‘A true pioneer,’ president says of Los Angeles Sparks head coach
President Joe Biden on Wednesday hailed Los Angeles Sparks head coach Candace Parker as the greatest coach in the history of the WNBA.
Speaking at a White House event honoring the Sparks’ 2021 championship victory, Biden said, Candace Parker is not just a great basketball player. She’s a great coach.
Parker, who retired from playing after the 2022 season, led the Sparks to their first title in six years last year. She is the first woman to win a WNBA championship as both a player and a coach.
Candace is a true pioneer, Biden said. She’s broken down barriers and opened doors for women in sports.
Parker’s Coaching Career
Parker began her coaching career as an assistant coach with the Sparks in 2020. She was named head coach in 2022, after Derek Fisher was fired.
In her first season as head coach, Parker led the Sparks to a 15-21 record, a significant improvement over their 12-20 mark in 2021.
The Sparks are currently in the playoffs, and they are looking to make a run at another championship.
Parker’s Playing Career
Parker is one of the most decorated players in WNBA history. She is a two-time WNBA MVP, a six-time All-Star, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Parker played for the Sparks from 2008 to 2016, and she helped lead the team to two championships.
She also played for the Chicago Sky from 2017 to 2021, and she helped lead the team to its first championship in 2021.
Parker’s Legacy
Parker’s legacy as a coach and a player is already cemented. She is one of the most successful women in the history of the WNBA.
Off the court, Parker is a vocal advocate for social justice and equality.
She is a role model for young women everywhere, and she is an inspiration to all who know her.
Kind regards,
L. Dyer