Candace Parker is pregnant, Sparks confirm
Candace Parker, the WNBA's most valuable player last season, is indeed pregnant. The Sparks confirmed the news this morning, but the team's release and statements from team officials don't indicate when she is due.
From the news release: "Shelden and I are very excited to be expanding our family," said Parker, referring to her husband Shelden Williams of the Sacramento Kings. "We feel blessed and look forward to becoming parents."
But unless she delivers in the next month or two, it will be tough coming back right away.
The Sparks have been through this before, with a star player becoming pregnant and believing she would play that season. That was Lisa Leslie two years ago. But Lisa ended up have a C-section in early June and never did make it back that season (the Sparks' worst, it turned out). But it seemed that Lisa never looked happier once she became a mom.
Last year, Leslie was back, but she was surrounded by so many new faces and struggled for a bit. It was not the greatest season for the 36-year-old center. Age could be a factor, of course, in Parker's favor. Parker, who took over the Sparks spotlight last year in what was also her rookie-of-the-year season, is 22.
Stay tuned to latimes.com/sports for more coverage on this later today.
-- Debbie Goffa
Photo: Candace Parker in August. Credit: Jeff Lewis / Associated Press
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Williams on their first child. However, considering Candace age and/ or talent level it would have been resonable that she wait to start a family. Its been a long time since Woman's Basketball has seen a player of this caliber and a pregnacy at this stage in her career is seemingly premature. While understanding theres a natural progression to want a family and produce children.
Posted by: Tha sho | January 08, 2009 at 08:41 AM
Congratulations to the couple.. Being pregnant is indeed a blessing.. To become a mom is surely exciting.. Again, CONGRATULATIONS..!!
Posted by: News Review | January 08, 2009 at 08:41 AM
Why Candace? Why?
Posted by: Carlette | January 08, 2009 at 08:41 AM
I think it is great that they are having a baby. She great and hes great and the will make a great baby.
Posted by: Candace's #1 fan | January 17, 2009 at 04:11 PM
OMG thats great. i love it
Posted by: queenie | January 22, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Ma i thank it is great that u are havin a baby just do u and live your life
Briana Hickson
Posted by: Briana Hickson | March 06, 2009 at 08:33 AM
WHY CANDANCE
Posted by: KETORIAN MADDEN | March 25, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Why? are u havin a babi i mean i'm happy but wat bout your team but any way CONGRATLATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: jacole stephens | March 26, 2009 at 11:19 AM
I love candace parker she is my role model! I play basketball at callaway high in Lagrange, Ga... Anyway all im tryin to say is i think it was too soon... i mean you just started in a long life time career that you should indulge in, plus that baby will come out beautiful and shooting layups at birth... HAHA deep love-- Latasha marie anderson> #32>
Posted by: Latasha | March 31, 2009 at 06:40 AM
shes my idol i feel jus like lisa lesile did it she can to shes still goin to talent wen she returns and im very happy 4 her even tho sheldon is ugly hes prob a loving nice guy and deserves her :) CONGRATSS!
Posted by: Brittanyy | March 31, 2009 at 05:34 PM
#31!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Brittanyy | March 31, 2009 at 05:36 PM
candace..wow i dont believe it im happy for you i hope everything works out perfect with you!!! ooh and by the way keep doin what you do on the court your my idol good luck next season!!!!!
#3 all the way
Posted by: shania watson | April 02, 2009 at 12:40 PM
congrats candace! thee baby is going to be so cute. awwww!
Posted by: ademi | April 16, 2009 at 05:45 PM
congrotulations on the baby hope he/she is healthy
tell us what the baby is and all the other info!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: candace tolley | April 20, 2009 at 12:30 PM
ily ur a great b-bal player and good luck whith the baby
Posted by: caileigh | April 20, 2009 at 12:35 PM
OMG! Im sooo excited 4 her she is my idol my role model everything I love her I also play basketball and my name is also Khandice!!! Congrats Candace
Posted by: Khandice | April 21, 2009 at 05:03 PM
i lovee you you are my idol
Posted by: Akeyla Forney | April 23, 2009 at 11:10 AM
I LOV U CANDACE AND I REALLY HOPE UR NOT PREGNANT AT UR AGE BUT WATEVER U WANT 2 DO IS UR BUISSNESS SO CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! by the way ur my role modle and my idol and i love basketball and hope one day im in the wnba
Posted by: cardelia | May 26, 2009 at 10:54 AM
I think it great you got pregnant. I hope you have a girl so she can play ball just like you. In i hope you name her after you. But again i think you shouldn't got pregnent because the team needs you. I'm your are my biggest fan in i;m number 3. I play for east laurens high school. In the people at my school me CP3. Because they say i play just like you. In my height just 5,2. yes i have got a letter from the same college you came from that big TENNESSEE. WELL TIME FOR ME TO GET BACK TO WORK. IM IN SCHOOL AT THIS POINT.
Posted by: shakirahlemon | June 02, 2009 at 05:43 AM
It has always been a dream to meet u but i cant all i can say iz you're gunna have a beautiful child and u made no mistake getting pregnant.Everyone wants to have a famiy and be happy
Posted by: Jaimie Brantley | June 14, 2009 at 01:12 AM