Candace Parker is an American professional basketball player known for her versatility, leadership, and impact on women’s basketball. Born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, she gained national attention as a high school player in Naperville, Illinois. She was the first woman to win the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest in 2004.
Candace Parker is married to Anna Petrakova, a former Russian basketball player. They got married in 2019 and publicly announced their marriage in 2021. The couple welcomed a son, Airr, in 2022. Parker also has a daughter, Lailaa, from her previous marriage to former NBA player Shelden Williams.Parker played college basketball at the University of Tennessee under legendary coach Pat Summitt. She led the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008, earning multiple Player of the Year awards.
In the 2008 WNBA Draft, she was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks. She won the WNBA Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in her debut season, a rare achievement. Throughout her career, she played for the Sparks (2008–2020), Chicago Sky (2021–2022), and Las Vegas Aces (2023). She won three WNBA championships (2016, 2021, 2023) and was named Finals MVP in 2016.
Parker also had a successful international career, winning two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) with Team USA. Off the court, she became a respected broadcaster and advocate for women’s sports.
Her legacy is marked by her impact on basketball, both as a dominant player and as an inspiration for future generations.
Parker played college basketball at the University of Tennessee under legendary coach Pat Summitt. She led the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008, earning multiple Player of the Year awards.
In the 2008 WNBA Draft, she was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks. She won the WNBA Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in her debut season, a rare achievement. Throughout her career, she played for the Sparks (2008–2020), Chicago Sky (2021–2022), and Las Vegas Aces (2023). She won three WNBA championships (2016, 2021, 2023) and was named Finals MVP in 2016.
Parker also had a successful international career, winning two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) with Team USA. Off the court, she became a respected broadcaster and advocate for women’s sports.
Her legacy is marked by her impact on basketball, both as a dominant player and as an inspiration for future generations.
