Candace Parker: A Basketball Star

Early Life and Career

Candace Parker was born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri. She began playing basketball at a young age and quickly showed her talent for the game. In high school, she led her team to two state championships and was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2004.

Parker attended the University of Tennessee, where she continued to excel. She was named the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008 and helped lead the Lady Vols to two national championships.

WNBA Career

Parker was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2008 WNBA draft. She quickly became one of the league's most dominant players, averaging 16 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in her rookie season.

Parker has been named to the All-WNBA First Team seven times and has been named the WNBA MVP twice. She has also led the Sparks to two WNBA championships, in 2016 and 2020.

International Career

Parker has also represented the United States on the international stage. She helped the U.S. win a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics and a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Parker is one of the most decorated players in women's basketball history. She is a two-time NCAA champion, two-time WNBA champion, two-time WNBA MVP, and an Olympic gold medalist.