Candace Parker (right) of the Los Angeles Sparks blocks a shot by Epiphany Prince of the New York Liberty during a 2017 game. Parker announced his retirement on Sunday. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Written by Doug Feinberg
Candice Parker always said she would know when to retire. That day was Sunday.
The three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist announced on social media that his career has ended after 16 seasons.
“The competitor in me always wants one more and the time has come,” Parker wrote in an Instagram post. “My mind and body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.”
Parker, 38, told The Associated Press in November that he was off the court last season with a foot injury but would like to play another season if he is healthy. But she warned that she had no intention of “cheating the game” either on her own or on her own, and she expressed the same in announcing her retirement before aiming for the Ace's third consecutive title. did. Parker has undergone 10 surgeries during his career.
“I promised myself that I would never cheat on the game and that I would leave it in better shape than when I started it. …I always play the court privately with my loved ones, without parades or tours. I wanted to leave,” she wrote. “I left the court with her daughter when this was supposed to be my last game. I ended the journey with her the same way I started it.”
Parker played his first 13 seasons in the league with the Los Angeles Sparks, establishing his dominance early on as a No. 1 pick, winning Rookie of the Year and league MVP in the same season. Parker is the only WNBA player to accomplish that feat, averaging 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists while helping the Sparks improve by 10 games in 2008.
Parker won his second MVP award in 2013 and his first title with the Sparks in 2016.
“We are deeply grateful for the outstanding contributions that Candace Parker has made to the Los Angeles Sparks and the entire sport of basketball,” Eric Holloman, managing partner and governor of the Los Angeles Sparks, said in a statement. “From her outstanding MVP and Rookie of the Year seasons to leading them to the 2016 WNBA Championship and the way she revolutionized the game, she will forever be etched in Sparks history. Her influence and ability to inspire in the community will always be felt here in Los Angeles. After many conversations with her about life after basketball, I know she will be in the boardroom as well. I am confident that it will be equally successful.”
She won her second title with the Chicago Sky in 2021 and her third title with the Las Vegas Aces last season. She is the only player in league history to win championships with three different teams.
“The memories Candice Parker created for generations of women's basketball fans will forever remain etched deep in our collective conscience, but she was remembered for so much more than accolades and statistics. He gave to this game,” the Aces said in a statement. “As a teammate, coach, mother, wife, baseball player, broadcaster, and businesswoman, she inspired countless young people, boys and girls, to pursue and achieve their dreams. I have done so.”
Parker played on the late Pat Summitt's final two national championship teams at the University of Tennessee in 2007 and 2008, before leaving with one year of eligibility remaining.
She won Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, but was shockingly left out of the team in 2016.
“I think obviously Candiace has had a great career. It's kind of sad because I would love to go up against a legend,” said Liberty star Brianna Stewart. “What she's accomplished on and off the court has been great for our league. I appreciate everything she's done to help me get to this point. I definitely missed her this season. It will be sad to see it go.”
Liberty coach Sandy Brondello spent several winters coaching Parker overseas in Russia.
“She's a trailblazer. Just a great human being and what she's done for this sport,” Brondello said. “It would be nice to be celebrated. I have a lot of respect for her. Her kids grew up together when I was coaching in Russia. It's kind of sad. Everyone knows that I know it’s the right time.”
Parker began working in broadcasting during his playing career. She has worked as an analyst for CBS Sports' NCAA Tournament and NBA TV.
She had foot surgery in July 2023 and told The Associated Press late last year that she was still in pain.
“This offseason has been uncooperative and not fun,” she wrote in a post Sunday. “My mission in life is, as Pat Summitt always said, 'If you follow your people and your passion, you'll never fail.' Being a wife and mother remains my top priority. , I've learned that time passes quickly, so I'm going to enjoy my family to the fullest!”
