One of the greatest works of all time.
Candace Parker announced on Sunday that she is officially retiring after a career that lasted more than a decade. Parker is arguably one of the most influential and iconic players in women’s basketball history.
A champion, seven-time WNBA All-Star, Parker is also a mentor, mother and inspiration to many. As we celebrate CP3’s achievements, let’s take a look back at some of the legendary moments from her career.
First woman to dunk in a college game
Parker set the tone from the get-go. As a freshman at the University of Tennessee in 2006, she showed the world that women could dunk by becoming the first woman ever to dunk in the NCAA Tournament, overturning the notion that women couldn’t.
Total Domination in Tennessee
Parker played under the late coach Pat Summitt and was a dominant force for the Volunteers. Her college career is as follows:
- ’06 SEC Rookie of the Year award winner.
- The fastest player in Lady Vols history to reach 1,000 career points.
- ’07 SEC Player of the Year Award winner.
- She led the Lady Vols to consecutive national championships.
- Averages of 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 2.4 blocks per game.
arrival
The day after leading the Lady Vols to yet another NCAA National Championship, the Los Angeles Sparks selected Candace Parker with the first overall pick in the 2008 draft. In fact, for Parker, it was just the beginning as she was set to team up with Lisa Leslie.
Rookie Reign
In her WNBA debut against the Phoenix Mercury, Parker recorded 34 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, breaking Cynthia Cooper’s previous record for rookie appearances in a debut.
Her incredible strength and skill were unquestionable — Parker was the first WNBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same year — and by season’s end she was pregnant with her first daughter.
“Actually, I [Lailaa] “At the end of my rookie year, my daughter and I accepted the MVP and Rookie of the Year trophies together, and our journey just started,” Candace told WSLAM for the SLAM 233 cover story.
2016’s “Chip
In a season dedicated to the summit, Parker played and thrived in the 2016 season. After defeating the Chicago Sky 3-1, the team advanced to the Finals for the first time since 2003, and went on to defeat the Lynx to bring the franchise’s third title back to Los Angeles. Parker was named Finals MVP.
“I remember that series very well, and how hard we worked and how focused and how energized we were to get through that series,” the 2016 Finals MVP told WSLAM. “I think it speaks to my naivety, because in 2008 we had a chance to go to the Finals and we lost on a shot in the last second. We had some baskets that rolled off the hoop. I thought it was good to know we won on a putback rebound… and then afterwards, everybody said in a flash that we were the best team of all time. I think it speaks to how you just have to keep going.”
Back to CHI
The announcement that shocked the world was his free agency: after a stellar career in Los Angeles, Parker announced he was transferring his talents to Chicago, a decision that took into consideration not only his career, but his family and life off the court.
“I believe a lot of things come full circle,” Parker said. “I think throughout my career, I’ve realized how many important people have been to my career. Like, coming home and my dad fixing my blinds the other day, or going to my dad’s house for Father’s Day, or my mom cooking for me before the game, or always picking my daughter up. He brings her donuts, she gets to go see her grandma. I really cherish the time I had away from home because I needed it. I needed to be home and establish myself and get out of there, but I’m back where I am now and I’m really grateful.”
In SLAM 233’s cover story, CP3 talks about his decision to join Sky, returning to his hometown of Chicago, and more.
“Chip” in 2021
Not only did Parker play a key role in leading the Sky to the franchise’s first-ever WNBA championship in 2021, but she was also noted for her leadership. In a cover story for SLAM 236, former teammate Kalia Copper also praised her (Read it here).
To Vegas
Family also played a key role in Parker’s decision to take his talents back to Las Vegas, and despite injuries, he was part of a star-studded roster that helped the Aces win their second title as a franchise.
Thank you, Candace!
