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candaceparkers · 1 month

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candaceparker: 🎶Dear Summer

“I know you gon miss me…” 🎶

I’m retiring.

I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.

I always wanted to walk off the court with no parade or tour, just privately with the ones I love. What now was to be my last game, I walked off the court with my daughter. I ended the journey just as I started it, with her.

This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating. It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it’s no fun knowing what you could do, if only…it’s no fun hearing “she isn’t the same” when I know why, it’s no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN.

I fell in love with a little orange ball at 13 years old and BECAUSE of it my world goes ‘round. The highs are unmatched & the lows taught me lessons. On & off the court I’m proud I’ve always been true & stayed true to ME, even when it wasn’t popular.

I’m grateful that for 16 years I PLAYED A GAME for a living & DESPITE all the injuries, I hooped. I’m grateful for family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, trainers & fans who made this journey so special.

In the mean time, know IM A BUSINESS, man, not a businessman. This is the beginning…I’m attacking business, private equity, ownership (I will own both a NBA & WNBA team), broadcasting, production, boardrooms, beach volleyball, dominoes (sorry babe it’s going to get more real) with the same intensity & focus I did basketball.

My mission in life, like Pat Summitt always said, is to “chase people and passions and you will never fail.” Being a wife & mom still remains priority #1 & I’ve learned that time flies, so I plan to enjoy my family to the fullest!

Today’s players: ENJOY IT.

No matter how you prepare for it, you won’t be ready for the gap it leaves in your soul. Forgive me as I mourn a bit, but I’ll be back loving the game differently in a while.

🎶 ”I’m done for now so one for now

Possibly forever, we had fun together

But like all good things, we must come to an end

Please show the same love to my friends, dear Summer” 🎶

#i'm heartbroken #my goat forever #'no matter how you prepare for it you won't be ready for the gap it leaves in your soul'#whew ain't that the truth #candace parker

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female-buckets · 1 year

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Bird and Taurasi both played for Hejková on Spartak Moscow. While there, Chatman remembers the UConn duo always trying to teach the team’s head coach new words. On one occasion, Chatman recalls Hejková walking up to her and asking, “Pokey, what is a dingleberry?” “I said, ‘What?’” Chatman recalls. “But that was their way to say they really liked Nata.”

They're actually demons. Little devil imps of chaos.

#wnba #diana taurasi #sue bird #phoenix mercury #seattle storm #spartak moscow

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fiercynn · 1 month

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White said Caldwell will build a program that competes with the “extremely formidable opponents” in the SEC and “get back to competing for national championships.” Her five-year contract paying $750,000 a season makes very clear what is expected. Caldwell winning a national championship will result in an almost immediate pay hike at least matching the Division I’s highest-paid women’s coach. Caldwell won the 2024 Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year award for going 26-7 at Marshall, earning the program’s second NCAA Tournament berth ever and first since 1997. She is 217-31 in eight seasons as a head coach with NCAA Tournament berths in each season. She led her alma mater Glenville State to the 2022 Division II national title. Caldwell won the Pat Summitt Trophy for the 2021-22 season as the WBCA’s NCAA Division II coach of the year. She runs an up-tempo style she’ll need to keep Tennessee as the only program never to miss an NCAA Tournament.

#wbb #tennessee wbb #wcbb #ncaa wbb #women's college basketball #kim caldwell #knowing me knowing queue

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prozac-shaped-urn · 2 months

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Welp.

The loss of Katie has hit….. Harder than I thought it would.

My dad asked me if I had ever lost a peer and I was like yeah ofc I have I lost Rhiannon and he was like ok I forgot about that.

But like.

Katie isn’t just ~a peer~ to me. She’s never been just ~a peer~ to me. She’s always been Katie Hood. My twin sister best friend soul mate keeper of my secrets until I was 13. We literally slept in the same crib at church. We developed our personalities together. We got to spend our birthdays together. We spent every other weekend at each other’s homes like we were in some kind of divorce settlement. Even me moving 250mi away didn’t stop us from growing our connection.

We bonded so deeply that I felt she had died when we were permanently separated in 2001. I wrote my first short story as a result of that separation/death and it was as depressing as you think it was.

I did reconnect with her about 4 years ago. We sent a handful of DMs and shared photos, but that was the extent of our communication. Everything I know about her family and drug issues I’ve garnered from her FB profile.

We weren’t friends by any definition, but she still holds a special place in my heart. She always has.

