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Candace Parker is one of the greatest players in WNBA history, widely regarded for her versatility, leadership, and championship-winning career. Known as a forward who could do it all — scoring, rebounding, passing, and defending — Parker helped redefine what it meant to be a modern big in women’s basketball. Over her career, she became a 2-time WNBA Champion, 2-time MVP, and Finals MVP, while also representing Team USA with Olympic gold medals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Candace Nicole Parker |
| Born | April 19, 1986 (Age: 39) |
| Hometown | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Position | Forward / Center |
| College | University of Tennessee (2004–2008) |
| WNBA Draft | 2008 – 1st Overall by Los Angeles Sparks |
| Teams | Los Angeles Sparks (2008–2020), Chicago Sky (2021–2022), Las Vegas Aces (2023) |
| Jersey Numbers | #3 (Sparks, Sky), #13 (Aces) |
| Notable Achievements | 2× WNBA Champion, 2× MVP, 2× NCAA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist |
| Social Media | @candaceparker on Instagram |
Candace Parker was born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in a sports family, with her older brother Anthony Parker playing in the NBA.
Parker became a household name in high school, winning multiple state championships at Naperville Central in Illinois.
She was the first woman to ever win the McDonald’s All-American Dunk Contest (2004), beating several male players.
Parker went on to play college basketball at the University of Tennessee (2004–2008) under legendary coach Pat Summitt.
She led the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2007 and 2008.
In 2008, she won the Wooden Award, Naismith Award, and Wade Trophy, cementing her place as the best college player in the nation.
Known for her dunking ability, she was one of the few women to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game.
Candace Parker was drafted 1st overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Rookie Season (2008): Parker made history by winning WNBA Rookie of the Year and WNBA MVP in the same season, the only player to ever do so.
Los Angeles Sparks (2008–2020):
Won the 2016 WNBA Championship, earning Finals MVP.
2-time WNBA MVP (2008, 2013).
Multiple All-Star selections and All-WNBA honors.
Chicago Sky (2021–2022):
Signed with her hometown team and immediately led them to the 2021 WNBA Championship.
Las Vegas Aces (2023):
Joined the Aces but dealt with injuries; however, she helped mentor the team’s stars.
Parker officially retired in April 2024 after 16 incredible seasons.
2× WNBA Champion (2016, 2021)
WNBA Finals MVP (2016)
2× WNBA MVP (2008, 2013)
7× WNBA All-Star
WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020)
WNBA Rookie of the Year (2008)
WNBA 25th Anniversary Team
2× NCAA Champion (2007, 2008 – Tennessee)
2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012 – USA Basketball)
Aliyah Boston reacts in awe after learning Candace Parker’s historic NCAA tournament dunk, praising the two-decade-old milestone that redefined …
Candace Parker says women’s basketball must embrace constructive criticism to grow, arguing the WNBA product is strong enough now to withstand …
Caitlin Clark is once again in a Gatorade advertisement, this time with Candace Parker narrating the speciality of the new drink.
Monique Billings and Candace Parker laud UConn’s near-perfect season, with the Valkyries player mentioning that they are doing something right to get …
If not playing basketball, Aliyah Boston wanted to play Ice Hockey, while Candace Parker chose curling as their alternate sport from the Winter …
Candace Parker mentioned that she ran a mile at eight standard and then decided not to do that again as she talked about the winter Olympic Games.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Dunk contest didn’t impress Aliyah Boston and Candace Parker, who argued over the need for the change.
Candace Parker shows support for Breanna Stewart’s move to Turkey, claiming that it doesn't mean anything for the CBA talks or the 2026 WNBA season’s …
Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne headline the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalists, leading a rare four-woman shortlist selected by the …
Candace Parker compared Luka Doncic’s greatness with Tracy McGrady, claiming that no one should overlook the greatness, as she puts the Lakers’ guard …
Aliyah Boston slams Amary Bailey’s idea of going back to college to complete hi s eligible years after playing 10 games in the NBA.
Candace Parker received hefty fines in her rookie season and also didn’t know about the tax deduction, as she received a mere $12.34 check from the …
Candace Parker sees power within the WNBPA as the CBA talks continue. She even added that the players should stand for their demands.
After a five-year wait, the Chicago Bears will play in the NFC card match-up with celebrities like Candace Parker, Dwayne Wade, Seth Rollins, and …
On Azzi Fudd’s possible draft number, Candace Parker claimed that she would fit better with the Minnesota Lynx rather than the Dallas Wings, with …
Candace Parker claimed that women’s basketball is on the map because of Tennessee and the city deserves a WNBA team.
![Aliyah Boston Has On-Brand Reaction After Finding Out Candace Parker's Two-Decade-Old NCAA Tournament Record [VIDEO]](https://wnbatake.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Aliyah-Boston-and-Candace-Parker-400x225.jpg)
![Caitlin Clark Stars In New Gatorade Commercial Narrated By Candace Parker [VIDEO]](https://wnbatake.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Gatorade-Caitlin-Clark-400x225.jpg)
