Parker continues to make moves on and off the court

Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks) playing against the Minnesota Lynx

Candace Parker is a former Tennessee Lady Vol Women's Basketball player who is soaring in her WNBA Professional Basketball Career, currently playing for the Los Angeles Sparks. Parker is known for many accomplishments since her college basketball career. Parker is a two-time NCAA champion at the University of Tennessee, 2016 WNBA champion and Finals MVP. Parker an elite athlete who manages her busy life on and off the court. In the offseason, Parker works as a studio analyst for NBA games, which premiere on both TNT and NBA TV. Not only is Parker amazing at putting the ball in the hoop and playing strong defense, she has the ability to maintain her WNBA superstar image and business ventures while maintain life balance as a mother.

As Parker continues to show the world her talents and skills, her top-tier skills are her being a Mother daily. Parker and her now 11 year old daughter, Lailaa Williams, were known as the

Parker (TeamUSA) & Lailaa (Age 3)

“Package Deal” when they both arrived for the first day of training camp. Parker shares, "'It's really fun when you're able to share your passion with your kids and for her to be old enough now to really, really remember,' Parker said, grinning. “And now it's my responsibility — she's watching everything I do.'"

Due to COVID-19, this 2020 WNBA season was different than most. The players all reported to the WNBA "Wubble" in Bradenton, Florida. The players stayed in the Wubble during the entire season to remain protected from the Coronavirus. Each player was closely monitored every day The WNBA league allowed players with children to join them. Parker was extremely excited that her daughter Lailaa would be safe by her side. In a "normal" WNBA season, players would travel weekly across various states to play different team and rarely was able to spend with their family. Now, Lailaa gets to sit in front row at the Wubble and watch her Mom play the game they both love.

WNBA Players of Color make up 88% of the League

Parker showed courageous actions this season by supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement. Parker states, "But just as hard as we push our bodies and minds on the court, we must push just as hard for change in society," Parker says in the video. "There is no offseason in the pursuit of justice." Parker also brought awareness to the WNBA league and demanded more women leadership and more African Americans involved. Parker mentioned, “"For a league that's 80% women of color with zero African American coaches, I don't know if it's a coincidence.” Parker also talks about how actions speak louder than words: "I think we're a league that does get out in the community and talks about social justice reform and speaks about and posts during Pride Month and Green Week. At the end of the day, we need to back it up with actions." Tamryn Spruill's Article mentions more information about the absentee of People of Color being involved Head Coaches.

In Parker's 13th WBNA season, she has faced many obstacles since last season. With Parker’s full schedule of being a parent, teammate, leader and analyst, she was still able to be named Defensive Player of the Year for the 2020 WNBA season and the first time by 5 votes.

Candance Parker earned the WNBA's 2020 Defensive Player Of the Year

Parker’s defense was overall impressive with a high of 8.0 defensive rebounds, 1.23 blocked shots, and topped it off with 1.18 steals in 22 games. Not only was Parker’s defense a game changer for the Los Angeles Sparks, but she put up great offensive numbers as well. Parker averaged 14.7 points, lead the league with 9.7 rebound and 4.6 assist. Parker shot 51% from the field with an addition of 39.6% from the three-point range.

As an athlete playing any sport, what moves have you accomplished on and off your court?