In a heartfelt announcement on Sunday, Candace Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP and one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time, revealed her retirement at the age of 38.
\"I promised I'd never cheat the game, and that I'd leave it in a better place than I came into it,\" Parker shared on her Instagram. \"The competitor in me always wants one more, but it's time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.\"
Parker joined the Las Vegas Aces in February 2023 on a one-year contract. Her last appearance in an official game was in July 2023, before she underwent surgery to address a foot fracture. Despite re-signing with the Aces, Parker disclosed that her foot \"isn't cooperating,\" leading to her difficult decision to retire.
\"It's no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career); it's no fun knowing what you could do, if only…it's no fun hearing 'she isn't the same' when I know why, it's no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN,\" Parker wrote in her post.
Parker's retirement marks the end of an illustrious career filled with numerous accolades, inspiring countless young athletes around the world. Her dedication and resilience both on and off the court have left an indelible mark on the sport and its global community.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com