Candace Parker: A Trailblazer in Women’s Basketball
 

By Ryan Sweeney

A Mother, AAU Alum, NCAA Champion, and WNBA Champion; Candace Parker stands as a towering figure in the world of women’s basketball, both figuratively and literally.

Coming in at six feet four inches tall, her domination on the court is matched only by her impact off it. From AAU basketball to college basketball to 3-time WNBA Champion, Parker has continued to break barriers and redefined what it means to be a female athlete.

Born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, Candace’s love for basketball was apparent from a young age. Growing up she idolized players like Lisa Leslie and Michael Jordan, whose style she chose to emulate on the court. Throughout middle school and high school Parker was an AAU Girls Basketball member, where she earned titles such as “Gatorade Female Basketball Player of the Year,” and being named as a first team all American player for the years of 2002 to 2004.

After an illustrious high school career Parker was a top recruit in the nation and decided to take her talents to University of Tennessee where she would meet a mentor, coach, and friend who would help take her career to the next level.

This is where she met one of the greatest coaches in women’s basketball, Pat Summit. Parker started her college career in the fall of 2004, but due to a knee injury she sustained she opted for a red shirt freshman season. While this would ruin some athlete’s careers, Parker saw it as an opportunity.

Parker’s injury freshman year allowed her to develop a close bond and relationship with coach Summitt. “Pat Summitt wasn’t just a coach; she was much more than that to me,” Parker said. Parker revealed that she would visit Summitt every Wednesday, to do homework or eat lunch, which allowed her to feel comfortable enough to open up to Summitt.

“We just clicked, and she became like a second mom to me,” Parker said. “Every time I’m tired, I can hear her saying, ‘You’ve never arrived.' You are always working towards something, and what got you to this point isn’t going to be what keeps you here.”

Parker’s first season on the court finished strong as she was named tournament MVP of the SEC Tournament Championship in 2006. She also became one of the only freshmen in history to earn a spot on the Kodak All-American team. Following her dominant first year Parker was the only college player named to the USA squad for the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil, where the USA team finished third earning a bronze medal.

As she continued her rise to the top, the success was far from over for Candace. On January 28, 2007, Candace set the record for being the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points. A record that was achieved in only 56 games. On March 1^st Parker was named the 2007 SEC player of the Year.

Championships would follow the individual awards as well. On April 3^rd she led the Lady Vols to a national title, the first since 1998, taking down Rutgers 59-46 and finishing the game with 17 points and earning the title of the tournament’s MVP.

On February 21^st, 2008, Candace announced she would forgo her final season of eligibility to focus on the 2008 Olympics and to start her professional career. But first, she had a final goal to achieve. Just a few months later she led the Lady Vols to their second straight NCAA Women’s Basketball title - helping her coach, mentor, and close friend Pat Summitt win her final championship as a coach.

Parker was selected first overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks one day removed from winning her second NCAA title. A dominant rookie season led to her becoming the first WNBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player awards in the same season. She stands alone for women, joining and exclusive group of Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld as the only professional American Basketball players to win both awards in one year.
 

In 2016, Candace’s life would be struck with tragedy. Long time mentor, coach, and friend Pat Summitt died at the age of 64 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The same night Parker had an incredible performance against the Dallas Wings, posting a scoreline of 31 points and 13 rebounds. Post game she dedicated the rest of the season to Pat Summitt.

Heading into the playoffs the Sparks were the second seed with a double bye to the semi-finals. The Sparks led by Parker and Nneka Ogwumike, defeated the Chicago Sky 3-1 in the series. They then faced the  Minnesota Lynx in the finals. The Sparks took the series in game five, where Parker collected an offensive rebound and passed it to Ogwumike who buried the jumper with just 3.1 seconds remaining. This effort helped claim the Sparks first championship since 2002. Parker told reporters after the game that “this was for Pat.” She finished the series with her first WNBA title and won the Finals MVP award. 

Candace continues to be a key player in today’s WNBA. She has been balling for 16 years and has since followed up her first WNBA Championship with two other titles, one with Chicago Sky and one with Las Vegas Aces.

Off the court Parker leads the way with charitable work and foundations she is involved with. She is an advocate for PETA, Loaves & Fishes, the March of Dimes, D.A.R.E, the Ronald McDonald House, and No Kid Hungry. She has been deeply involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and Pat Summit Foundation in honor of beloved Coach Pat Summitt.

As she continues to thrive in the latter stages of her career, Parker remains a beacon of inspiration for athletes of all ages and backgrounds. Her impact on the game of basketball transcends statistics and accolades, serving as a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and passion.