Candace Parker Bio: Wife, Age, Parents, Net Worth, Husband, Height, College, Height, Kids

Biography

Candace Nicole Parker, known as “Ace,” is a talented American professional basketball player who has been celebrated for her outstanding contributions to women’s basketball.

Born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, Parker rose to prominence during her college career at the University of Tennessee. She led the Lady Volunteers to consecutive NCAA Championships in 2007 and 2008, and in 2008, she was honoured as the NCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year.

Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, Parker‘s WNBA career has been remarkable, featuring multiple All-Star selections, MVP awards, and WNBA Championships. Renowned for her versatility, she excels in both forward positions and is famous for her no-look passes and 360-degree windmill dunk, which she showcased in the 2008 All-Star Game.

Off the court, Parker has made a significant impact as a broadcaster and advocate for women’s sports, serving as a role model for young athletes. She has also played overseas and has been a key player for the U.S. women’s national basketball team, winning Olympic gold medals.

Candace Parker
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Candace Nicole Parker
Stage Name:	Candace Parker, Ace
Born:	19 April 1986 (age 38 years old)
Place of Birth:	St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Naperville Central High School, University of Tennessee
Height:	1.93 m
Parents:	Sara Parker, Larry Parker
Siblings:	Anthony Parker, Marcus Parker
Spouse:	Anna Petrakova (m. 2019), Shelden Williams (m. 2008–2016)
Boyfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Lailaa Nicole Williams, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker
Occupation:	Basketball Player
Net Worth:	$5 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Candace Parker was born in a basketball-oriented family on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her father, Larry Parker, played at the University of Iowa, and her older brother, Anthony Parker, had a notable career in the NBA and overseas. Of African American descent, Candace has occasionally spoken about her faith and values, hinting at a Christian background, although specific details about her religious beliefs aren’t widely publicized.

Raised primarily in Naperville, Illinois, Parker was introduced to basketball by her father, who began coaching her at age six. Initially hesitant due to the expectations that came with her family’s athletic success, she eventually embraced the sport and displayed her talent early on. Her mother, Sara Parker, was a homemaker and had a brother named Marcus Parker.

At Naperville Central High School, Parker‘s basketball career became legendary. She won the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award twice, in 2003 and 2004, becoming the first woman to achieve this honour twice. She also made headlines by winning the slam dunk contest at the 2004 McDonald’s All-American Game, besting several future NBA stars.

Parker attended the University of Tennessee, where she played under the iconic coach Pat Summitt. Her college career was marked by her leading the Tennessee Lady Volunteers to consecutive NCAA Championships in 2007 and 2008. During her time there, she earned the title of NCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year in 2008, solidifying her place as one of the top players in women’s basketball.

Career

Candace Parker‘s professional basketball career is defined by outstanding achievements, leadership, and versatility. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, she made an immediate impact, averaging 19.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in her rookie season. She earned both Rookie of the Year honours and a spot on the All-WNBA First Team.

She led the Sparks to the WNBA Championship in 2016, where she was named Finals MVP. She also won league MVP awards in 2008 and 2013, solidifying her status as one of the league’s top players. Parker‘s ability to excel at both forward positions, combined with her passing and scoring, has made her a standout in multiple WNBA All-Star games.

In 2019, Parker became the first WNBA player to record a quadruple-double, posting 11 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals in a single game. Like many WNBA stars, she played overseas during the off-season, notably with UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia, further honing her skills. On the international stage, Parker was a key contributor to Team USA, winning gold medals at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics, as well as FIBA World Championship titles.

After retiring from playing, Parker transitioned to a successful career in broadcasting, joining ESPN as an analyst. Her deep knowledge and passion for the game made her a fan favorite. Beyond the court, Parker has become a role model, advocating for women’s basketball and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Known for her creativity and skill, including her signature no-look passes and 360-degree windmill dunks, she has brought excitement and flair to the game, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

Social Media

• Instagram: Candace Parker (@candaceparker)
• Twitter: Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) / X
• WNBA: Candace Parker
• Facebook: Candace Parker

Personal Life

Candace Parker was first married to Shelden Williams, a former NBA player, in 2008, but they divorced in 2016. Following her divorce, Parker married Anna Petrakova, a former Russian basketball player, in December 2019. Their relationship was initially kept private, with Parker revealing their marriage and Petrakova’s pregnancy in December 2021.

From her marriage to Shelden Williams, Parker has a daughter named Lailaa Nicole Williams, born in 2010. With Anna Petrakova, they have two sons, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, born in February 2022, and Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, born in May 2024.

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), Parker‘s height has been both an advantage in her basketball career and a notable aspect of her public persona.

Net Worth

Candace Parker, a trailblazer in women’s basketball, has built significant wealth through her professional career, endorsements, and strategic investments. Her net worth is estimated to exceed $5 million. While her WNBA salary, including a $100,000 contract with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, was below the league’s maximum salary cap, Parker‘s decision to take a lower salary was driven by team fit and strategy.

Parker‘s income, however, goes far beyond her WNBA earnings. She has secured lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas, Gatorade, and Capital One, which significantly bolster her net worth. Her off-court earnings from endorsements have historically been more than double her WNBA salary, reflecting her strong marketability and influence in both the sports and advertising industries.

Beyond endorsements, Parker has ventured into business and media. She co-owns the NWSL team Angel City FC and has established a successful career in broadcasting. Her retirement in 2024 highlighted her transition to new roles, including broadcasting and potential WNBA team ownership, signalling a strategic approach to long-term investments and expanding her career beyond basketball.