In the most shocking move of WNBA Free Agency; Candace Parker announced she was leaving the Los Angeles Sparks after 13 years to play for her hometown Chicago and the Sky.
After the announcement; Sky fans tapped the 13-year veteran two-time MVP and WNBA Champion as the person who is going to lead them to the franchise’s first championship. With Parker being from Naperville, Illinois, achieving a championship would add such a sweet ending to this storyline. But the question for everyone is how will the hometown kid deal with the pressure?
Pressure Makes Champions
After securing two state championships at Naperville Central High School; Parker would attend the University of Tennessee under legendary coach Pat Summitt. Tennessee would be in an eight-year National Championship drought before the 6’4 forward committed to the school. Candace Parker, who was the top recruit in the nation; took on the test to bring Tennessee their first Championship since 1998. Not only did Parker take on the challenge she defeated it and gained it. In addition to winning back-to-back National Championship in 2007 and 2008 along with three SEC Championships.
Pressure Makes Legends
Ending her career at Tennessee, Candace Parker was again tapped to lead a historic franchise the Los Angeles Sparks. After being drafted No. 1 overall to LA; Parker would start her WNBA career in extraordinary fashion posting the best Rookie debut in WNBA history with 35 points. Candace would win MVP and Rookie of The Year; something that no other player has done outside of Wes Unseld and Wilt Chamberlain. After the eventual retirement of Lisa Leslie in 2009; Parker was given the keys to the LA Sparks, and after dealing with many injuries and heartbreaking playoffs losses; Parker would lead LA to its first title in 11 years in 2016.
Great Players Know How To Win
So, here we are now in the present time; Parker will now face another demand, bringing home the first-ever championship to her hometown of Chicago. She will join a team who many think was just a superstar player short of winning it all. Parker who has dealt with the pressures of the game; will be up for the challenge. However, if Chicago doesn’t live up to the expectations, it will be Parker’s burden to bear.
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