Candace Parker, three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic champion, says she will retire : NPR

Candace Parker #3 of the Las Vegas Aces is pictured at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 1, 2023 in Las Vegas. Parker announced his retirement on Sunday.

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Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Candace Parker #3 of the Las Vegas Aces is pictured at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 1, 2023 in Las Vegas. Parker announced his retirement on Sunday.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Candace Parker – three-time WNBA champion, two-time league MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist – announced her retired from basketball after 16 seasons.

in one parcel on Instagram, Parker said: “I promised I would never cheat in the game and I would leave it in a better place than where I was in. The competitor in me always wanted 1 more thing, but It’s time. My HEART and body know, but I need to give my mind time to accept it.”

The 38-year-old suffered a foot injury that forced her to sit out last season. She hopes to return to the Las Vegas Aces next year to try to win another title.

“This season is no fun if a leg isn’t cooperating. It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) no fun knowing what you can do, if only…it’s not fun to hear ‘she said ‘it’s not the same’ when I know why, it’s not fun to accept the fact that you need surgery AGAIN.”

Parker played his first 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks – and in 2008, was the first person in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season. She was named MVP again in 2013. She won the title with the Sparks, Chicago sky and Las Vegas Aces. She is the only player in league history to win championships with three teams.

Parker won two NCAA titles while playing for renowned college coach Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee. As a freshman in 2006, Parker became the first woman Slam dunk in an NCAA tournament game.

She helped the American team win Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and at the London Olympics in 2012.

“Your place in sports history has been cemented,” said sports journalist Jemele Hill. “Even though I miss seeing you on the field, what you’ve done for the game is the main reason it’s as healthy as it is.”

Moments after Parker made the announcement, the Las Vegas Aces posted a video of gratitude for the WNBA star.

Parker said she will continue to work in broadcasting and hopes to one day own both an NBA and WNBA team.