Candace Parker's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Candace Parker, known as "Ace", is a retired American professional basketball player celebrated as one of the WNBA's all-time greats. Drafted first overall in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks, she played 13 seasons with them before joining the Chicago Sky and later the Las Vegas Aces. Parker uniquely won a WNBA championship with all three teams, solidifying her legacy as a winner. Her impact extended beyond the court, as she is credited with significantly boosting the popularity of women's basketball. She will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026.

Sections (4)

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

December 27, 2001: First Dunk in Competition

On December 27, 2001, Candace Parker dunked for the first time in a competition as a 15-year-old at Naperville Central High School, believed to be the first by a female athlete in Illinois.

2002: Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award

In 2002, Candace Parker won the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award and Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year Award.

2002: Sparks Claim Championship

In 2016, Candace Parker led the Sparks to their first championship since 2002.

2003: Class AA State Title

In 2003, Candace Parker led her high school basketball team to a Class AA state title.

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 for the first time.

2003: USA Today High School Player of the Year Award

In 2003, Candace Parker won the USA Today High School Player of the Year award for the second time.

March 29, 2004: Slam Dunk Contest Winner at McDonald's All-American Game

On March 29, 2004, Candace Parker won the slam dunk contest at the McDonald's All-American Game, making her the first woman to win the event.

August 2004: Parker Wins Gold 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 and Knee Surgery

In August 2004, Candace Parker led the USA Junior World Championship team to a gold medal, but then had a relapse of knee pain requiring surgery on her left knee.

2004: Second Class AA State Title

In 2004, Candace Parker again led her high school basketball team to a Class AA state title.

2004: Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year Award

In 2004, Candace Parker was named Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year, WBCA All-American, and McDonald's All-American.

2004: Second Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award

In 2004, Candace Parker won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, becoming the first woman to achieve this.

March 19, 2006: First Woman to Dunk in NCAA Tournament Game

On March 19, 2006, Candace Parker became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, and then the first to dunk twice in the same game, playing against Army.

2006: FIBA World Championship

In 2006, Candace Parker was the only college player named to the USA squad for the FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil, where the team finished third.

January 28, 2007: Fastest Lady Vol to 1,000 Career Points

On January 28, 2007, Candace Parker became the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points, achieving it in 56 games.

April 3, 2007: National Championship and Most Outstanding Player

On April 3, 2007, Candace Parker led the Lady Vols to their first national championship since 1998, beating Rutgers, and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

May 7, 2007: Named to People's 100 World's Most Beautiful list

On May 7, 2007, Candace Parker was named to People magazine's 100 World's Most Beautiful list.

2007: National Championship with Tennessee Lady Vols

In 2007, Candace Parker led the Tennessee Lady Vols to a national championship and was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.

April 8, 2008: Second Straight NCAA Title

On April 8, 2008, Candace Parker led the Lady Vols to their second straight NCAA women's title and was named the Most Outstanding Player for the second consecutive NCAA tournament.

May 17, 2008: WNBA Debut

On May 17, 2008, Candace Parker made her WNBA debut against the Phoenix Mercury, scoring 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, breaking the record for a rookie in a debut game.

May 28, 2008: 5x5 Stat Line

On May 28, 2008, Candace Parker achieved a 5x5 stat line, becoming the only woman in WNBA history to do so.

June 22, 2008: Second WNBA Dunk

On June 22, 2008, Candace Parker became the second player to dunk in a WNBA game.

June 24, 2008: First Player 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 Points

On July 9, 2008, Candace Parker scored a career-high 40 points, along with 16 rebounds and 6 assists, in an 82–74 overtime win against the Houston Comets.

July 2008: Rookie of the Month

In July 2008, Candace Parker was named the Hanns-G 'Go Beyond' Rookie of the Month.

August 2008: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In August 2008, Candace Parker was selected to join the US team at the 2008 Summer Olympics, where they won the gold medal.

October 3, 2008: Rookie of the Year and MVP

On October 3, 2008, Candace 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: Second National Championship with Tennessee Lady Vols

In 2008, Candace Parker led the Tennessee Lady Vols to their second consecutive national championship and was again named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player.

2008: Parker Wins First Olympic Gold Medal

In 2008, Candace Parker played for Team USA and won her first gold medal as the USA beat Australia 92–65.

2011: Parker's Best Field Goal Percentage Since 2011

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

2012: Parker Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 2012, Candace Parker played for Team USA at the Summer Olympics. She led the team in rebounds and blocks, helping them win another gold medal by defeating France 86–50.

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 to lead the West to a win and earning the title of WNBA All-Star MVP.

2013: WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award

In 2013, Candace Parker received the WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award and also won one of her two WNBA Most Valuable Player Awards.

2015: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg

From 2010 to 2015, Candace Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian League during each WNBA off-season, winning five consecutive championships with the team.

2016: WNBA Finals Title and MVP

In 2016, Candace Parker led the Los Angeles Sparks to win their first WNBA Finals title since 2002 and was awarded the WNBA Finals MVP Award.

2016: Parker Wins First WNBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2016, Candace Parker led the Sparks to their first championship since 2002, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling five-game series. Parker won Finals MVP, scoring a game-high 28 points in the decisive Game 5 and dedicated the win to Pat Summitt. She was also named in the WNBA Top 20@20.

2016: Parker Re-Signs with Sparks and Dedicates Season to Pat Summitt

In 2016, Candace Parker re-signed with the Sparks. After the death of her college coach, Pat Summitt, Parker dedicated the season to her. She had a notable performance against the Dallas Wings with 31 points and 13 rebounds, leading her team to victory. The Sparks finished the season 26-8 and advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2003.

July 28, 2017: Parker Records Triple-Double

On July 28, 2017, Candace Parker recorded a triple-double in a win against the San Antonio Stars, with 11 points, 17 rebounds, and 11 assists.

July 10, 2018: Parker Makes History with Unique Stat Line

On July 10, 2018, Candace Parker achieved a stat line of 21 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks in an overtime victory against the Seattle Storm, becoming the first player in WNBA history to reach this combination.

July 15, 2018: Parker Scores 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 victory over the Las Vegas Aces.

July 19, 2018: Parker Voted into 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: Parker Named Defensive Player of the Year

In the 2020 season, Candace Parker led the league in rebounding and double-doubles, and was named Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in her career.

2021: Parker Named to The W25 and Wins WNBA Finals with Sky

During the 2021 season, Candace Parker was named to The W25 and won the WNBA Finals with the Chicago Sky.

2023: Third WNBA Title with Las Vegas Aces

In 2023, Candace Parker won her third WNBA title with the Las Vegas Aces.

October 2025: Associated Press' Greatest Collegiate Players

In October 2025, the Associated Press selected Candace Parker as one of the greatest collegiate players in the women’s poll era.

2025: Rookie Debut Record Stands

As of 2025, Candace Parker's rookie debut record of 34 points, set in her debut game on May 17, 2008, still stands.

2026: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

In 2026, Candace Parker is scheduled to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing her outstanding career and contributions to the sport.