed with the Las Vegas Aces
In February 2023, Candace Parker signed with the Las Vegas Aces.
December 14, 2023: Announcement of Expecting Another Child
On December 14, 2023, Candace Parker announced that she and Anna Petrakova were expecting another child.
2023: First Woman Color Commentator for NBA All-Star Game
In 2023, Candace Parker became the first woman to serve as a color commentator for an NBA All-Star Game.
February 7, 2024: Re-signed with the Aces on a one-year contract
On February 7, 2024, Candace Parker re-signed with the Aces on a one-year contract.
April 28, 2024: Announced Retirement
On April 28, 2024, Candace Parker announced her retirement from professional basketball via her Instagram account.
May 8, 2024: Became President of Women's Basketball for Adidas
On May 8, 2024, Adidas declared that Candace Parker would become the brand's president of women's basketball, following a long partnership.
May 21, 2024: Birth of Son Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker
On May 21, 2024, Anna Petrakova gave birth to a second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker.
2024: President of Adidas Women's Basketball
Following her retirement in the spring of 2024, Candace Parker was named president of Adidas women's basketball.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Adidas AG is a German multinational corporation the largest sportswear...
McDonald's is an American multinational fast food chain established in...
CBS is a major American commercial broadcast television and radio...
Puerto Rico is a self-governing Caribbean archipelago and island that...
Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada and...
Trending
16 minutes ago Brock Purdy's Future: 49ers Contract, Trade Rumors, and Mega-Deal Expectations Analyzed.
1 hour ago Tyron Smith, 8-Time Pro Bowler, Announces Retirement from NFL with Cowboys.
1 hour ago Conway Compares Smith to Obama and Trump; Predicts Trump's Endorsement in NJ.
2 hours ago Newsom Approves $2.8B Bailout for California's Overrun Healthcare Program, Expanding Immigrant Coverage
3 hours ago Mindy Kaling stuns in a fiery red pantless look and sky-high stilettos.
3 hours ago Travis Hunter Prefers Quitting Over Single Position, Talks Browns, Sanders, Richardson
Popular
Doug Ford is a Canadian politician and businessman currently serving...
The Real ID Act of is a US federal law...
Justin Trudeau served as the rd Prime Minister of Canada...
Peter Navarro is an American economist and author known for...
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Bernard Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving...