Introduction
Candace Parker is a towering figure in women’s basketball, celebrated not only for her extraordinary accomplishments on the court but also for her outspoken authenticity and personal journey off it. This article explores key questions fans often search for: Is she married? Does she have children? Has she retired? How tall is she? And who are her sons?
Early Stardom & Career Highlights
Born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, Candace Nicole Parker quickly made a name for herself. The 6-ft-4-in (1.93 m) forward-center dominated at the University of Tennessee under the legendary Pat Summitt, winning NCAA back-to-back championships in 2007 and 2008.
Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, Parker made WNBA history by earning Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season — a feat no player had achieved before. She later reclaimed the MVP award in 2013 and became the only WNBA player to win championships with three different teams — Sparks (2016), Sky (2021), and Aces (2023).
Internationally, Parker added two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) to her list of accolades.
Did She Retire?
Yes. After a stellar 16-season career, Candace Parker announced her retirement in April 2024. Citing lingering foot issues and a desire not to “cheat the game,” she decided to conclude her playing days on a high note.
How Tall Is Candace Parker?
Standing at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), Parker’s height has been a consistent advantage throughout her career. This measurement is confirmed in multiple sources, including official WNBA profiles and authoritative biographies.
Marriage: Is Candace Parker Married?
Current Partnership
Candace Parker married former Russian basketball star Anna (Anya) Petrakova in December 2019. Though they kept their relationship private for some time, they publicly confirmed their marriage in 2021.
“Parker proposed to Petrakova in early 2019, and they married in December of the same year” .
Previous Marriage
Prior to this, Parker was married to former NBA player Shelden Williams from 2008 until their divorce in 2016. Together, they share a daughter named Lailaa Nicole Williams, born in 2009.
Children: Does Candace Parker Have Children? Who Are Her Sons?
Daughter
From her first marriage, Candace has a daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, born in 2009.
Sons
With Anna Petrakova, Candace has two sons:
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Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, born February 2022.
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Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, born May 2024.
They’ve become a blended, LGBTQ+ family that Parker often shares pride in, openly noting her hope for her young sons to follow in her athletic footsteps toward careers in basketball.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is Candace Parker married?
A: Yes. She married Anna Petrakova in December 2019.
Q2: Does Candace Parker have children?
A: Yes. She has one daughter, Lailaa (b. 2009) from her previous marriage, and two sons, Airr Larry (b. 2022) and Hartt Summitt (b. 2024), from her current marriage.
Q3: Has Candace Parker retired?
A: Yes. She officially retired in April 2024 after a 16-season WNBA career.
Q4: How tall is Candace Parker?
A: She stands at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m).
Q5: Who is Candace Parker’s husband?
A: Her current wife is Anna Petrakova, a former Russian professional basketball player.
Q6: How many children does she have?
A: She has three children: one daughter (Lailaa) and two sons (Airr Larry and Hartt Summitt).
Q7: What are the names of her sons?
A: Her sons are named Airr Larry and Hartt Summitt.
Conclusion
Candace Parker’s story extends far beyond her legendary basketball career. Her journey—from dominating national and international courts to embracing motherhood and her authentic self—is as compelling as her accolades. Now retired, she continues to inspire through her family, advocacy, and new professional paths.
