BET Awards 2022: Get to Know the Legend and ‘Sportswoman of the Year Award’ Nominee Candace Parker
BET’s “Sportswoman of the Year” award honors some of the best and highly successful athletes in the sporting world. Over the years, winners have included the likes of Serena and Venus Williams, Gabrielle Douglas, Simone Biles, and more. This year, WNBA legend Candace Parker earned herself her seventh nomination for efforts on and off the court.
The 2009 first overall draft pick has been breaking records since playing the game at a college level, including becoming the first woman to ever dunk in an NCAA tournament. Since then, Parker has gone to win two championship games and earned the title of MVP twice. Ahead of this year’s ceremony, hosted by actress Taraji P. Henson, get to know the ball player a little better and see why she earned the nomination for “Sportswoman of the Year.”
She’s considered one of the best players in college basketball history
While playing at the University of Tennessee under coach Pat Summit, Candace was named an All-American by the end of her first year. That same year, she became the first woman to dunk in an NCCA tournament game. During her sophomore and junior season, she led her school to back-to-back National Championships. Not to mention, Candace was also named the National Player of the Year during both years.
Her dad has had a significant impact on her as an athlete
In an interview with ESPN, the veteran ballplayer opened up about her father and how his teaching influenced her as an athlete.
"This is the type of dad he is: Any time you have a horrible game, he'll be there for you and make you feel a little bit better, but any time you have a great game, he feels it's his job to bring you back down to reality. When I was playing soccer, I asked him, 'How come that girl scored one goal and her dad carried her off the field on his shoulders, but you're yelling at me after scoring five goals?' But that's just my dad."
She played Soccer before basketball
Before becoming one of the best female basketball players, Candace initially fell in love with soccer. However, after her parents kept telling her there were not many 6’4 athletes in the sport, she tried her luck with basketball and never looked back.
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Her career highlights are impressive
On her way to becoming one of the best athletes in the WNBA, Candace obtained several achievements, including being a six-time All-Star, two-time MVP winner, and two-time champion
She’s an all-around player
Candace didn’t become who she is if she didn’t know the game through and through. Although she plays mainly the forward and center positions, she’s highly versatile, making it accessible for the needs of her team.
Tune in to the BET Awards 2022 Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET.
