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 would like to play one more season if he is healthy after a foot injury that kept him off the court last season. But she warned that she had no intention of “cheating the game” or herself, and she expressed similar sentiments when announcing her retirement ahead of her bid for a third consecutive Aces title. . 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 want to leave the court in private, just with the people I love, without parades or tours. I thought so,” she wrote. Join her on the journey I've just begun. ”
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. 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.
“Obviously I think Candace has had a great career,” Liberty star Brianna Stewart said. “This is a little sad because you love playing against a legend like her. What he accomplished was great for our league.” I appreciate everything she has done to help me get to this point. I'm definitely going to miss her this season. ”
Liberty coach Sandy Brondello coached Parker overseas in Russia for several winters.
“She's a trailblazer,” Brondello said. “Just a great human being and what she's done for this sport.” “I want her to be celebrated. I respect her so much. Our kids grew up together when I was coaching in Russia. It's kind of sad.” Everyone thinks it's appropriate. I know it's 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!”
