A person who I love and respect, a champion both at the collegiate and professional level, is retiring from the game – Candace Parker!

You said that you wanted to leave the game better than when you entered it – and your time at Tennessee, and 16 years in the league, have been nothing but historic in women’s basketball today.

I’m so blessed to have witnessed your greatness first-hand in your 13 seasons with my Sparks, including our 2016 WNBA Championship! You are leaving this game as a legend with so many things to be proud of; The first player to ever win three championships with three teams, 10-time All-WNBA honoree, two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time league MVP, and the first player to win MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. We can’t forget your two NCAA championships with Tennessee!

Your achievements off the court have been just as impressive as your time on it. You have excelled as an analyst, businesswoman, wife, and mother, and have been a tremendous friend to Cookie and I over the years. I’m so excited to see you put the dedication you gave to the game into your next business ventures!

Thank you for 13 incredible years in purple and gold. Thank you for being an amazing role model and staple in the basketball community. And thank you for leaving the game better than when you entered!