Candace Parker’s parents are Sara Parker and Larry Parker. Candace Parker, a renowned former professional basketball player, was born to Sara and Larry Parker. Her parents played a significant role in her development as an athlete. Larry, a former basketball player himself, coached Candace from a young age, instilling in her the fundamentals of the game and a strong work ethic. Sara provided emotional support and guidance, helping Candace navigate the challenges of balancing sports and personal life.
Personal Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Candace Nicole Parker |
| Nickname | Ace |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1986 |
| Age as of 2024 | 38 years old |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Hometown | Naperville, Illinois, USA |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Parents Name | Sara Parker, Larry Parker |
| Father Name | Larry Parker |
| Mother Name | Sara Parker |
| Net Worth 2024 | $5 million |
| Sister/Brother | Anthony Parker, Marcus Parker |
| Wife/Husband | Anna Petrakova |
Who is Candace Parker?
Candace Parker is a former professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the WNBA. She was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft and has won multiple championships and MVP awards. Parker is also known for her versatility on the court, playing both forward and center positions. Off the court, she is a mother, a broadcaster, and an advocate for various social causes.
Candace Parker Parents
Mother: Sara Parker
Sara Parker has been a pillar of support for Candace throughout her life. She played a crucial role in encouraging Candace to pursue her passion for basketball. Sara’s guidance was instrumental in helping Candace balance her athletic career with her personal life, especially after the birth of her daughter. Sara’s nurturing and supportive nature helped Candace navigate the challenges of being a professional athlete and a mother.
Father: Larry Parker
Larry Parker, a former basketball player at the University of Iowa, was Candace’s first coach. He instilled in her the fundamentals of the game and a strong work ethic. Larry’s coaching style was demanding, pushing Candace to reach her full potential. His experience and knowledge of the game were invaluable in shaping Candace into the versatile and skilled player she became. Larry’s influence extended beyond the court, teaching Candace important life lessons about discipline and perseverance.
Candace Parker’s Personal Life
Age
Candace Parker was born on April 19, 1986, making her 38 years old as of 2024.
Height
Candace Parker stands 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall, a height that has contributed to her dominance on the basketball court.
Family
Candace comes from a close-knit family. She has two older brothers, Anthony and Marcus Parker, and is the daughter of Sara and Larry Parker.
Husband
Candace Parker is married to Anna Petrakova, a former professional basketball player from Russia. The couple married in December 2019.
Daughter
Candace has a daughter named Lailaa Nicole Williams, born on May 13, 2009, from her previous marriage to Shelden Williams.
Brother
Candace’s older brother, Anthony Parker, is a former NBA player. Her other brother, Marcus Parker, also played basketball.
Nationality
Candace Parker is American, born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Naperville, Illinois.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Candace Parker’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million, accumulated through her successful basketball career and endorsements.
Candace Parker is active on Instagram, where she shares updates about her professional and personal life with her followers.
Candace Parker Education
Candace Parker attended Naperville Central High School in Illinois, where she led her basketball team to state championships. She then attended the University of Tennessee, where she played for the Lady Vols under Coach Pat Summitt. Parker graduated in 2008 with a degree in sports management, having led her team to two NCAA championships.
Candace Parker Career
Candace Parker’s professional career began when she was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. She won multiple championships and MVP awards, becoming one of the most decorated players in WNBA history. Parker also had a successful international career, winning two Olympic gold medals. Off the court, she has worked as a broadcaster and advocate for social causes.
FAQs: Candace Parker’s Parents
Who are Candace Parker’s parents?
Candace Parker’s parents are Sara Parker and Larry Parker. Larry is a former basketball player who coached Candace, while Sara provided emotional support and guidance.
What role did Candace Parker’s parents play in her career?
Larry Parker coached Candace from a young age, instilling in her the fundamentals of basketball and a strong work ethic. Sara Parker supported Candace emotionally and helped her balance her athletic career with her personal life.
How did Larry Parker influence Candace’s basketball career?
Larry Parker’s demanding coaching style pushed Candace to reach her full potential. His experience and knowledge of the game were invaluable in shaping her into a versatile and skilled player.
What support did Sara Parker provide to Candace?
Sara Parker encouraged Candace to pursue her passion for basketball and provided emotional support, especially during challenging times such as recovering from injuries and balancing motherhood with her career.
Did Candace Parker’s parents have a sports background?
Yes, Larry Parker played basketball at the University of Iowa, and his experience greatly influenced Candace’s development as a player.
Conclusion
Candace Parker’s parents, Sara and Larry Parker, played pivotal roles in her development as an athlete and individual. Larry’s coaching and Sara’s emotional support helped Candace navigate the challenges of a professional basketball career while maintaining a balanced personal life. Their influence and guidance were instrumental in shaping Candace into one of the greatest WNBA players of all time.
