Born on April 19, 1986, Candace Nicole Parker is one of the most decorated female basketball players to ever put on a uniform. As the youngest of Larry and Sara Parker’s three children, Candace grew up under her two older brothers, Marcus and former NBA player Anthony, and fell in love with the game of basketball at an early age. Candace, who was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft, is more than just a star on the court, she is an inspiration to all those around her. A WNBA Champion, WNBA Finals MVP, 2x WNBA MVP, 2x Gold Medalist, and WNBA Rookie of the Year are just a few of Candace’s many accomplishments throughout her career on the court. Off the court, Candace’s list extends just as long, ranging from being a mother to 8-year-old daughter Lailaa, to a renowned broadcaster, and inspiring role model for young women everywhere.
About
Candace Nicole Parker
Early Years
A Young Star/Rising Star
FIBA/USA Basketball
Team USA/International/Around The World
Candace’s international basketball presence spreads far and wide across the globe. As a member of Team USA, Candace’s career dates back to 2004, when Candace was a member of the USA Women’s U18 team which won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship. When selected to the USA Women’s Senior National team in September 2006, Candace became the youngest member of the team since 1994 and helped lead Team USA to a bronze medal in Brazil at the World Championships, where she set a new American record for blocks in a tournament (14). In September 2007, Candace led the USA Women’s Senior National team to a gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship and earned them an automatic ticket into the 2008 Olympic Summer Games.
In 2008, Candace led Team USA to a gold medal during the Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China, and scored 14 points in the gold medal match against Australia, helping the U.S. Women’s basketball team capture their fourth straight Olympic gold medal. However, her Olympic glory did not end there. She went on to join the team at the 2012 London Olympics, helping lead Team USA to victory once again, clinching the gold medal against France and leading the team both in points (21) and rebounds (11).
Aside from Candace’s Team USA glory, her international career expands far beyond the Olympic podium. During each WNBA off- season from 2010 to 2015, Candace traveled across the world to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian league, where she won five consecutive championships with the international club. In December 2017, Candace signed with the Xinjiang Tiashan Deers Chinese franchise for the 2017-2018 off-season.
Professional
WNBA
Beyond the Court
A Young Star/Rising Star
Having already accomplished such an incredible lifetime of achievements on the court, it is nothing less than both inspiring and astonishing to relish in the world of Candace Parker’s life off the court as well. A devoted mother to 8-year-old daughter, Lailaa Nicole, with whom she resides in Los Angeles, CA, Candace aspires to strive for greatness in all aspects of her life, across multiple different avenues of the sports world. As a highly recognized and knowledgeable broadcaster, who has appeared on the SEC Network, the Pac-12 Network, Inside the NBA on TNT, SportsCenter and more, Candace continues to hone her crafts both on and off the court. Most recently, Candace joined Turner as the only female analyst during the 2018 Men’s NCAA March Madness Tournament. In addition to her broadcasting career, Candace continues to be a profound voice for generations that surround her, and devotes her time and energy to helping some of the most important causes of today’s world. She has been an advocate for PETA, Loaves & Fishes, the March of Dimes, D.A.R.E, the Ronald McDonald House, and No Kid Hungry. Also, Candace has been involved in both the Alzheimer’s Association and Pat Summitt Foundation in honor of her beloved Coach Pat Summitt. She was a voice for women at the first ever Glamour Women of the Year Live Summitt in 2016, and was once names to People Magazine’s “100 Most Beautiful People,” Candace has demonstrated, and continues to show the world her incredible ability to balance her life both on and off the court, while undoubtedly continuing to aspire for greatness in all aspects of the world around her.
Career Highlights
- WNBA Champion (2016)
- WNBA Finals MVP (2016)
- 2x WNBA MVP (2008, 2013)
- 4x WNBA All- Star (2011, 2013, 2014, 2017)
- WNBA All- Star Game MVP (2013)
- WNBA Rookie of the Year (2008)
- WNBA All- Rookie Team (2008)
- 5x All- WNBA First Team (2008, 2012-2014, 2017)
- 2x All- WNBA Second Team (2009, 2015)
- 2x WNBA All- Defensive Second Team (2009, 2012)
- 2x WNBA rebounding leader (2008, 2009)
- 2x WNBA peak performer (2008, 2009)
- WNBA Top 20@20 (2016)
- 5x Russian National League Champion (2011-2015)
- 4x Russian Cup Winner (2011-2014)
- EuroLeague Champion (2013)
- AP Female Athlete of the Year (2008)
- USBWA College Player of the Year (2007, 2008)
- Naismith College Player of the Year (2008)
- John R. Wooden Award (2007, 2008)
- Wade Trophy (2007)
- Honda Sports Award (2007, 2008)
- Honda- Broderick Cup (2008)