I can’t really explain why it hurts except that it just does. It’s like I’m 14 again and so completely and utterly alone that I can’t foresee of any situation where I would feel part of the world or make a new friend. (I literally talked with Sara for over an hour while I drove home yesterday so I consciously know this isn’t the case but my body doesn’t.)

She’s not a peer to me, she’s Katie. She’s KATIE HOOD. That’s like saying Pat Summitt was just a NCAA women’s basketball coach. No! She was THE NCAA women’s basketball coach.

Katie has never not been part of my life. She was there in person from my infant-hood to my early teen years, and she’s been in my heart ever since.

My greatest passions in life have been influenced by her presence and her absence. My writing path started with her. We talked about forming an all-girl band once we were old enough to drive. I was gonna be the drummer and she was gonna be a singer, which meant I had to get really good at drumming very fast so I could be ready to play.

I don’t know how to not think of her on her birthday. I don’t know how to not think of her when I hear certain songs. When I watch Titanic. When I hear trains blowing their horns. When I eat tuna salad. When I hear the name Johnathan. When I see Beanie Babies.

I have a photo of us as 5 year olds in a kiddie pool at my house in Nashville. It’s in a frame along with a photo of my first dog, a photo of me at 4, and a photo of two of my great-grandmothers and my dad’s mom. It’s sitting on my dresser in perfect view.

This is what I’m saying! She’s never not been part of my life. I have photos of her everywhere.

I said goodbye a long time ago, but not by choice. And I never got to say it to her. I never got closure. The only consolation I really have is that I know she had a very rough life and she was in a lot of pain near the end. So for that to all be over is a relief for me. If she’d had an easier path and her life had been cut short, I think I’d be more upset.

I guess I’m sad for myself and for the girl I once knew would never leave me.

#irl post #aaaand the sobbing commences

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discovernashville · 3 months

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Discovering Nashville's Sports Legacy

Nashville, Tennessee, often lauded for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage, also boasts a thriving sports legacy. Beyond the melodies of country music and the bustling nightlife, sports enthusiasts can uncover a tapestry of athletic history woven into the fabric of this bustling city. Join us on a journey through Nashville's sports legacy, where every stadium, arena, and hall of fame tells a story of triumph, perseverance, and community spirit.

The Titans of the Gridiron: Nashville's NFL Heritage

Nashville's love affair with football runs deep, epitomized by the Tennessee Titans' presence in the NFL. Originally known as the Houston Oilers, the team relocated to Nashville in 1997, capturing the hearts of locals and solidifying the city's status as a sports destination. Nissan Stadium, the Titans' home turf, stands as a testament to Nashville's passion for football, hosting electrifying games and unforgettable moments that resonate throughout the city. A corporate Nashville tour isn't complete without a visit to this iconic stadium, where visitors can immerse themselves in the excitement of game day and witness the fervor of Titans fans firsthand.

Hockey and Harmony: The Predators' Prowess

In a city synonymous with music, the Nashville Predators bring a harmonious blend of athleticism and entertainment to the ice. Since their inception in 1998, the Predators have carved out a niche in the NHL, captivating audiences with their fast-paced play and unwavering dedication. Bridgestone Arena, affectionately known as the "The Stone," serves as the Predators' home base and a focal point of Nashville's sports scene.

Diamonds in the Rough: Nashville's Baseball Heritage

Baseball aficionados will find solace in Nashville's rich baseball heritage, anchored by the city's Minor League Baseball team, the Nashville Sounds. First established in 1978, the Sounds have been a fixture in Nashville's sports landscape, providing fans with countless memories and unforgettable moments on the diamond. First Horizon Park, the team's home stadium, offers a quintessential baseball experience, complete with hot dogs, peanuts, and the crack of the bat. A corporate Nashville tour provides the perfect opportunity to catch a Sounds game and bask in the timeless allure of America's pastime.

Beyond the Stadiums: Honoring Legends and Icons

While Nashville's sports legacy is undeniably tied to its professional teams and state-of-the-art stadiums, the city also pays homage to its athletic heroes through various museums and halls of fame. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of legendary athletes and coaches who have left an indelible mark on the state's sporting landscape. From football icons like Peyton Manning to basketball phenoms like Pat Summitt, the Hall of Fame honors the contributions of those who have shaped Tennessee's sporting identity. A corporate Nashville tour offers a glimpse into this storied history, allowing visitors to pay tribute to the legends who have paved the way for future generations.

