Legendary women’s basketball star Candace Parker announces her retirement

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: Candace Parker #3 of the Las Vegas Aces brings the ball up the court against the New York Liberty in the first quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Liberty 98-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Candace Parker is retiring after a legendary career in women’s basketball. She announced the news on Sunday via social media.

“I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it,” Parker wrote on Instagram. “The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.”

Parker played 16 seasons in the WNBA, 13 of them with the Los Angeles Sparks. She won three WNBA championships during her career, in addition to WNBA Finals MVP honors in 2016. Her list of awards is extensive, including two MVP awards, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Parker was also named to seven WNBA All-Star teams.

Prior to playing in the WNBA, Parker also had a celebrated career in college. At Tennessee, she won two national championships with the Lady Vols in 2007 and 2008 while being named the Final Four most outstanding player in each of those tournaments. Parker also won National Player of the Year honors twice during her three seasons in Knoxville.

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