Candace Parker, nicknamed "Ace", is a retired American basketball player considered one of the greatest WNBA players ever. She was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, playing 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, two with the Chicago Sky, and one with the Las Vegas Aces. Notably, she won championships with each of these teams.
April 19, 1986: Candace Parker is born
Candace Nicole Parker was born on April 19, 1986.
December 27, 2001: Candace Parker Dunks for the First Time in Competition
On December 27, 2001, Candace Parker dunked for the first time in competition as a 15-year-old sophomore at Naperville Central High School.
2002: Candace Parker is a Consensus Pick as Player of the Year in Illinois
Candace Parker was a consensus pick as player of the year in Illinois in 2002.
2002: The Los Angeles Sparks Win their first WNBA title
The Los Angeles Sparks won their first WNBA Championship in 2002.
November 11, 2003: Candace Parker Announces Commitment to Tennessee
On November 11, 2003, Candace Parker announced her commitment to play basketball for the University of Tennessee.
2003: Candace Parker Leads Naperville Central to Class AA State Title
Candace Parker led her high school basketball team to a Class AA state title in 2003.
2003: Candace Parker Wins Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Candace Parker won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award in 2003.
2003: Candace Parker Wins Several Awards
Candace Parker won the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award in 2003.
March 29, 2004: Candace Parker Wins Slam Dunk Contest at McDonald's All-American Game
On March 29, 2004, Candace Parker won the slam dunk contest at McDonald's All-American Game, becoming the first woman to win the event.
August 2004: Gold Medal at FIBA Americas Championship
In August 2004, Candace Parker was a member of the USA Women's U18 team that won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Parker led the team in scoring, averaging 16.6 points per game, as they defeated Puerto Rico to win the championship.
August 2004: Candace Parker Leads USA Junior World Championship Team to Gold Medal
In August 2004, Candace Parker led the undefeated USA Junior World Championship team to a gold medal.
2004: Candace Parker Wins Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year
Candace Parker won the Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award in 2004.
2004: Candace Parker Leads Naperville Central to Second Class AA State Title
Candace Parker led her high school basketball team to a second Class AA state title in 2004.
2004: Candace Parker Begins Studies at University of Tennessee
Candace Parker entered the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2004.
2004: Candace Parker Wins Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year Again
Candace Parker won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award for the second time in 2004.
February 17, 2005: Candace Parker to Redshirt Freshman Season Due to Knee Injury
On February 17, 2005, Tennessee announced Candace Parker would redshirt her first season due to a knee injury she had suffered in a summer league game.
2005: Candace Parker Begins Playing for the Tennessee Lady Vols
Candace Parker started for the Tennessee Lady Vols during the 2005–06 season.
March 19, 2006: Candace Parker Becomes First Woman to Dunk in an NCAA Tournament Game
On March 19, 2006, in an NCAA tournament first-round game against Army, Candace Parker became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, then became the first woman to dunk twice in an NCAA tournament game.
2006: Candace Parker Named to USA Squad for FIBA World Championship for Women
Candace Parker was the only college player named to the USA squad for the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil. The USA squad finished in third place.
January 28, 2007: Fastest Player to 1,000 Points
On January 28, 2007, Candace Parker became the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points, achieving the record in 56 games.
May 7, 2007: People's 100 Most Beautiful People
On May 7, 2007, People named Candace Parker to its 100 World's Most Beautiful people list.
2007: Candace Parker Leads Tennessee to NCAA Championship
Candace Parker led the Tennessee women's basketball team to an NCAA championship in 2007.
February 21, 2008: Forgoes Final Season
On February 21, 2008 Candace Parker announced she would forgo her final season of eligibility at Tennessee to focus on the 2008 Olympics and pursue a professional basketball career.
April 8, 2008: Second Straight NCAA Title
On April 8, 2008, despite suffering a dislocated shoulder, Candace Parker led the Lady Vols to their second straight NCAA title, becoming a two-time Most Outstanding Player.
April 9, 2008: Drafted by Los Angeles Sparks
On April 9, 2008, Candace Parker was selected as the first pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.
May 2008: Graduation and Academic Honors
Candace Parker graduated in May 2008 with a sports management major and was named University Division I Academic All-American of the Year in women's basketball.
May 17, 2008: Record-Breaking Debut
On May 17, 2008, in her WNBA debut, Candace Parker scored 34 points, breaking the record for a rookie in a debut game.