Conclusion

In Nashville, sports are not just a pastime—it's a way of life. From the gridiron to the ice rink, the diamond to the hall of fame, the city's sports legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of competition, camaraderie, and community. Whether you're catching a Titans game at Nissan Stadium, cheering on the Predators at Bridgestone Arena, or exploring the halls of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, a corporate Nashville tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Athletic Capital.

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#nashvilletours #nashvillevisit #Nashville van tour

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moonley18 · 4 months

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Pat Summitt We Back Pat 2024 Shirt: Champion Alzheimer's Awareness

Champion the cause of Alzheimer's awareness with the We Back Pat Shirt. Featuring the iconic "We Back Pat" phrase, this shirt serves as a rallying cry to promote understanding and support for those affected by Alzheimer's disease. By wearing this shirt, you contribute to the fight against Alzheimer's and honor the late Pat Summitt's legacy.

Show that you stand with Pat Summitt and millions battling Alzheimer's, committed to raising awareness and finding a cure. The Pat Summitt We Back Pat 2024 Shirt is a powerful statement of solidarity, allowing you to make a difference while honoring a legendary coach.

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alzindiana · 6 months

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Looking back on the fight to end Alzheimer's in 2023

2023 was another momentous year in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Take a look back at some of the year's top stories – here in Indiana and across the country.

January

The year got off to a great start as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval of Leqembi (lecanemab) for the treatment of patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer’s disease. It was the second disease-modifying drug to receive accelerated approval.

February

The Alzheimer’s Association State Advocacy Day was held at the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. Governor Eric Holcomb and several state legislators spoke to volunteers from across the state who came to make their voices heard in support of HB 1422 establishing a dementia care specialist program. The bill later passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

The care and support team kicked off a series of Community Forums, beginning in Lafayette. Additional Community Forums were held throughout the year in Columbus, Kokomo, and Indianapolis. These forums resulted in new program delivery and the addition of several support groups.

The family of Bruce Willis bravely shared that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. By speaking out, they have helped to raise awareness of the disease.

March

Volunteer advocates from Indiana and across the country traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with members of Congress and advocate for policies to help those affected by Alzheimer’s. They also rallied for treatment access at the White House.

April

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter announced ALZ Equity for Indiana, a four-year initiative to reach underserved communities. It was made possible with a generous $1.2 million donation from Judy and Michael Harrington. The gift is the largest donation focused on diversity, equity and inclusion made to the Alzheimer’s Association and the largest single donation of any kind to the Greater Indiana Chapter.

The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) hosted the annual Community Leaders Gathering at the Indianapolis International Airport. Tamika Catchings, retired Indiana Fever player and WNBA champion, basketball hall of famer, four-time Olympic gold medalist, founder of the Catch the Stars Foundation, owner of Tea's Me Café, and IAA board member was the featured speaker. A former Lady Volunteer at the University of Tennessee, Catchings spoke about her coach, mentor and friend, the legendary Pat Summitt, who died of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 64.

Funding for HB 1422 establishing a dementia care specialist program was added to the Indiana budget, marking the first time that dementia-specific funding has been included in the state budget.

June

Building on the momentum of the White House rally earlier in the year, advocates across the country rallied for treatment access in their own communities. In Indiana, a rally was held on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.

For the second year in a row, the Greater Indiana Chapter was a proud sponsor of the Indy Pride festival. Staff and volunteers also provided attendees with information about the impact of the disease on the LGBTQ+ community and resources to help.

The Longest Day was held on the summer solstice – the longest day of the year. Indianapolis and Fort Wayne landmarks went purple to mark the occasion. Participants raised funds and awareness on this day and throughout the year. By the end of the 2023 campaign, they raised a total of more than $397,000.

July

In a momentous decision, the FDA granted traditional approval to Leqembi - making it the first traditional approval for an Alzheimer’s treatment that changes the underlying course of the disease. While not a cure, the treatment can give people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s more time to maintain their independence and do the things they love.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also announced a plan to enable access to FDA traditionally approved Alzheimer’s treatments. The announcement came after extensive efforts by the Alzheimer’s Association, bipartisan members of Congress, state attorneys general, clinicians, and, most importantly, advocates from communities all across the country.

The Greater Indiana Chapter was a proud sponsor of the Indiana Black & Minority Health Fair and provided information about the resources available to help those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) was held in Amsterdam, Netherlands and online. Indiana-based Eli Lilly reported full Phase 3 data from the clinical trial of donanemab. The results showed that donanemab significantly slowed cognitive and functional decline in people with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an initiative known as the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model. The initiative will improve the way dementia care is delivered.

