A dominant force in women's basketball, known for being the first overall pick in the 2006 WNBA draft and leading the Los Angeles Sparks to a championship in 2016.
Candace Parker, widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of women's basketball. With a storied career that spans over a decade, she has consistently dominated the court, earning numerous accolades and breaking barriers along the way.
Even before entering the professional arena, Parker was making waves in the basketball world. In high school, she won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year awards in 2003 and 2004, becoming the second junior and the only woman to receive the award twice.
At the University of Tennessee, Parker led the Lady Vols to two consecutive national championships in 2007 and 2008. She was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player in both occasions and was a two-time consensus national player of the year. As a redshirt freshman, she became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game and the first woman to dunk twice in a college game.
Parker was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. She spent 13 seasons on the Sparks, two seasons with the Chicago Sky, and one season with the Las Vegas Aces, winning a championship with each team. Her impressive career is punctuated by two WNBA Most Valuable Player Awards (2008, 2013), a WNBA Finals MVP Award (2016), and a WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award (2013).
Parker has been a trailblazer in women's basketball, breaking records and pushing boundaries throughout her career. She became the second player to dunk in a WNBA game on June 22, 2008. She is also the first player to win the Rookie of the Year and the MVP awards in the same season.
Since 2018, Parker has been an analyst and commentator for TNT Sports, providing coverage for NBA games on TNT and NBA TV, as well as the NCAA men's basketball tournament. Following her retirement in 2024, she was named president of Adidas women's basketball, further solidifying her influence on the sport.
Candace Parker's remarkable journey serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication, passion, and perseverance. As she continues to inspire generations of athletes and fans alike, her legacy will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
53 Years Old
A four-time Olympic gold medalist and first player to dunk in a WNBA game, known for dominating the court with her impressive skills and inspiring a generation of female athletes.
55 Years Old
A pioneering female basketball player and coach who won three Olympic gold medals and was one of the original players in the WNBA, known for her impressive skills and trailblazing career.
43 Years Old
A dominant force in women's basketball, known for her incredible scoring ability and leading the Phoenix Mercury to multiple championships. She's a trailblazer for women's sports, inspiring generations of athletes.
45 Years Old
Australian basketball legend and four-time Olympic medalist, known for dominating the court with her impressive scoring and rebounding abilities. She's a trailblazer for women's basketball in Australia and beyond.
46 Years Old
A dominant force in women's basketball, known for her impressive defensive skills and leading the Indiana Fever to a WNBA championship.
45 Years Old
A highly decorated point guard with four WNBA championships and four Olympic gold medals, known for exceptional court vision and shooting ability.
36 Years Old
A dominant force in women's basketball, known for her unstoppable scoring and defensive prowess, leading teams to multiple championships and earning numerous MVP awards.
35 Years Old
A dominant center in the WNBA, known for her impressive dunking ability and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
