Candace Parker Wife: WNBA Future Hinges On Uncertain ‘Big If’

Candace Nicole Parker, known by the moniker “Ace,” is an esteemed American professional basketball athlete currently playing for the Las Vegas Aces in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Recognized as one of the premier players in WNBA history, she was chosen as the top pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.

Demonstrating versatility on the court, Parker primarily occupies the forward and center positions. During her high school years, she clinched the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year accolade in both 2003 and 2004, making her the sole woman and only the second junior ever to achieve this honor twice.

Transitioning to the topic of Candace Parker’s wife, many individuals are keen to learn more about this aspect of her life. In the following sections, we will delve into details about Candace Parker’s marriage, including the timeline of when they tied the knot. Additionally, we will explore Candace Parker’s recent statements regarding her potential return to the court for another WNBA season, emphasizing the significant uncertainty surrounding this decision.

Candace Parker Wife: Secretly Tied The Knot In 2019

Candace Parker is wed to Anna Petrakova, with their union taking place in 2019. In 2022, the couple welcomed a son named Airr Larry Petrakov-Parker. Parker, a WNBA player since 2008, boasts two championships, two league MVP titles, and seven All-Star appearances.

Anna Petrakova, Parker’s spouse, is a Russian professional basketball player who has been active in the Russian league since 2011, consistently playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg since 2015. The couple was teammates during the 2015 season.

Prior to her marriage with Petrakova, Parker was previously married to ex-NBA player Shelden Williams in 2008, resulting in the birth of their daughter, Lailaa, in 2009. The couple separated in 2016 due to “irreconcilable differences.”

The announcement of Parker’s marriage to Petrakova was delayed by two years, with the revelation and the news of their impending child shared publicly on December 14, 2021. In an interview with Time, Parker attributed her openness about her marriage to her daughter, stating that she was the motivation behind sharing personal details.

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According to Parker, the bond with Petrakova evolved during their time as teammates in Russia in 2015, taking three years for them to acknowledge their love for each other.

Candace Parker’s WNBA Return Hinges On Health

In two separate interviews on Thursday, November 9, 2023, Candace Parker hinted that her future in the WNBA remains uncertain. The 37-year-old, who missed the latter half of the 2023 season with the Las Vegas Aces due to a foot fracture requiring surgery in June, contemplated her return to the court.

Despite joining the Aces in January with two championships under her belt, Parker opted to watch the team secure its third championship from the sidelines last month, providing mentorship. During discussions about a potential comeback while promoting a documentary about her life, the two-time MVP emphasized that her decision hinges on her health: “I’ll weigh my options.

If I feel really, really good, then I’ll play,” she conveyed to The Associated Press on Thursday, underscoring the importance of ensuring her foot is in optimal condition. Parker’s foot issues last year, initially undetected until an MRI revealed an “89% fractured” foot, led her to spend over two months on a scooter.

Considering the potential long-term consequences, Parker, a mother of two, expressed reluctance to risk a lifetime of discomfort associated with physical activity.

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Beyond basketball, she also mentioned her love for playing beach volleyball, a passion she might have to forego if she chooses to play another season and risks sustaining a lingering injury.