Legendary singer Tony Bennett passed away. He and his family had announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2021, helping to raise awareness and inspiring all those affected by the disease.

August

The Greater Indiana Chapter partnered with The National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion at Martin University to host the Public Health Summit Series: Alzheimer's Community Forum.

The Alzheimer’s Association presented State Senator Vaneta Becker (R – Evansville) and State Representative Gregory Porter (D – Indianapolis) with Legislative Champion Awards for their work in making Indiana a more dementia-capable state.

September

The 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s season kicked off in Greater Indiana and continued through October. Walks were held in East Central Indiana (Richmond), Lake County, Michiana, Heartland (Muncie/Anderson), Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Bloomington, Porter County, Fort Wayne, LaPorte County, Columbus, and Greater Lafayette. In all, more than 1,000 teams and 8,000 participants raised over $2 million.

The Greater Indiana Chapter sponsored the 2023 Indiana Latino Expo. Staff and volunteers also provided information about resources offered in English and Spanish, including the 24/7 Helpline, which offers assistance through bilingual staff and an interpreter service that accommodates more than 200 languages.

October

Kate Foley, Ph.D., a post-doctoral fellow at Indiana University, was named the inaugural Dr. Mel Perelman Fellow for Alzheimer's Research.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will cover PET imaging for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.

November

The Alzheimer’s Association announced a milestone investment of $100 million in research initiatives in 2023 — the largest single-year investment since the organization was founded in 1980.

The annual Indiana Life Sciences Summit focused on Indiana's role in the fight against Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Greater Indiana Chapter board member Dr. Bruce Lamb was presented with the 2023 Watanabe Life Sciences Champion award.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter passed away. Her family had bravely shared her dementia diagnosis in May. For decades, Ms. Carter worked to improve the health and wellbeing of family caregivers through the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.

December

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor passed away. In a letter to the American people in 2018, she bravely shared her dementia diagnosis. She also played an important role in making Alzheimer’s the national priority it is today, driven by her own experience as a caregiver for her husband who had the disease.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year a success. If you’re interested in getting involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s in 2024, visit alz.org/Indiana/volunteer and fill out our interest form.

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sakshamnepalsudharkendra · 7 months

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Good Morning Every One “Winners are not born; they are self-made.” - Pat Summitt

#successful #successquotes #get motivated #inspirational #motivation #motivateyourself #inspiration #succession #inspiring quotes #motivating quotes

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getmybuzzup · 8 months

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Cheryl Miller reflects on her championships with USC, the '84 Olympics in LA, the WNBA & more - This week on Knuckleheads we got straight hoop royalty. One of the greatest legends of the women’s game, Cheryl Miller, joins Q and D. Cheryl chops it up about dominating in Los Angeles as a high schooler, scoring 105 points in a game, and why she ended up choosing USC. She gets into her time with Team USA at the Olympics, her relationship with Pat Summitt, and why she’s so grateful for the WNBA even though she didn’t get a chance to play in it. Cheryl Miller is one of them ones, you don’t want to miss this episode. Tune in! https://wp.me/p1PuJR-5EkO Please Reblog!

#84 Olympics #championship #Cheryl Miller #LA #usc #WNBA #Interviews #People &amp; Blogs

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alshami00 · 9 months

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"We communicate all the time, even when we don't realize it. Be aware of body language"

Pat Summitt

#body language #communication #motivation #inspiration #quotes #success #follow #foryou #instagram #tumblr #photooftheday #tumblrgram #tumblrpost #tumblr qoutes

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candaceparkers · 2 years

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Candace Parker Is a Force in Basketball and Beyond

Candace Parker was already enjoying a monumental run in her life last year. One of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time had just won her second WNBA championship, capping a storybook return home: the Naperville, Ill.-raised athlete had signed with the Chicago Sky before last season and delivered the franchise its first-ever WNBA title. Parker served as the face of an emergent WNBA. Parker’s media work, providing commentary on TNT’s highly popular and influential NBA program, was receiving rave reviews. Parker was a basketball force.

Then, late last year, her journey took another significant turn. On Instagram, she revealed publicly, for the first time, that she had been married for two years to Anna Petrakova, a former Olympic basketball player from Russia who played with Parker on a pro team there. Parker, who was previously married to former NBA player Shelden Williams, shared pictures from the couple’s Dec. 14, 2019 wedding—which 50 guests, plus workers, were required to keep secret. Parker also announced that the couple was expecting a child. Their son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, was born in February.

