Biography
Candace Nicole Parker, known by the nickname “Ace,” is a talented American professional basketball player who is honored for her outstanding contributions to women’s basketball.
Born April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, Parker became famous during his college career University of Tennessee. She led the Women’s Volunteers to consecutive NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008, and in 2008, she was named the NCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year.
Drafted overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, Parker’s WNBA career was notable, with multiple All-Star selections, MVP awards and WNBA championships. Renowned for her versatility, she excelled at both forward positions and was famous for her no-look passes and 360-degree windmill throws that she demonstrated in the All-Star Game year 2008.
Off the field, Parker has made a significant impact as a broadcaster and advocate of women’s sports, while also serving as a role model for young athletes. She also played abroad and was a key player of the US women’s national basketball team, winning an Olympic gold medal.
Former American basketball striker
Candace Parker |
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 Candace Parker: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Info & About Data | |
| Real name: | Candace Nicole Parker |
| Stage name: | Candace Parker, Ace |
| Born: | April 19, 1986 (38 years old) |
| Place of birth: | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality: | American |
| Education: | Naperville Central High School, University of Tennessee |
| Height: | 1.93 m |
| Parents: | Sara Parker, Larry Parker |
| Siblings: | Anthony Parker, Marcus Parker |
| Couple: | Anna Petrkova (m. 2019), Shelden Williams (m. 2008–2016) |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | Lailaa Nicole Williams, Airr Larry Petrkov Parker, Hartt Summitt Petrkov Parker |
| Job: | Basketball player |
| Net worth: | 5 million USD (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Candace Parker was born into a basketball-oriented family on April 19, 1986 in St. Louis, Mo. Her father, Larry Parker, played there University of Iowaand her brother, Anthony Parker, have had notable careers in the NBA and abroad. Being African American, Candace occasionally speaks about her faith and values, alluding to her Christian background, although the specifics of her religious beliefs are not publicly known.
Raised primarily in Naperville, Illinois, Parker was introduced to basketball by her father, who began coaching her at age six. Initially hesitant because of the expectations that came with her family’s athletic success, she eventually took up the sport and demonstrated her talent at a very early age. Her mother, Sara Parker, was a homemaker and had an older brother named Marcus Parker.
In Naperville Central High SchoolParker’s basketball career was legendary. She won the Gatorade National Women’s Basketball Player of the Year award twice, in 2003 and 2004, becoming the first woman to achieve the honor twice. She also made headlines when she won the slam dunk contest at the 2004 McDonald’s All-American Game, defeating several future NBA stars.
Parker attended University of Tennesseewhere she played under iconic coach Pat Summitt. Her college career was highlighted by her leading the Tennessee Lady Volunteers to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008. While there, she earned Women’s Basketball Player of the Week honors. of the NCAA year in 2008, solidifying her position as one of the top players in women’s basketball.
Career
Candace Parker’s professional basketball career has been defined by outstanding achievements, leadership and versatility. Drafted overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, she made an immediate impact, averaging 19.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists in her rookie season. his soldiers. She earned both Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the All-WNBA First Team.
She led the Sparks to the WNBA championship in 2016, where she was named Finals MVP. She also won the league MVP award in 2008 and 2013, cementing her status as one of the league’s top players. Parker’s outstanding ability at both forward positions, combined with her passing and scoring abilities, has made her a standout in many WNBA All-Star games.
In 2019, Parker became the first WNBA player to record a triple-double, recording 11 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals in a single game. Like many WNBA stars, she played abroad during the off-season, notably with UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia, to further hone her skills. On the international stage, Parker was a key contributor to Team USA, winning gold medals at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, as well as FIBA World Championship titles .
After retiring from playing, Parker transitioned into a successful broadcasting career, joining ESPN as an analyst. Her profound knowledge and passion for the game have made her a fan favorite. Off the court, Parker has become a role model, championing women’s basketball and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Known for her creativity and skill, including her signature no-look passes and 360-degree windmill throws, she brought excitement and flair to the game, to leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Social Media
- Instagram: Candace Parker (@candaceparker)
- Twitter: Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) / X
- WNBA: Candace Parker
- Facebook: Candace Parker
Personal life
Candace Parker first married Shelden Williams, a former NBA player, in 2008, but they divorced in 2016. After their divorce, Parker married Anna Petrkova, a former Russian basketball player, in December 2019. Their relationship was initially kept private. Parker revealed their marriage and Petrkova’s pregnancy in December 2021.
From his marriage to Shelden Williams, Parker has a daughter named Lailaa Nicole Williams, born in 2010. With Anna Petrkova, they have two sons, Airr Larry Petrkov Parker, born in February 2022, and Hartt Summitt Petrkov Parker, born in May 2024.
At 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), Parker’s height has been both an advantage in her basketball career and a notable aspect of her public persona.
Net worth
Candace Parker, a pioneer in women’s basketball, has built a significant fortune through her professional career, endorsements and strategic investments. Her net worth is estimated to exceed $5 million. While her WNBA salary, including a $100,000 contract with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, is below the league’s maximum salary, Parker’s decision to take the lower salary was motivated by the team strategy and coordination.
However, Parker’s earnings far exceed her WNBA earnings. She has landed lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas, Gatorade, and Capital One, which have significantly bolstered her net worth. Her off-court earnings from historical endorsements have more than doubled her WNBA salary, reflecting her strong marketing abilities and influence in both the sports and advertising industries .
In addition to endorsements, Parker also ventures into business and media. She co-owns the NWSL team Angel City FC and has forged a successful career in broadcasting. Her retirement in 2024 marks her transition to new roles, including broadcasting and potential WNBA team ownership, signaling a strategic approach to investments long term and expanding her career beyond basketball.
