Candace Parker is simply one of theist celebrated women’s basketball players of all time setting high school, college, Olympic and pro records. Originally competing in soccer rather than joining her two brothers in basketball Candace rebuked basketball at first. By the time she was 15 years old she was the only girl dinking in Illinois basketball ,leading her team to multiple titles. She did not totally grasp the rarity as she had been instilled that women should be treated equally. Her brother advised her “go to the school that is the best for what you want to do in your life”. Of course Candace wanted to be educated but she clearly and unequivocally wanted to play basketball. It was Pat Summit and the Tennessee Lady Vols who succeeded in recruiting her. With an ACL tear she learned quickly she had to overcome the notion that If we don’t plan for something then it’s just not fair. Instead she asked what she could do about it and through short and long term goals she succeeded not only with this but with future injuries. Candace identifies what makes her a champion athlete: passion, basketball and dedication to the preparation, which results in a win months later. She admits that her stubbornness serves her both poorly and positively .

Candace describes Coach Summit as a leader, mentor, second mother, coach and educator who, at every turn, backed up her words. She describes her coaches: Pat Summit as passionately hard worker; Anne Donovan as a mentor for her young self in the Olympics; Geno Auriemma as master of creative offenses; Carol Ross and her focus on defense and transition game, and Brian Aglar bringing a winning mentality to the LA Sparks.

Candace was drafted number #1 by the LA Sparks played for 13 years until this spring when in free agency she left for Chicago Sky to “go home”. During her Olympic and pro career she recalls Maya Moore as ultimate competitor; Sue Bird with the highest basketball IQ; Diane Taurasi with skills and IQ, and Simone Augustus who Candace would say is the toughest player she ever played against .

Candace sees sports as a complete metaphor for life; the lessons of team sports; the fight for equality; forgiveness; recovering after a loss, to name a few. Candace loves training, playing and watching basketball and when that career is done she may go on to what she calls a second best job and that would be broadcasting basketball.

A co-production with the Collegiate Women's Sports Awards

Host: Chris Voelz

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