During an interview in suburban Chicago on an off-day for the Sky, who are in first place in the Eastern Conference heading into the WNBA playoffs starting Aug. 17, Parker, 36, reflected on her decision to take her relationship public. One reason she and Petrakova kept their marriage under wraps Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies: Petrakova was concerned she’d be subject to discrimination. But with a baby now on the way, Parker and Petrakova felt the timing was right. Plus, she wanted to send a strong message to her daughter Lailaa, now 13. “I always tell my daughter to be herself,” says Parker. “I always tell my daughter to be proud of who she is. And I always tell my daughter to speak for herself and speak up for those that she loves. And I can’t say that to her if I’m not doing it myself. I don’t want her to ever think that I’m ashamed or not proud of our family. That was a step that we had to take. But we had to take it on our own terms.”

Parker’s announcement resonated with both her family and the LGBTQ+ community. Her message, plus her continued accomplishments on the floor—in May, at 36, she became the oldest WNBA player to record a triple-double before he got another one in June—her strong performances on TV, and her ability to manage the demands of motherhood and a full-time sports career, have set her up to become one of the key figures in American sports and culture, for years to come.

Hoops savant

Parker grew up breathing basketball. She attended her first basketball game—a middle school contest featuring older brother Anthony, who would later play nine years in the NBA—when she was less than two weeks old. At age 5, at a Chicago Bulls game, she told everyone in earshot that Michael Jordan’s team had no shot at winning unless they rebounded better. A college recruiter once visited the Parker home, trying to woo Anthony; Candace, who was 6 or 7, told the coach about his team’s defensive shortcomings.

She was the Gatorade Girl’s High School Player of the Year in 2003-2004; she is still the only girl’s basketball player to receive this accolade in back-to-back years. She became the first female to win the dunk contest at the McDonald’s High School All-American Game, beating out future NBA players like J.R. Smith and Rudy Gay. Parker was one of the most highly recruited players in girls basketball history: she chose Tennessee, coached at the time by the late Hall of Famer Pat Summitt. As a sophomore, Parker became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game. Tennessee won back-to-back titles in 2007 and 2008.

As a first-year pro in 2008, Parker won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, and was named league WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year playing for the Los Angeles Sparks. She was unknowingly in the early stages of pregnancy with Lailaa. “My daughter was along for the journey,” Parker says. “She got an Olympic gold medal, won the MVP and rookie of the year before she was even born. That’s so special for me because it encompasses what women are capable of.”

Parker spent her WNBA off-seasons playing professionally in Russia, China, and Turney where salaries are more lucrative for female players. (Even after a 2020 collective bargaining agreement made notable improvements in WNBA pay, the maximum salary for this season is $228,094; Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers will make $47 million next season). During the WNBA season, she continued to thrive, winning a second league MVP in 2013 and a title with the Sparks in 2016.

But during her final years in Los Angeles, Parker and then-coach Derek Fisher had a rocky relationship: Fisher benched Parker down the stretch of a 2019 playoff game, which the Sparks lost, ending their season. So before the 2021 campaign, Parker decided to return home to Chicago, signing with the Sky as a free agent. The 2021 season started out rough: Chicago was 2-7 at one point. The Sky finished .500, good enough for a sixth seed, but rolled to the WNBA Finals. Sky guard Kahleah Cooper recalls a particularly tense huddle in Game 4 of the Finals, when Chicago was trailing to the Phoenix Mercury. Parker’s calm and experience made all the difference. “We were all a little disheveled,” says Cooper. “And Candace is like, ‘hey, hey, like, snap out of it. We’re fine. We’re a really good team .’ She just gave us these reminders and the reassurance that everything was going to be OK. These things happen during big games. It’s normal to feel how we felt. And in that moment, Candace literally flipped the switch for us.”

Dunking on Shaq

Parker, who has had eight knee surgeries, is still unsure if this will be her final season. “I live in the moment,” she says. But whenever retirement from basketball arrives, Parker has a luxury unavailable to most athletes: a thriving second career awaiting her. She first signed on with Turner Sports to analyze men’s college basketball games in 2018: her strong showing earned her a contract that added NBA responsibilities too, making her the first woman featured on TNT’s NBA studio programming. “The biggest thing for me when I came in is that I said that I’m not trying to be one of the guys,” says Parker. “I’m trying to be one of the players. That line is what I established. I’m Candace. I’m not going to change who I am.”

