Chicago Sky retires Naperville native Candace Parker's jersey

Monday, August 25, 2025
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Candace Parker became the second WNBA player to have her number retired by more than one team on Monday night.

Of course, it's extra special in the Chicago area because Parker grew up in Naperville.



Parker's Naperville Central High School Redhawks hoisted the state championship trophy twice during her years at the school. They were the first of many championships Parker would win as a basketball player, from college to the WNBA.

"I think Candace has always been, even though she's had all kinds of individual accomplishments, she's always a been a team player. And that goes a long way to winning a championship," Naperville Central Coach Andy Nussbaum said.



Nussbaum is still close to Parker and her family some 20 years after she played for him at Naperville Central. Hers is the only number retired at the high school.

Her No. 3 joined Allie Quigley's No. 14 as the only two numbers the Chicago Sky has retired.

"Candace is a legend in every sense of the word. She's won on every team she played on," said Elizabeth Williams, with the Chicago Sky.

That includes the Las Vegas Aces, where Sky head coach Tyler Marsh was an assistant when Parker played.

"Candace is a basketball savant. She's a legend in this league, a legend in this city," Marsh said.



Among her many accomplishments, Parker is a seven-time WNBA all-star and two-time league MVP. She's been on three different WNBA championship teams, including the Sky in in 2021, and Las Vegas, the team in town Monday night, where her close friend, Chelsea Gray, plays.

"It's just huge for the city, herself, her family, and it speaks to the legacy she's built," Gray said.

With plenty of friends and family in attendance, it was certainly a special night for Parker.

Her jersey was raised to the rafters at halftime.
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