Candace Parker's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Candace Parker.

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2011: Best Field Goal Percentage Since 2011

During the 2020 season, Candace Parker posted a 51% field goal percentage, her best since 2011.

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.

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: WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award

In 2013, Candace Parker won the WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.