One of the most decorated, and well respected WNBA players is officially calling time on her career and stepping away from the game following a legendary professional run.
38 year old Candace Parker announced via social media that she would be retiring ahead of the 2024 WNBA campaign. The all-world player ultimately goes out on top after her Las Vegas Aces won the title last season. However her campaign was ultimately cut short after undergoing foot surgery in July.
“I’m retiring,” Parker wrote on Instagram.
“I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. 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.”
“I always wanted to walk off the court with no parade or tour, just privately with the ones I love. What now was to be my last game, I walked off the court with my daughter. I ended the journey just as I started it, with her.”
“This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating. It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it’s no fun knowing what you could do, if only…it’s no fun hearing “she isn’t the same” when I know why, it’s no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN.”
“I fell in love with a little orange ball at 13 years old and BECAUSE of it my world goes ‘round. The highs are unmatched & the lows taught me lessons. On & off the court I’m proud I’ve always been true & stayed true to ME, even when it wasn’t popular.”
“I’m grateful that for 16 years I PLAYED A GAME for a living & DESPITE all the injuries, I hooped. I’m grateful for family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, trainers & fans who made this journey so special.”
“In the mean time, know IM A BUSINESS, man, not a businessman. This is the beginning…I’m attacking business, private equity, ownership (I will own both a NBA & WNBA team), broadcasting, production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, dominoes (sorry babe it’s going to get more real) with the same intensity & focus I did basketball.”
“My mission in life, like Pat Summitt always said, is to “chase people and passions and you will never fail.” Being a wife & mom still remains priority #1 & I’ve learned that time flies, so I plan to enjoy my family to the fullest!”
“Today’s players: ENJOY IT.”
“No matter how you prepare for it, you won’t be ready for the gap it leaves in your soul. Forgive me as I mourn a bit, but I’ll be back loving the game differently in a while.”
Parker’s contributions to the women’s game are nearly unrivalled, and he impact will continue to be felt throughout the collegiate and professional landscape for years to come.
Candace Parker career WNBA stats
- Career averages: 16.0pts/1.5blk/4ast/1.3stl/8.5reb
- 6,574 points (9th most all-time)
- 3,467 rebounds (3rd most all-time)
- 610 rebounds in playoffs (most all-time)
- 117 blocks in playoffs (2nd most all-time)
- 108 steals in playoffs (2nd most all-time)
Candace Parker career accolades
- 2x NCAA champion (2007, 2008)
- NCAA Tournament MOP x2 (2007, 2008)
- No. 1 overall pick in 2008 WNBA Draft
- 3x WNBA champion (2016, 2021, 2023)
- 2x WNBA MVP (2008 and 2013)
- WNBA Finals MVP (2016)
- WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020)
- WNBA Rookie of the Year (2008)
- 7x WNBA All-Star (2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022)
- WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2013)
Photo: Lorie Shaull. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.