Candace Parker

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Candace Parker's resume is a testament to unparalleled success in women's basketball. She is the only player to win three different championships with three different franchises, a feat that underscores her adaptability and leadership. Her recognition as the first player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season highlights her immediate impact on the league. Being inducted into both the Naismith and Women's Basketball Halls of Fame in the same year cements her status as a generational talent.Her influence extends to international competition where she secured four gold medals across two Olympics and two World Cups. Her college career at Tennessee set new standards for dominance, including back-to-back national championships and historic dunking feats. These achievements collectively define her as one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport.

AwardsCandace Parker has accumulated an impressive list of accolades throughout her illustrious career. She is a three-time WNBA Champion and two-time Finals MVP. Her individual honors include two WNBA MVP awards, a Rookie of the Year award, and an All-Star Game MVP. Internationally, she has secured two Olympic gold medals and two FIBA World Cup titles. She was also a two-time consensus National Player of the Year in college.

Honours & Distinctions

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame·2026

Inducted into the Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to basketball.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame·2026

Inducted for her pioneering role and excellence in women's basketball.

USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year

USA Basketball·2010

Recognized as the top female athlete representing the United States.

Key to the City of St. Louis

City of St. Louis·2008

Awarded for her achievements and contributions to the city.

Rankings & Lists

The 50 Greatest WNBA Players of All Time

ESPN·2020

Greatest Female Basketball Player of the 21st Century

Bleacher Report·2020

#100

100 Most Influential People in the World

TIME Magazine·2013

Magazine Covers

Sports Illustrated

2008-06-01

The New Face of Women's Basketball

Vogue

2016-09-01

Influential Women in Sports

Essence

2015-03-01

Style and Substance

Records & Feats

First Player to Win Rookie of the Year and MVP in Same Season

Career Milestone·2008

Candace Parker is the only player in WNBA history to achieve this double in her debut season.

Three Championships with Three Different Teams

Career Milestone·2023

She is the only player to win WNBA championships with the Sparks, Sky, and Aces.

First Woman to Dunk in NCAA Tournament Game

Historic First·2005

Achieved this feat in 2005, breaking barriers for female players.

Most Consecutive NCAA Championships as Final Four MOP

College Record·2008

Won the award in both 2007 and 2008 while leading Tennessee to back-to-back titles.