The all-time great player for the Chicago Sky has formally declared his retirement due to her husband, which is causing…
Candace Parker, a Naperville native and WNBA legend, declared on Sunday that she will be leaving the league after 16 seasons.
Why this matters One of the best players of all time, Parker helped spark some well-earned excitement for the Sky by leading them to their first and only championship in 2021.
Quick refresher: Parker was a member of the Naperville Central team from 2001 to 2004 and was twice named the top high school athlete in the country.
She continued to play at the University of Tennessee, where she was coached by the renowned Pat Summit, helping the team win two national titles in a row.
Parker spent 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks after being selected first overall in the 2008 NBA Draft.
In the past, when Parker was a Chicago sports hometown hero in 2021 while playing for the Sky, the city proclaimed September 16th as “Candace Parker Day.”
She moved out to play for the Las Vegas Aces last year.
According to the stats, the 6-foot-4 forward has won three WNBA titles.
Being both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season makes her the first player in the league to do so.
Parker competed for Team USA and won two gold medals.
“I fell in love with a little orange ball at 13 years old and BECAUSE of it my world goes ’round,” Parker wrote on Instagram when she announced her retirement. “The lows gave me lessons, and the highs are unparalleled. I’m pleased to have always been true to myself, even when it wasn’t popular, both on and off the court.”
Parker’s most recent team, the Aces, honored her career with a statement that read, “She has inspired countless young people, both boys and girls, to chase and achieve their dreams as a teammate and mentor, a mother and wife, a baller, broadcaster and businesswoman.”
