Three-time WNBA, two-time Olympic champion Candace Parker announces retirement: NPR

Candice Parker #3 of the Las Vegas Aces pictured at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 1, 2023 in Las Vegas. Parker announced his retirement on Sunday.

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Candice Parker #3 of the Las Vegas Aces pictured at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 1, 2023 in Las Vegas. Parker announced his retirement on Sunday.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

candice parker She is a three-time WNBA champion, two-time league MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. retire from basketball After 16 seasons.

in post “I promised myself I would never cheat in a game and I would leave it in a better place than when I entered it,” Parker said on Instagram. “Even though the competitor in me always wants one more thing. “The time has come. My mind and body.” I knew it, but I had to give my mind time to accept it. ”

The 38-year-old missed last season with a foot injury. She wanted to return to the Las Vegas Aces next year and aim for another title.

“This offseason was not fun with my uncoordinated foot. It's not fun to play through pain (10 surgeries in my career) and it's not fun to see what I'm capable of doing, hopefully. ..'It's not fun to hear what she says.' Even if you understand why “it's not the same,'' it's not fun to accept the fact that you need another surgery. ”

Parker played his first 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, becoming the first player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season in 2008. She was named MVP again in 2013. She won the title with Sparks. chicago sky And that Las Vegas Aces. She is the only player in league history to win championships with three teams.

Parker played under renowned college coach Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee, where he won two NCAA titles. As a freshman in 2006, Parker became the first woman to slam dunk in an NCAA Tournament game.

She helped Team USA win olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.

Sports journalist Jemele Hill said: “Your place in sports history has been cemented.” “We will miss seeing you on the court, but what you have done for the game is a big reason why the game is as healthy as it is.”

Shortly after Parker announced, the Las Vegas Aces I posted a memorial video For WNBA stars.

It's an honor to play against you.
I'm glad I got to wear the Ace uniform.
And most of all, I'm happy to be able to witness your greatness.

“There's only one Candace Parker. One of a kind.” — Becky Hammon

Thank you, Candy𝗮𝗰𝗲. pic.twitter.com/Ck0p3imLJM

— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) April 28, 2024

Parker has said he would like to continue working in broadcasting and one day own both an NBA and WNBA team.

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Candice Parker #3 of the Las Vegas Aces pictured at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 1, 2023 in Las Vegas. Parker announced his retirement on Sunday.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

hide caption

toggle caption

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Candice Parker #3 of the Las Vegas Aces pictured at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 1, 2023 in Las Vegas. Parker announced his retirement on Sunday.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

candice parker She is a three-time WNBA champion, two-time league MVP, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. retire from basketball After 16 seasons. in post “I promised myself I would never cheat in a game and I would leave it in a better place than when I entered it,” Parker said on Instagram. “Even though the competitor in me always wants one more thing. “The time has come. My mind and body.” I knew it, but I had to give my mind time to accept it. ” The 38-year-old missed last season with a foot injury. She wanted to return to the Las Vegas Aces next year and aim for another title.

“This offseason was not fun with my uncoordinated foot. It's not fun to play through pain (10 surgeries in my career) and it's not fun to see what I'm capable of doing, hopefully. ..'It's not fun to hear what she says.' Even if you understand why “it's not the same,'' it's not fun to accept the fact that you need another surgery. ”

Parker played his first 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, becoming the first player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season in 2008. She was named MVP again in 2013. She won the title with Sparks. chicago sky And that Las Vegas Aces. She is the only player in league history to win championships with three teams. Parker played under renowned college coach Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee, where he won two NCAA titles. As a freshman in 2006, Parker became the first woman to slam dunk in an NCAA Tournament game. She helped Team USA win olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics. Sports journalist Jemele Hill said: “Your place in sports history has been cemented.” “We will miss seeing you on the court, but what you have done for the game is a big reason why the game is as healthy as it is.”

Shortly after Parker announced, the Las Vegas Aces I posted a memorial video For WNBA stars.
It's an honor to play against you.I'm glad I got to wear the Ace uniform.And most of all, I'm happy to be able to witness your greatness.”There's only one Candace Parker. One of a kind.” — Becky HammonThank you, Candy𝗮𝗰𝗲. pic.twitter.com/Ck0p3imLJM— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) April 28, 2024

Parker has said he would like to continue working in broadcasting and one day own both an NBA and WNBA team.

https://npr.org/2024/04/28/1247721414/candace-parker-wnba-retires-basketball Three-time WNBA, two-time Olympic champion Candace Parker announces retirement: NPR