One of the best of all time.
Candace Parker officially announced Sunday that she is retiring after more than a decade. There is no denying that Parker is one of the most influential and iconic players in women’s basketball history.
A champion and seven-time WNBA All-Star, Parker is also a mentor, mother and inspiration to many. As we celebrate CP3’s legacy, we take a look back at some legendary moments from throughout her career.
First woman to dunk in a college game
Parker set the tone from the jump. As a freshman at the University of Tennessee in 2006, she challenged the conventional wisdom that women couldn’t dunk, and she showed the world that she could by becoming the first woman to dunk in the NCAA Tournament.
Tennessee’s Total Dominance
Playing for the late, great Pat Summitt, Parker suited up and dominated for the Volunteers. Her college resume includes:
- He won the 2006 SEC Rookie of the Year Award.
- The fastest player in Lady Vols history to reach 1,000 career points.
- He won the 2007 SEC Player of the Year Award.
- Leading the Lady Vols to back-to-back national championships.
- He averaged 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 2.4 blocks per game.
arrive
A day after leading the Lady Vols to another NCAA national championship, the Los Angeles Sparks selected Candace Parker with the first overall pick in the 2008 draft. In fact, that was just the beginning for Parker, who decided to team up with Lisa Leslie.
the reign of a godman
In her WNBA debut against the Phoenix Mercury, Parker recorded 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, breaking Cynthia Cooper’s record for a rookie in a debut.
Her dominance and skill were undeniable. Parker became the first WNBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in the same year. She also became pregnant with her older daughter at the end of the season.
“I was actually pregnant. [Lailaa] Candace spoke to WSLAM for the cover of SLAM 233. “I won MVP and Rookie of the Year trophies with her daughter, and it was our journey from there.”
2016 ‘Chip’
While Summitt had a dedicated season, Parker showed up and made an appearance during the 2016 season. After beating the Chicago Sky 3-1, they advanced to the finals for the first time since ’03 and went on to defeat the Lynx to bring the franchise’s third title back to LA. Parker was named Finals MVP.
“I remember a lot about that series. All you need is the effort, focus and energy to get through that series.” The 2016 Finals MVP told WSLAM. “It also shows my innocence. In 2008 we had a chance to reach the final but lost at the last minute. I’ve had several baskets that have rolled off the edge. And I think we recognized that we won the rebound putback… and everyone after that said we were the best player for a moment. I think it tells you how to stay the course.”
Return to Chi
What shocked the world was the announcement of free agency. After a stellar career in LA, Parker announced that he would be taking his talents to Chi. This was a decision that was as important to her family and life off the court as it was to her career.
“I believe a lot of things come full circle,” Parker said. “As I progressed in my career, I realized how important people were to my career. When I come home, my dad fixed my blinds the other day, I went to his house for Father’s Day, my mom cooks for me before the game, and she always picks up her daughter. Dad sometimes brings donuts for her daughter. I could just go see her grandmother. I really respect the times I moved away from home because I had to. “I had to settle in at home, get away from it, and be back to who I am now, and I’m really thankful for that.”
In the SLAM 233 cover story, CP3 opens up about his decision to join Sky, return to Chicago, and more.
2021 ‘Chip’
history. Not only did Parker play a key role in leading the Sky to the franchise’s first-ever 2021 WNBA Championship, but she was known for her leadership. Even her former teammate Kahleah Copper praised her for this in her SLAM 236 cover story.read here).
To Vegas
But again, Parker’s decision to take his talents elsewhere in Vegas was centered around family. Parker’s presence was added to the Aces’ roster of stars as the team won its second title as a franchise despite injuries.
Thank you, Candice!
