Candace Parker Forever Immortalized in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Sparks have announced that Candace Parker’s jersey will be retired on June 29th. Drafted first overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft, Parker spent over ten years with the team before joining the Chicago Sky in 2021. During her time in the “City of Champions,” she achieved numerous remarkable accolades. From leading her draft class as the top pick in 2008 to shining in all-star games and capturing championship titles, Candace Parker has cemented her status as one of the most accomplished and celebrated women’s basketball players in history. This jersey retirement commemorates Parker's immense impact, honoring her contributions not only to the WNBA but also to community development and advocacy, solidifying her legacy beyond the game.
Candace Parker played 13 seasons with the LA Sparks. Across those 13 seasons, she was named to the All-WNBA Team 10 times. In her debut season in 2008, Parker won several prestigious awards, including Rookie of the Year and MVP. That same season, she made the All-Rookie Team, led the league in blocks, and led the league in rebounds. These accomplishments followed an exceptional college basketball career. In 2008, she was named SEC Player of the Year and earned both the Naismith and AP Player of the Year Awards. Most notably, Parker won an NCAA Championship with the Tennessee Volunteers. If there was any doubt about Parker being the future of the league, it quickly vanished in the years that followed.
Candace Parker made history as the first WNBA player to win championships with three different teams. Her journey began in 2016 when she guided the Los Angeles Sparks to their third WNBA title. Facing Maya Moore and the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling Game Five, Parker delivered an outstanding performance, recording a 28-point and 12-rebound double-double. Her performance during the series landed her the WNBA Finals MVP Award. The win ended the 14-year championship drought of the Sparks franchise, with their previous title dating back to 2002. Most significantly, it marked Parker's first experience of a WNBA Championship victory, an experience that she would continue to replicate throughout her extraordinary career.
In addition to her numerous accolades throughout her WNBA career, Candace Parker made meaningful contributions to her community. In the summer of 2019, she hosted the inaugural "Presence vs. Presents Day of Fun" in Los Angeles. The event featured a variety of activities designed for parents and their children to enjoy together. Its purpose was to emphasize the value of parents being present in their children's lives and fostering lifelong memories. Parker has been a passionate advocate for mental health and has actively supported organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Pat Summitt Foundation. Her commitment to community engagement extends to empowering youth through sports and education. In 2023, Parker collaborated with Gatorade to donate $100,000 to youth athletics programs, helping provide resources and opportunities for young athletes. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Parker's impact resonates far beyond the basketball court, making a difference in both local communities and larger causes.
Candace Parker’s jersey retirement is scheduled for June 29th. The halftime ceremony will take place at Crypto.com Arena during the game between the Chicago Sky and LA Sparks. Parker will join franchise legends Penny Toler and Lisa Leslie in having her jersey displayed in the rafters. Former teammates and coaches are anticipated to attend and join in celebrating Parker's incredible career and legacy. According to an official press release from the Los Angeles Sparks, the event will also spotlight Parker's upcoming book, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions, set to debut in June. Parker's leadership and dedication have served as a source of inspiration for athletes and fans from all walks of life. As Parker's jersey takes its place in the rafters, her legacy will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.