Her exchanges with Shaquille O’Neal have stood out. In March of 2021, for example, Parker patiently explained to Shaq that since, in the modern NBA, very often all five NBA players on the court can shoot three-point shots, defensive players must switch assignments when they are screened. If you’re not always near someone, an open shooter will do damage. When O’Neal argued that he and Dwyane Wade, who was also in the studio, won a title using different defensive tactics, Parker looked around quizzically, as if to say dude, it’s not 2006 anymore. “It’s a confidence that she walks with,” says Wade. “She knows she’s an expert. So it’s so dope to sit next to her and hear her perspective on the game, because it always gives me a different way to think of it.”

Parker’s success is also helping attract a new audience to the WNBA. “It’s not only important and inspiring for young girls and women to see that, but I think it also makes men look at women’s sports and female athletes a little differently,” says basketball Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo, who analyzes WNBA games for ESPN. “Like, ‘oh man, you know, Candace Parker would be fun to have a beer with to break down the NBA.’ You wonder, do people tune in and be like, ‘oh man, Candace Parker makes me laugh on TNT. Let me check out her game.’”

“Those of us who cover the W, and have for like a long time, have been talking about how, in the last couple of years, it feels like the WNBA is becoming more mainstream,” says Lobo. “It feels like it’s at that tipping point. It feels like it’s going to break through culturally. And I think, you know, the coolness factor of Candace on Turner, that can only help.”

From Russia with love

In Russia, Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg, the top women’s team in the country, from 2010 through 2015. Brittney Griner was playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg at the time of her arrest in February. On Aug. 4, a Russian judge sentenced Griner, whom the U.S. government has designated “wrongfully detained,” to nine years in prison for carrying cannabis oil in her luggage.

“Everybody is just ready for this unjust detainment and now sentence to be over and for her to be back,” says Parker. “You talk about something that’s valuable, which is your freedom. And you talk about what’s valuable, is your time. We can help fight for her freedom, but she won’t get the time back. Let’s not have her lose any more of either.”

Russia is where Parker first met Petrakova, about a dozen years ago. Petrakova joined UMMC Ekaterinburg in 2012, which was when her friendship with Parker blossomed. Parker and Petrakova would stay up late and talk. “There were some drunken nights,” Petrakova says, laughing. “And it would just go further than we would think.” During one of these evenings, they kissed for the first time. “We’re scared, and we’re like, ‘what the hell was that?’” Petrakova says. “You are kind of scared to look each other in the eye and then you’re like, ‘OK, well, what are we? We’re lying to ourselves here.’”

Neither Parker nor Petrakova had ever imagined themselves married to a woman. “We literally denied it to ourselves for three years I think,” says Petrakova. “Then we just finally accepted it. That was a long, hard process.”

In 2019, Petrakova planned a birthday trip for Parker in Mexico. On a boat, surrounded by about 15 friends and family, Lailaa held a cake. Parker got on one knee and told Petrakova to look at the cake. “It literally took me a few minutes to figure out what was going on,” says Petrakova. Written in icing was a question. “Will you marry us?”

“She knows that Lailaa is the center of my entire universe,” says Parker. “So we come in a package deal. It was important for the dynamic duo to be upgraded to the Big Three.”

The crew is now a quartet, with the arrival of Airr Larry Petrakov Parker in February. His first name is pronounced “Air,” as in Air Jordan: given the name, Parker knows her son has no choice but to take up basketball. “So here’s the thing,” says Parker. “With my daughter, I’ve taken the sort of backseat approach. If you want to play basketball, if it’s your passion, I want you to find your passion. With my son, we’re just out of the gates, your name is Airr. There’s going to be pressure with that. If you shoot an Air Ball, it’s going to be a problem.” While Parker did her son no favors by giving him an ideal name for basketball heckling, Airr’s genes could more than make up for it. “A drop step dunk is definitely in his future,” says Parker. “His hands are huge.”

Parker and Petrakova had long feared that the social media blowback to their relationship would be hurtful to them and most importantly, to Lailaa. But they’ve both been pleasantly surprised. Aside from an occasional ignorant comment, they received mostly positive feedback. “I was always against ‘coming out’ because I felt like in this society, in this day and age, you shouldn’t have to do that,” says Parker. “Society had a way of putting this pressure on people to come out. And I don’t think it should be that way. I think there were a number of media members who knew about my family. And they supported it. They didn’t out me. Or they didn’t put pressure on me to expose my living situation. We live in an oversharing world. You should be able to choose the parts of your life that you share and the parts you keep private. And I hope I was able to open up the door of conversations. And open up the door of how valuable it is to have support.”

#💕💕💕#candace parker

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