On Sunday, three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Candace Parker revealed her decision to retire after an illustrious 16-season career. In a heartfelt social media post, Parker expressed her commitment to honoring the game and leaving it in a better state than when she entered. She acknowledged the internal struggle between her competitive drive for one more season and the realization that it was time to step away, citing the alignment of her heart and body in making this choice.
Parker's legacy in the WNBA is marked by her exceptional talent and achievements. She spent the first 13 seasons of her career with the Los Angeles Sparks, making an immediate impact as the No. 1 draft pick who clinched both Rookie of the Year and league MVP honors in her debut season. Setting a groundbreaking milestone, Parker became the first player in WNBA history to achieve this dual recognition, showcasing her versatility with impressive averages of 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while propelling the Sparks to a notable 10-win improvement in 2008.
