Candace Parker Retires from Basketball After Stellar Career

Legendary Lady Vol Announces End of Playing Days

Historic Player Leaves Lasting Legacy

Candace Parker, one of the most decorated basketball players in NCAA and WNBA history, has announced her retirement from the sport. The former Lady Vol and two-time WNBA MVP made the announcement on Sunday after 16 seasons in the league.

Parker entered the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2004 and quickly established herself as a star. She helped lead the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2007 and 2008. During her time in Knoxville, Parker became the first woman in NCAA tournament history to dunk, doing so twice in a game against Delaware in 2006.

After her collegiate career, Parker was selected first overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. She went on to win two WNBA Championships with the Sparks and was named the league's MVP in 2013 and 2016. Parker was also a six-time All-Star and four-time All-WNBA selection.

Internationally, Parker helped lead the United States to two Olympic gold medals and two FIBA World Championships. She was also named the FIBA World Player of the Year in 2008.

Parker's retirement marks the end of a remarkable career that has spanned nearly two decades. She is widely considered one of the greatest female basketball players of all time and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.