In an announcement that sent shockwaves through the world of women’s college basketball, ESPN released the results of its all-time women’s college basketball “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) poll. Topping the prestigious list was none other than Candace Parker, the transcendent forward from the University of Tennessee. Parker’s legacy beat out an elite field that included UConn icon Diana Taurasi, USC legend Cheryl Miller, and trailblazing Kentucky star Lynette Woodard.
For generations, fans and analysts alike have debated who truly reigns supreme in the realm of women’s collegiate hoops. With resumes boasting national championships, Olympic golds, and record-shattering performances, each of the finalists had a compelling case. But after a comprehensive evaluation by a panel of historians, former coaches, media members, and fans, it was Parker who stood tallest.
A Career Etched in Orange and White Brilliance
Candace Parker’s arrival at the University of Tennessee in 2004 was already historic. A McDonald’s All-American and the first woman to win the prestigious slam dunk contest at the event, Parker was seen as a generational talent before she even donned the Volunteers’ uniform. Redshirting her first season due to injury, Parker made her official debut in 2005—and the rest is history.
During her three-year collegiate career (2005–2008), Parker amassed a resume that most players could only dream of. She led the Lady Vols to back-to-back national championships in 2007 and 2008, earning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors both years. Her game combined skill, finesse, and an unprecedented level of athleticism for the women’s game—highlighted by her gravity-defying dunks, silky mid-range jumper, and dominant presence in the paint.
Parker finished her college career with averages of 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. She became the first woman in NCAA history to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game—not once, but twice. She also earned the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2008 and was a two-time Wooden Award winner (2007, 2008).
More than the numbers, Parker symbolized a shift in women’s basketball. Her presence brought a new level of visibility to the sport and set a standard for what was possible. And at the heart of her journey was her coach and mentor, the late, great Pat Summitt.
Summitt and Parker: A Legendary Partnership
The bond between Pat Summitt and Candace Parker was one of mutual respect and unrelenting excellence. Summitt, who had already won six national championships before Parker’s arrival, found in Candace the perfect leader to elevate her program into its final era of dominance.
“She was the most complete player I ever coached,” Summitt once said of Parker. “She made everyone around her better, and she did it with humility, grace, and fire.”
Under Summitt’s guidance, Parker became not only a physical force but also a cerebral one. She learned to command the floor, analyze opponents’ tendencies, and lead by example. Their partnership culminated in two championship banners—raising Tennessee’s title count to eight and cementing the Lady Vols as one of the greatest dynasties in college sports.
Beating Out the Best
What makes Parker’s GOAT status even more impressive is the elite company she surpassed.
Diana Taurasi, known as “the White Mamba,” helped elevate UConn to mythical status. She won three national championships (2002–2004) and was twice named the National Player of the Year. With uncanny clutch shooting, leadership, and charisma, Taurasi was considered by many the ultimate competitor.
Cheryl Miller, who played for USC from 1982 to 1986, was a game-changer before the sport had even entered the mainstream. A three-time Naismith Player of the Year, Miller led the Trojans to back-to-back national titles and is often credited with helping to elevate the profile of women’s college basketball in the 1980s. Her dominance predated the WNBA era, which many believe hurt her legacy due to the lack of a professional platform.
Lynette Woodard, the pride of Kansas and a trailblazer who starred at the University of Kansas before later becoming the first female Harlem Globetrotter, was also included in the debate. Though Kentucky was cited in ESPN’s report due to her roots and influence across the South, Woodard’s playing career was more closely tied to Kansas. Regardless, her accomplishments, including being the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball (before the NCAA formally governed the women’s game), made her a legend in her own right.
Each of these players redefined their era—but according to ESPN’s comprehensive criteria of individual excellence, team success, historical impact, and legacy—Parker edged them all.
The Impact of Visibility and Cultural Influence
One of the reasons Parker may have surged to the top in this poll was her cultural impact. Parker was a household name even before NIL deals and social media amplified today’s athletes. She appeared in commercials, graced magazine covers, and was often the face of women’s basketball in the mid-2000s.
Furthermore, Parker seamlessly transitioned to the WNBA, where she became a league MVP, Rookie of the Year, and a two-time WNBA champion (with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016 and Chicago Sky in 2021). She also earned two Olympic gold medals with Team USA and later became a respected analyst on TNT and NBA TV—expanding her influence across sports media.
“She’s the full package,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “She dominated at every level, broke barriers, and continues to give back to the game. That’s GOAT material.”
A Vol for Life
Tennessee fans have long considered Parker the gold standard of Lady Vols basketball. Her jersey hangs in the rafters of Thompson-Boling Arena (now Food City Center), right alongside those of other Lady Vols greats like Tamika Catchings, Chamique Holdsclaw, and Bridgette Gordon.
Yet Parker’s connection to the program runs deeper than banners and numbers. She has consistently used her platform to honor Pat Summitt’s legacy, speaking out on Alzheimer’s awareness and mentorship. Her loyalty to the Lady Vols brand remains as powerful as ever.
After the ESPN announcement, Parker released a heartfelt statement:
“I’m honored beyond words. To be mentioned with Diana, Cheryl, and Lynette—legends I’ve admired my whole life—means everything. But this honor isn’t just mine. It belongs to Coach Summitt, to my teammates, and to everyone who wore that orange jersey before and after me. Go Lady Vols forever.”
The Fan Reaction
The reaction to the ESPN report was immediate and electric. Social media platforms exploded with celebratory posts, especially from Tennessee fans who have long felt Parker’s impact deserved more recognition in mainstream GOAT debates.
Former teammates, current players, and fellow legends chimed in with praise.
“Candace changed the game. No one did it like her,” wrote Tamika Catchings on X (formerly Twitter).
“I wanted to be like Candace growing up,” said Iowa’s Caitlin Clark in an Instagram story. “This is so well deserved.”
Even Diana Taurasi weighed in with her trademark blend of competitiveness and class:
“If I had to lose to anyone, I’m glad it’s CP. But we’ll always have that ‘06 UConn-Tennessee matchup,” she joked, referencing one of their classic NCAA clashes.
A New Generation Looks Up
The crowning of Candace Parker as the GOAT is more than an award—it’s a message to future generations. It proves that versatility, leadership, and trailblazing spirit matter just as much as stats and championships. Parker is not just a product of her era; she helped define it and continues to shape the future of women’s basketball.
Her example has already inspired a new wave of stars—players like Angel Reese, JuJu Watkins, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Hannah Hidalgo—all of whom cite Parker as an influence.
With the growth of women’s sports at an all-time high, Parker’s recognition as the greatest ever is both a culmination and a launching point.