The remarkable journey of WNBA superstar Candace Parker stands as powerful proof that family foundation often builds athletic greatness. Behind her legendary career lies a story of dedicated parents and accomplished siblings who collectively shaped her drive and determination.
The Parker Family Foundation
Candace Parker was born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, but grew up in Naperville, Illinois, as the youngest of three children. Her parents, Larry Parker and Sara Parker, created an environment where excellence became the family standard. Both parents brought athletic backgrounds to the household, establishing a natural pathway for their children's sports careers.
In a 2024 interview with SLAM magazine, Parker reflected on her family's enduring support system. "I believe a lot of things come full circle," she stated. "I think just over the course of my career I realized how much important people have meant to my career. Coming back home, I mean, my dad fixed my blinds the other day, we went over to his house for Father's Day, my mom cooks me pregame, picks up my daughter all the time."
Larry Parker: The Demanding Coach and Father
Larry Parker played college basketball at the University of Iowa during the 1970s following his high school career at Joliet West High School. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches tall, he became Candace's first and most demanding coach.
His training methods were famously rigorous. He would make young Candace run home from the park if she didn't practice hard enough. In a revealing interview with Sports Illustrated Vault, Candace recalled how her father pushed her beyond comfort zones. "My dad did everything from grabbing my shirt to kicking me out of practice," she said. "He'd kick the ball, block my shot, and knock me over. He did things to make me mad, to challenge me, because I was so much more athletic and had so much more knowledge of the game than everyone else that sometimes I just coasted."
Tragically, Larry Parker passed away in 2020, but his legacy continues. In a touching tribute, Candace and her wife Anna Petrakova named their son, born in February 2022, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker in his honor.
Sara Parker: The Supportive Matriarch
While Larry provided the tough coaching, Sara Parker offered unwavering emotional support and practical assistance. A retired teacher who later worked in HR, Sara also had her own athletic credentials as a former track and field athlete at the University of Iowa, where she met Larry.
Her involvement in her daughter's career extended beyond typical parental support. She actually worked in the front office for the Chicago Sky during Candace's tenure with the team. Sara's nurturing presence balanced Larry's intense training methods, creating a perfect environment for developing championship character.
The Sibling Influence: Anthony and Marcus Parker
Candace Parker's two older brothers provided both inspiration and healthy competition throughout her life. Anthony Parker, born on June 19, 1975, forged an impressive basketball career that saw him play in the NBA for the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers after achieving success in Europe with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he won two EuroLeague titles and two MVP awards.
Following his playing career, Anthony transitioned into basketball management. He currently serves as the General Manager for the Orlando Magic, having worked his way up from scout to assistant GM before his 2023 promotion.
Marcus Parker, the other brother, took a different but equally impressive path. He became a medical doctor specializing in radiology, completing his residency at prestigious Johns Hopkins University. Despite his medical career, Marcus maintained his basketball connection by coaching at the high school level with teams like the Tampa ACES.
Candace often credited her brothers with teaching her valuable lessons about perseverance. Speaking to WNBA about Marcus, she revealed: "My brother Marcus... he actually said that. You always have to have something that goes on... Your knee, or your shoulder,... now it's the baby... That's how I work. I love setting goals and I love having obstacles... and I love having people doubt me."
Lasting Family Legacy
The Parker family story demonstrates how athletic excellence often runs in families, nurtured by both genetic gifts and carefully cultivated environments. From Larry's college basketball experience to Sara's track background, from Anthony's NBA career to Marcus's medical achievements while coaching basketball—each family member contributed to creating the champion Candace became.
This family foundation provided not just technical basketball skills but the mental toughness required for professional sports. The combination of Larry's demanding training, Sara's emotional support, and her brothers' examples of excellence in diverse fields created the perfect storm that produced one of basketball's most celebrated athletes.
