Candace Parker has retired.
Cue the waterworks because this news definitely hit hard. When you talk about basketball legends and hall of famers, Candace Parker should be one of the first names brought up.
I’m not just talking about the WNBA—but in both leagues (yes, NBA too). We often separate the two, putting NBA legends in their own group. And yes, the games are different. However, Candace Parker is just that good.
The GOAT, indeed. A three-time Champion who has a ring with every team she’s been on, whew!
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Parker announced her retirement on April 28, and love poured in from every direction.
Everyone wanted to say THANK YOU, from brands to athletes in various sports.
So here’s ours: THANK YOU, Candace, for unapologetically breaking down barriers and being yourself. Your strength and domination have left a mark on women’s basketball that can never be removed.
The 38-year-old gained various accolades throughout her career, and it’s only fitting we talk about them.
Historic Rookie Season
“Once you get to the league, things will be different.” That’s what almost all rookie athletes hear. People attempt to dim their confidence after massive college success, and some simply try to help.
Yet Candace Parker had a historic rookie campaign in 2008. Parker set out to do what she does best after gaining the pressure of being the number one pick in the 2008 WNBA draft.
As a Los Angeles Sparks rookie, she broke the record for the most points in a WNBA debut game (34pts). She was the second woman (behind Lisa Leslie) to dunk during a regular game and was named Rookie of the Month twice.
In addition, Parker won a Gold Medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics, became Rookie of the Year, and was named Most Valuable Player. She joined Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld in this accomplishment.
Led the league in rebounds in 2008, 2009 and 2020
Did someone say rebound? The WNBA is full of skilled players, but when the GOAT sees a missed shot…she’s snagging that rebound.
3x WNBA Champion
Spending most of her basketball career with the Los Angeles Sparks, Parker won her first Championship with the team in 2016. She won another ring in 2021 in her first year with the Sky.
After two seasons with the Chicago Sky, Parker joined the Las Vegas Aces in 2023 and celebrated a third Championship.
7x WNBA All-Star
For 16 years, Parker dedicated her skills to basketball and solidified herself as a one-of-a-kind player. Three years after her league debut, in 2011, she became a WNBA All-Star, one of seven to come!
Candace Parker named President of Adidas Women’s Basketball
Shortly after her retirement news, Parker accomplished another achievement that improved women’s basketball. In a press release, Adidas announced that the athlete would join their team as the President of Adidas Women’s Basketball.
Parker and the brand’s partnership began over fifteen years ago.
“In her new role as President, Parker will collaborate with the brand to create a powerful platform aimed at influencing and elevating the future of women’s sports. The WNBA legend will leverage her deep understanding of the game and the needs of female athletes to define a clear and impactful direction, with a focus on access, increased representation, and breaking down barriers on a global scale.”
16 years. Three Championships. A Life-Long Impact on Women’s Basketball. THANK YOU, Candace.
Header image credit: Adidas Press Release
