Candace Parker has been named the greatest college women’s basketball player of all time, surpassing legends like Diana Taurasi of UConn, Cheryl Miller of USC, and Lynette Woodard of Kentucky. This recognition, reported by ESPN, underscores Parker’s transformative impact on the sport.
During her tenure at the University of Tennessee from 2004 to 2008, Parker led the Lady Vols to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008. Her performance in the NCAA tournament was nothing short of historic; in 2006, she became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game and later that same game, she dunked again, solidifying her place in basketball history. Over her college career, she averaged 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, earning numerous accolades including two John R. Wooden Awards and the Naismith College Player of the Year honor.
Parker’s influence extended beyond her on-court achievements. She was a trailblazer for women in sports, becoming the first woman to have a signature basketball shoe with Adidas, the ACE Commander, in 2010. Her role as a broadcaster and advocate for women’s sports further amplified her impact, inspiring future generations of athletes.
This recognition by ESPN cements Candace Parker’s legacy as the greatest college women’s basketball player of all time, honoring her contributions to the game and her role in shaping the future of women’s sports.(
