After Candace Parker, one of the most respected players in women’s professional sports, spends her day chasing athletes around the court, she heads home to chase her toddler around the couch. An inspiration to every woman out there, here’s how the cover girl juggles a basketball career, marriage, and motherhood.
Q:
What was it like to grace the pages of ESPN’s Body Issue? What message do you hope it sends?
A:
Throughout my pregnancy, I was mortified by the changes that occurred to my body. Nine months of cravings, weight gain, and mood swings produced a beautiful daughter, but it definitely took a toll on my body. As an athlete, I was used to my body looking and working a certain way. When given the doctor’s clearance two weeks post, I immediately went to work to reconstruct my body to be better than it was before. Doing the ESPN the Magazine cover was to prove that this feat can be done and is attainable with hard work and dedication.
Q:
What would you tell women who have difficulty bouncing back after having a baby?
A:
Motherhood is the most rewarding and the hardest job I have ever done in my life. I love my daughter and, as of right now, am content with just watching her grow and cherishing every moment.
Q:
Out of all of your accolades, which is the most special?
A:
My gold medals are my most special accolades because representing my country and winning was something I dreamed about ever since I was 10 years-old.
Q:
I see you have a huge Facebook and Twitter following! How have you used social media to promote yourself and/or stay in touch with fans?
A:
I really enjoy interacting with people on Twitter and Facebook. Social media gives me the avenue to share my everyday life and the things that are important to me to friends, family, and fans all at the same time. My newest adventure has been Instagram, and I enjoy posting pictures and adding the funny things that my daughter says on a daily basis.
Q:
How do you manage being on the road and away from you family?
A:
Living a bi-continental life is difficult. My daughter travels overseas with me while I play in Russia, but it is difficult to be away from my family and friends in the U.S. for extended months. Skype does soften the blow and allows me to stay involved in my loved ones’ lives.
Q:
How do you incorporate fitness into your family life?
A:
I am an extremely active person that has a hard time staying still. I love to be outdoors, be active, and try new things. Apart from the normal fitness schedule that goes along with my basketball routine of weights, yoga, and stretching, I have a very busy little three year-old daughter. While in Russia, although it is extremely cold, we still bundle up and head outside. My daughter Lailaa and I enjoy sledding, ice skating, horseback riding, and playing indoor soccer.
Q:
Would you be OK with your daughter following in your athletic footsteps?
A:
I would be happy if my daughter chose to follow in my footsteps and I would be equally as pleased if she chose a different path. Lailaa can do whatever she puts her mind to and I will support her no matter what.
Q:
What are your future aspirations after your basketball career is over?
A:
I really love to travel. Post-retirement, I would love to live somewhere tropical or exotic just to experience a different culture for a year and then I hope to transition into another career. I have nothing set in stone to do after basketball, maybe work my way up to a front office position in basketball, commentate, or I have even dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Regardless of what I decide, I definitely want to stay involved in the game of basketball because I love it.
Candace Parker was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks following a record-breaking career at the University of Tennessee. She finished her first professional season as the first WNBA player to ever win both the MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same year (2008). Candace has been a staple to the Sparks and received All-WNBA First Team honors this year (2012). She is also a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team (2008, 2012). Candace is married to Sheldon Williams, a professional basketball player who has played with the NBA. They have a young daughter, Lailaa.
