Candace Parker: From Naperville to WNBA Legend, Marriages, and Motherhood
1. Early Roots: Naperville’s Basketball Prodigy
Born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, Candace Nicole Parker moved to Naperville, Illinois at the age of two and spent much of her childhood there. She attended Naperville Central High School, where she dominated on the basketball court—winning back-to-back Class AA state titles in 2003 and 2004 and setting school records for points and rebounds. Her early exposure to competitive sports in Naperville laid the groundwork for her Michigan, where her father’s coaching pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
2. Marital Journey: From Shelden Williams to Anna Petrakova
Marriage to Shelden Williams
In November 2008, Candace married former NBA player Shelden Williams. Just a year later, the couple welcomed their daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, in 2009. After eight years together, they filed for divorce in 2016 due to “irreconcilable differences” and finalized the split in 2018.
Marriage to Anna Petrakova
Candace’s next chapter began with Anna Petrakova, a former Russian basketball star. The two first met in 2012 while playing overseas with UMMC Ekaterinburg, but didn’t reveal their relationship until later. Candace proposed in early 2019, and the couple secretly married in December of that year, only publicly confirming their marriage in 2021.
3. Motherhood: How Many Children Does Candace Parker Have?
Candace Parker is now a proud mother of three children.
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Lailaa Nicole Williams – Born in May 2009, with ex-husband Shelden Williams. As of May 2025, Lailaa just turned 16 years old.
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Airr Larry Petrakov Parker – Candace’s first child with Anna, born February 11, 2022, now around 3 years old.
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Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker – Their second son, born May 21, 2024. As of mid-2025, Hartt is just over one year old.
So in total, Candace Parker has three children: one daughter and two sons. candace parker ex husband.
4. Why It Matters: Understanding Candace Parker’s Personal Journey
Candace Parker’s story extends far beyond her legendary basketball career. Her roots in Naperville represent the nurturing environment that helped shape her early drive and competitive spirit. Her marriages and motherhood journey showcase her personal growth, resilience, and the diversity of modern families.
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Her daughter Lailaa remains central in her life, often joining her in ventures like Angel City FC ownership, and provided inspiration as Candace came out publicly with her relationship with Anna.
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Her life with Anna reflects a loving, blended family navigating public life together, raising sons and embracing their LGBTQ+ identity with intentional openness. candace parker ex husband.
5. FAQs
Q1: How many kids does Candace Parker have?
A: She has three children: Lailaa (daughter, born 2009) with ex-husband Shelden Williams, and two sons—Airr (born February 2022) and Hartt (born May 2024)—with wife Anna Petrakova.
Q2: Who is Candace Parker’s ex-husband?
A: Her ex-husband is Shelden Williams, a former NBA player. They were married from 2008 until their divorce filings began in 2016.
Q3: Where did Candace grow up and attend school?
A: She grew up in Naperville, Illinois, and attended Naperville Central High School, where she excelled in basketball and earned state recognition.
Q4: Who is Candace Parker’s current wife?
A: Her current wife is Anna Petrakova, a former Russian basketball player. They married in December 2019 and publicly confirmed their relationship and first child in 2021.
Q5: When were Candace’s children born?
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Lailaa Nicole Williams: May 2009.
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Airr Larry Petrakov Parker: February 11, 2022.
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Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker: May 21, 2024.
Closing Thoughts
From a young girl dunking her way through Naperville courts to a WNBA legend and media pioneer, Candace Parker’s journey is deeply human—marked by athletic greatness, personal transformation, and unwavering devotion to her family.
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Naperville roots symbolize her beginnings and foundational grit.
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Her marriage to Shelden Williams yielded cherished daughter Lailaa.
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Her loving union with Anna Petrakova expanded her family with two sons, embodying authenticity and inclusivity.
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Today, with three children and a celebrated career, Candace continues to inspire on and off the court.
