Naperville basketball court named after Candace Parker
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Candace Parker Basketball Court
How’d you like a neighborhood basketball court named after you? That’s exactly what happened to WNBA star Candace Parker last week. The Naperville Park District honored their fave local player by dedicating a newly renovated basketball court in her honor.
Spring-Field Park is where Candace practiced basketball growing up so when she cut the ribbon on Candace Parker Court, she recalled her childhood.
“This is where I pretty much first picked up a basketball,” said Parker, “The first time I was on the court I was 5, had these huge braids and played with my big brothers. The park meant so much to our family.”
A plaque implanted in the sidewalk leading to the court notes that it was “the place where, for many years, Parker practiced and honed her craft under the guidance of her father.” Larry Parker was a former college basketball player who helped his daughter shape her game through countless hours of play.
“I am so excited to welcome Candace back to Naperville and present her with a Key to the City,” Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel said. “Candace is one of our hometown heroes and a positive role model for future generations of Naperville athletes. This is a fitting tribute for an outstanding individual. She truly has the key to our hearts in Naperville.”
Parker’s prowess on the basketball court has earned her numerous distinctions, from her high school prep career at Naperville Central High School where her contributions drove the Redhawks to consecutive state titles, as a member of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols where she led in scoring and rebounds during her final season, and as the top pick of the 2008 WNBA draft, going to the Los Angeles Sparks, her current team.
Most recently, Parker led the U.S. women’s basketball team to the gold medal during the Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, China.
Parker said she never imagined evolving into a role model for female athletes during her days playing in Naperville, but believes she has plenty of company.
“My generation was probably the first that had a few female athletes to really look up to, but today there are countless female athletes for young girls to look up to,” she said.
View Original Post at prettytough.com
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- Basketball, Sports, SportsPLUS, Inspiration, Events, WNBA
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