June 22, 2008: Candace Parker Becomes Second Woman to Dunk in a WNBA Game
On June 22, 2008, Candace Parker became the second woman to dunk in a WNBA game.
June 24, 2008: First Player to Dunk Twice
On June 24, 2008, Candace Parker became the first WNBA player to dunk twice in their career during a 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 game against the Houston Comets.
July 2008: Rookie of the Month
Candace Parker was named the Hanns-G 'Go Beyond' Rookie of the Month for May and July 2008.
July 21, 2008: Sparks-Shock Brawl Suspension
Candace Parker was one of 11 people suspended in the Sparks-Shock brawl on July 21, 2008.
August 2008: Olympic Gold Medal
Candace Parker helped the US Women's basketball team win the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
October 3, 2008: Rookie of the Year and MVP
On October 3, 2008 Candace Parker became the first WNBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP 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 also played in the NBA.
2008: Candace Parker Establishes Long-Running Partnership with Adidas
Candace Parker's relationship with Adidas dates back to 2008, signifying a long-standing partnership. This collaboration includes a signature sneaker line, highlighting her marketability and impact beyond the court.
2008: Olympic Gold Medal
Candace Parker won her first gold medal in 2008, playing for Team USA as they defeated Australia 92-65.
2008: Candace Parker is drafted into the WNBA
Candace Parker was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.
2008: Candace Parker Leads Tennessee to Second Consecutive NCAA Championship
Candace Parker led the Tennessee women's basketball team to their second consecutive NCAA championship in 2008.
July 5, 2009: Return From Maternity Leave
Candace Parker returned to play on July 5, 2009, after missing the first eight games of the season due to the birth of her daughter.
2009: Birth of Daughter
Candace Parker and Shelden Williams had a daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, born in 2009.
2009: National Team Training Camp
Candace Parker was invited to the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp in the fall of 2009.
2010: FIBA World Championship Selection
The team selected to play for the 2010 FIBA World Championship is usually chosen from players at the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp.
2010: Shoulder Injury
In 2010, Candace Parker played only 10 games and was sidelined for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.
2010: Start of Russian League Play
Candace Parker began playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during each WNBA off-season from 2010 to 2015.
2011: Candace Parker Posts Best Field Goal Percentage Since 2011
During the 2020 season, Candace Parker demonstrated her offensive efficiency by recording a 51% field goal percentage, marking her best performance in this category since 2011.
2011: Torn Meniscus
In 2011, Candace Parker suffered a torn meniscus in her right knee, causing her to miss the All-Star Game and limiting her playing time for the rest of the season.
2012: Candace Parker Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal
Candace Parker won her second Olympic gold medal in 2012.
2012: Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 2012, Candace Parker played for Team USA at the Summer Olympics, leading the team in rebounds and blocks as they won another gold medal by defeating France 86-50 in the gold medal game.
2012: Olympic Team Selection
The team selected to play for the 2012 Olympics is usually chosen from players at the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp.
2013: Candace Parker Wins Second WNBA MVP Award
Candace Parker won her second WNBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2013.
2013: Purchased 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.
2015: End of Russian League Play
Candace Parker stopped playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during each WNBA off-season after 2015.
January 2016: Signed with Guangdong Dolphins
During the 2015-16 WNBA off-season, Candace Parker signed with the Guangdong Dolphins in January 2016, 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: Exclusion from Olympic Team
Despite her performance in the 2012 Olympics and participation in the national team training into the summer of 2016, Candace Parker was not selected to play for Team USA in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2016: Candace Parker Wins First WNBA Finals Title with Los Angeles Sparks
Candace Parker led the Los Angeles Sparks to their first WNBA Finals title since 2002 in 2016.
February 2017: Signed with Fenerbahçe
In February 2017, Candace Parker signed a 2-month contract with Fenerbahçe of the Turkish Super League.
February 2017: Candace Parker Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension with the Sparks
In February 2017, Candace Parker solidified her commitment to the Los Angeles Sparks by signing a multi-year contract extension.
July 28, 2017: Candace Parker Records Sixth Triple-Double in WNBA History
On July 28, 2017, Candace Parker became the sixth player in WNBA history to achieve a triple-double. She accomplished this feat in an 85-73 win against the San Antonio Stars.
December 2017: Signed with 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 National Team Invitation
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: Candace Parker Achieves Historic Stat Line
On July 10, 2018, Candace Parker became the first player in WNBA history to record a stat line of 21 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. This historic feat occurred in a 77-75 overtime win against the Seattle Storm.
