On Sunday, women's basketball star Candace Parker announced her retirement following 16 remarkable professional seasons in the WNBA and overseas.
Unsurprisingly, many throughout the basketball world took to social media to pay tribute to a player who left an indelible mark on the game.
Leaving the game better than she found it.
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 28, 2024
Thank you, @Candace_Parker for all you’ve done for basketball and congrats on a legendary career pic.twitter.com/vaK2Z0GKJA
Several current and former WNBA players weighed in, including Aliyah Boston, the reigning Rookie of the Year, and Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings. Meanwhile, others, like Breanna Stewart, were shocked by the news.
My GOAT such an incredible career and glad I was able to get the experience of playing against you!! Thank you for being the ultimate role model @Candace_Parker pic.twitter.com/hXiNpOqAi1
— Aliyah A. Boston (@aa_boston) April 28, 2024
On to the next lil Sis @Candace_Parker … Have loved watching and being by your side from the beginning @ladyvol_hoops ➡️ @la_sparks ➡️ @chicagosky ➡️ @lvaces and everywhere in between.
— Tamika Catchings (@Catchin24) April 28, 2024
The best is yet to come!!! ❤️ Welcome to the dark side Love ya fatty!!! ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/ntjYUK7p5R
Breanna Stewart reacts to the news of Candace Parker’s retirement announcement. pic.twitter.com/VqRkBA9ozJ
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) April 28, 2024
Likewise, those from the NBA also shared their well-wishes with Parker.
My GOAT @Candace_Parker
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 28, 2024
Enjoy your retirement! Your impact on the game will last forever pic.twitter.com/CqHAnDzVIy
From teens with hoop dreams to legends ! Congrats on a legendary career @Candace_Parker pic.twitter.com/xoJb2bjKFM
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) April 28, 2024
The Best to ever do it, let it be known @Candace_Parker legendary career! https://t.co/QbxbybTSTB
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) April 28, 2024
Parker began to make her mark on the game as a star in high school before moving on to Tennessee, where she became the first women's player to have her college commitment announcement broadcasted on live television.
She'd go on to have a storied career with the Volunteers. Parker broke down barriers by earning the distinction as the first player to dunk in a women's NCAA tournament game and won a lot of people.
Over three seasons at Tennessee, she led the program to two National Championships (2007 and 2008), earning the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award in both seasons.
She continued to thrive in the WNBA. During a remarkable 16-year career with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces, she was an All-Star seven times, won three WNBA titles and was named league MVP twice.
Meanwhile, she also made an impact at the international level, winning multiple titles while playing in the EuroLeague (2013) and Russian National League (2011-15) while also being a member of two U.S. Olympic gold-medal teams.
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