Candace Parker, a distinguished alumna of the University of Tennessee and an iconic figure in women’s basketball, has declared her retirement from the sport. Over a span of 16 years, Parker made significant contributions to the WNBA, as well as on the international stage, including representing the U.S. Olympic Team and securing two gold medals.
Parker’s legacy at the University of Tennessee, where she attended from 2004 to 2008, is indelible. She left an enduring mark on the school’s record books, with her No. 3 jersey now prominently displayed in the rafters of the Food City Center at Thompson-Boling Arena, a tribute that took place on January 2, 2014, with her esteemed coach, the late Pat Summitt, in attendance, beaming with pride.
Hailing from Naperville, Illinois, standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, Parker began her journey at Knoxville with a redshirt year before embarking on an illustrious three-season tenure under Summitt’s tutelage. Her time at the helm saw the University of Tennessee clinch NCAA National Championships in both 2007 and 2008, setting the stage for a remarkable 16-year career in the WNBA, where she made an enduring impact.
