On a quiet Sunday afternoon, Candace Parker made a announcement heard around the sports stating that she was going to walk away from the game of basketball.
BREAKING: CANDACE PARKER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT pic.twitter.com/S3ueqgObkL
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) April 28, 2024
“I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. … I always wanted to walk off the court with no parade or tour, just privately with the ones I love,” she wrote. “What now was to be my last game, I walked off the court with my daughter. I ended the journey just as I started it, with her.”
“The memories Candace Parker created for a generation of women’s basketball fans will remain ingrained in our collective conscience forever, but she has given so much more to the game beyond her accolades and statistics,” The Aces said in a statement. “As a teammate and mentor, a mother and wife, a baller, broadcaster, and businesswoman she has inspired countless young people, both boys and girls, to chase and achieve their dreams.”
Here’s some reactions from the sports world about Parker’s retirement.
From teens with hoop dreams to legends ! Congrats on a legendary career @Candace_Parker pic.twitter.com/xoJb2bjKFM
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) April 28, 2024
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
One of the greatest to ever take the court
A look back at @Candace_Parker’s rookie season when she became the first and ONLY #WNBA player to win Rookie of the Year & MVP in the same season. pic.twitter.com/1WsTjEjQgU
— WNBA (@WNBA) 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
.@Candace_Parker, one of the best to ever play in the WNBA, has announced her retirement after 16 seasons.
Her incredible list of accomplishments includes:
2x MVP
7x All-Star
3 WNBA Championships
2 Olympic gold medalsCongratulations on a brilliant career, Candace. Looking… https://t.co/F4FJH5wCco
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) April 28, 2024
Congrats on a legendary career
Enjoy retirement, @Candace_Parker! pic.twitter.com/JLNVt5uf7t
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 28, 2024
1 of 1.
An icon.
A journey we'll never forget.@Candace_Parker x #ItJustMeansMore pic.twitter.com/GL7s6PtLYo
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) April 28, 2024
Forever a piece of LA's legacy.
Congrats on your retirement, @Candace_Parker!
Thank you for your contributions to the Sparks & the game of basketball. pic.twitter.com/QlnRgbDDXI
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) April 28, 2024
My GOAT @Candace_Parker
Enjoy your retirement! Your impact on the game will last forever pic.twitter.com/CqHAnDzVIy
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 28, 2024
A person who I love and respect, a champion both at the collegiate and professional level, is retiring from the game – @Candace_Parker!
You said that you wanted to leave the game better than when you entered it – and your time at Tennessee, and 16 years in the league, have been… pic.twitter.com/8ZWXB87Q0M
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 28, 2024
From Chicago to Rocky Top and beyond. Greatness at every stop.
Congratulations on a legendary career, @Candace_Parker. pic.twitter.com/hiXYSpzlXS
— Lady Vols Basketball (@LadyVol_Hoops) April 28, 2024
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