Candace Parker, one of the greatest women’s basketball players ever, announced her retirement on Sunday via social media. The 38-year-old WNBA legend shared an emotional message reflecting on her career and decision to step away from the game.
“I promised I’d never cheat the game, and that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it,” Parker wrote on 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 on the court was in July 2023, before she underwent surgery to repair a foot fracture. Despite re-signing with the team, she revealed that her foot injury is not healing as hoped.
“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 expressed in her heartfelt post.
Throughout her illustrious career, Parker has been a trailblazer in women’s basketball, earning two WNBA MVP awards and inspiring countless fans around the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
