Once again, Candace Parker is a history-making player as she becomes the oldest WNBA player to score a triple-double.
The Chicago Sky star put up 16 points, 13 rebounds, and ten assists for a triple-double during Sunday’s 82-73 victory in Washington, D.C., over the Washington Mystics.
The 36-year-old is now just the third player in history to achieve the accomplishment multiple times in a career. She now joins retired Hall of Fame guard/forward Sheryl Swoopes and teammate Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot.
The Talented Candace Parker
Swoopes’ triple-doubles came during her time with the Houston Comets in 1999 and 2005. Previously, she was the oldest player to record a triple-double in the WNBA, getting her second one when she was 34.
“I think its interesting because at the family dinner table even my daughter takes shots that I have the most in the history of like 9 assists so I’m glad I got over the hump today. But this team, this is what we do. We just pass, we move it and we cover each other.
While looking for her 10th assist needed for the triple-double, a dish to Courtney Vandersloot sealed the deal for the veteran.
“Sloo told me and she was like pass it to me and I’ll finish it, and she did, so I love this team. We fight for each other, we cut for each other, and this is a great way to start us being whole.”
A History Of Firsts
However, this is just the latest of many accomplishments for Parker.
Earlier this year, Parker was voted the AP Female Athlete of the Year for the second time. She received 11 first-place votes to clinch her award. The two-time WNBA champion is the only WNBA player to win the AP Female Athlete of the Year award.
Last year, the city of Chicago celebrated Sept. 16 as the first-ever Candace Parker Day. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot signed the proclamation on Sept. 15, 2021, honoring one of the most decorated basketball players ever as a true daughter of the Land of Lincoln.
Parker also became the first woman to grace the cover of the NBA 2K video game series. She appeared on the cover of NBA 2K22 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the WNBA.
Born Basketball Winner
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Parker grew up in Naperville, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. Parker attended Naperville Central High School, where she landed a trifecta of accolades: Naismith, Gatorade, and USA Today National Prep Player of the Year (2003 and 2004).
She was also a three-time Gatorade Illinois State Player of the Year in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Parker was a 2004 McDonald’s All-American her senior year in high school.
In college, Parker started for Tennessee in the 2005-2006 season. She eventually led the Lady Volunteers to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008.
Candace Parker is now the third player in WNBA history to record multiple career triple-doubles 🤯 @highlightHER
She joins Sheryl Swoopes and Courtney Vandersloot on the list. pic.twitter.com/RTog9kFM9W
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 22, 2022
Another Day. Another Accomplishment.
Coach James Wade said, “It’s just a special moment. It’s amazing, the chemistry those two have. Courtney had to make a tough layup. … I just appreciate coaching both of them.”
Candace Parker continues to solidify her place in WNBA history, one accomplishment at a time.
