The Sparks will honor Candace Parker by retiring her No. 3 jersey during halftime of Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Sky at Crypto.com Arena, celebrating their all-time assist leader who brought them their latest WNBA title. “To have my jersey displayed in the rafters alongside other legends is an incredible honor,” Candace Parker stated in a press release on March 27, when the Sparks announced the retirement. “This moment signifies much more than just me — it’s about my family, my teammates, and the unwavering support I’ve received from the LA Sparks organization and our fans.
“I owe a great deal to my parents, who have always believed in me, to my brothers, who continue to be my heroes, and to my wife and children, who motivate me each day. The Staples Center was Lailaa’s [her daughter] playground as she grew up.
Candace Parker’s incredible journey in basketball inspires many, and her story continues to resonate with fans around the world.
“Keeping the record for assists serves as a reminder that basketball transcends individual achievements — it’s about uplifting others and being part of something greater than oneself. This jersey symbolizes all the experiences, connections, and love that have brought me to this point.” The Sparks emphasized that the ceremony will commemorate Candace Parker’s “significant impact on the franchise, the WNBA, and the sport of basketball.” She will be surrounded by teammates, coaches, and special guests as a video montage plays, showcasing her most memorable moments from her 13 seasons with the Sparks.
Additionally, the event will spotlight Candace Parker’s book, “The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart and Fight for Your Passions,” which details how she transformed her childhood nickname, Can-Do, into a guiding principle that enabled her to overcome tremendous physical and mental challenges while embracing her vulnerability. Candace Parker’s jersey will be the third retired by the franchise, which began in 1997, following the No. 9 of Lisa Leslie and the No. 11 of Penny Toler.
Candace Parker: Journey from elite prospect to WNBA champion across three teams
In 2000, the AAU circuit began to buzz with the arrival of a 13-year-old prodigy from Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Generational. Unstoppable. Impressive. Arguably the finest women’s basketball talent ever known. Candace Parker’s name echoed far beyond her local community.
Throughout her career, Candace Parker has set numerous records and inspired countless young athletes.
News of her extraordinary skills reached every top college basketball program across the nation — from Durham, North Carolina, to College Park, Maryland, and Knoxville, Tennessee — each eager to secure her exceptional abilities. Very few had a real shot at landing her. “I had never witnessed a player with her level of talent at such a young age,” recalled Nikki Fargas, who was then an assistant coach at Tennessee. “Observing her play at that age was remarkable. … She was simply undeniable, and her impact was significant.”
Long before Parker’s remarkable professional journey and the retirement of her Sparks jersey on Sunday — which includes three championships, two MVP awards, rookie of the year, defensive player of the year, Finals MVP, two Olympic gold medals, seven All-Star appearances, and 10 All-WNBA honors — she was known simply as “Ace,” a teenager with a bobbed haircut and a sweatband, about to graduate.
Candace Parker’s achievements speak volumes about her dedication and skill in the sport.
Fargas, a national champion under the iconic coach Pat Summitt, took on the role of Tennessee’s recruiting director in 2003, eager to make an impact with her inaugural class. The instant she witnessed Parker play in person, she knew without a doubt: Parker was destined to be a Lady Vol. By the time her senior year rolled around, Parker had developed into a 6-foot-4 national player of the year and a state champion.
Fargas was present at every game Parker played at Naperville Central High, traveling almost 1,100 miles round trip. She occupied a seat in the Redhawks’ gym bleachers, proudly wearing Tennessee orange and making her intentions known, frequently accompanied by Summitt. Fargas delivered her ultimate message with clarity: under Summitt’s guidance, Parker had the potential to become the greatest.
As a player, Candace Parker’s influence extends beyond the court, making her a role model for many.
