Apr 28, 2024, 2:11 p.m. ET
Women’s basketball legend Candace Parker announced her retirement on social media on Sunday.
“I promised I would never cheat in the game and that I would leave it in a better place than where I came in,” Parker posted on Instagram. “The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time. My HEART and my body knew it, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.”
Parker was sidelined with a foot injury for most of the 2023 campaign, his first with the Las Vegas Aces. He appeared in his last game on July 7.
“This offseason has not been fun for an uncooperative foot,” Parker posted. “It’s not fun to play with pain (10 surgeries in my career), it’s not fun to know what you can do, if only…it’s not fun to hear “she’s not the same” when I know why, it’s not fun accept the fact that you need surgery AGAIN.”
Parker, 38, is one of the most decorated athletes in the sport, winning two NCAA titles at Tennessee in 2007 and 2008 before being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft. She won championships with Los Angeles Sparks (2016, Finals MVP), his hometown Chicago Sky (2021) and the Aces (2023). She is also a two-time league MVP (2008, 2013), seven-time WNBA All-Star, league Defensive Player of the Year (2020) and two-time Olympian (2008, 2012).
“I’m grateful I PLAYED A GAME for a living for 16 years and DESPITE all the injuries, I played basketball,” Parker posted. “I am grateful for my family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, trainers and fans who made this trip so special.”