July 15, 2018: Candace Parker Scores Season-High 34 Points
Candace Parker showcased her scoring prowess on July 15, 2018, by achieving a season-high 34 points, along with 11 rebounds and 9 assists. This performance led the Sparks to a resounding 99-78 victory over the Las Vegas Aces.
July 19, 2018: Candace Parker Selected for Fifth WNBA All-Star Game
Candace Parker's exceptional skills were recognized once again on July 19, 2018, as she was voted into the WNBA All-Star Game, marking her fifth all-star nomination.
2018: Candace Parker Becomes Analyst and Commentator for TNT Sports
In 2018, Candace Parker began working as an analyst and commentator for TNT Sports, covering NBA games and the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
2018: NBA Analyst and Commentator
Candace Parker began serving as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT broadcasts of Tuesday games during the 2018–19 NBA season. She also served as an analyst for the 2019 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Game.
May 2019: Candace Parker Suffers Hamstring Injury
In May 2019, Candace Parker faced a setback as she sustained a hamstring injury during the Sparks' first preseason game. The injury sidelined her for 3-5 weeks.
June 18, 2019: Candace Parker Returns from Hamstring Injury
On June 18, 2019, Candace Parker made her much-anticipated return to the court after recovering from a hamstring injury.
August 4, 2019: Candace Parker Scores Season-High 21 Points against Seattle Storm
On August 4, 2019, Candace Parker delivered a stellar performance, scoring a season-high 21 points in an 83-75 win against the Seattle Storm.
2019: Marriage to Anna Petrakova
Candace Parker married Anna Petrakova in 2019.
2019: Multi-Year Extension with Turner Sports
In 2019, Candace Parker signed a multi-year extension with Turner Sports to be an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT, NBA TV, and NCAA Tournament coverage on CBS Sports.
October 2020: Part Owner 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: Candace Parker Wins Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 2020, Candace Parker's exceptional defensive skills earned her the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award. She achieved this milestone while leading the league in rebounding with 9.7 rebounds per game.
2020: End of National Team Invitation Period
The USA Basketball invitation for the 2017-2020 national team training camp, that Candace Parker declined, ended in 2020.
December 14, 2021: Marriage to Anna Petrakova Announced
On December 14, 2021, Candace Parker announced that she had married Anna Petrakova in 2019 and that they were expecting a baby.
2021: Candace Parker Wins WNBA Championship with Chicago Sky
Candace Parker helped the Chicago Sky win their first WNBA Championship in 2021.
2021: Candace Parker Signs with Chicago Sky
In a significant career move in 2021, Candace Parker decided to leave the Los Angeles Sparks after 13 seasons and signed a 2-year deal with the Chicago Sky. This decision allowed her to play closer to her hometown and continue her pursuit of a championship.
2021: Candace Parker Named to The W25 and Wins WNBA Championship with Chicago Sky
In 2021, Candace Parker received the honor of being named to The W25, a prestigious list recognizing the 25 greatest and most influential players in the WNBA's 25-year history. Adding to her accomplishments, Parker and the Chicago Sky went on to win the 2021 WNBA Championship.
February 2022: Birth of Son
Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova's son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, was born in February 2022.
2022: Angel City FC Begins Competing
Angel City FC, which Candace Parker is a part owner of, began competing in 2022.
February 2023: Candace Parker Signs with Las Vegas Aces
In February 2023, Candace Parker embarked on a new chapter in her basketball career by signing with the Las Vegas Aces.
December 14, 2023: Second Pregnancy Announcement
On December 14, 2023, Candace Parker announced that she and Anna Petrakova were expecting another child.
February 7, 2024: Candace Parker Re-signs with Las Vegas Aces
On February 7, 2024, Candace Parker demonstrated her commitment to the Las Vegas Aces by re-signing with the team on a one-year contract.
April 28, 2024: Candace Parker Announces Retirement from Professional Basketball
On April 28, 2024, Candace Parker officially announced her retirement from professional basketball through her Instagram account. This marked the end of an illustrious career filled with numerous achievements and contributions to the sport.
May 8, 2024: Candace Parker Becomes President of Women's Basketball at Adidas
On May 8, 2024, Candace Parker's post-retirement path took an exciting turn as Adidas announced her appointment as the brand's president of women's basketball. This new role leveraged her extensive experience and influence within the sport.
2024: Candace Parker Named President of Adidas Women's Basketball
Following her retirement in spring of 2024, Candace Parker was named president of Adidas women's basketball.