Who Is Candace Parker Married To? Candace Parker, widely celebrated as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, has not only made headlines for her stellar basketball career but also for her inspiring personal life. Known affectionately as “Ace,” Parker’s journey extends beyond the court, encompassing her roles as a devoted wife, mother, and advocate for women’s sports. Her marital life, in particular, has drawn significant interest from fans curious about her relationships and family. So, who is Candace Parker married to? Let’s dive into her love story, her current marriage, and the family she’s built.
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Candace Parker’s First Marriage to Shelden Williams
Candace Parker’s first high-profile relationship was with former NBA player Shelden Williams. The couple married on November 13, 2008, after meeting during their respective basketball careers. Williams, who played college basketball at Duke University and had a professional career in the NBA, shared a common passion for the sport with Parker. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, born on May 13, 2009. Their family life seemed idyllic, and in 2013, they purchased a 7,000-square-foot home in Encino, Los Angeles, for $3.56 million, signaling a commitment to their shared future.
However, their marriage faced challenges, and in November 2016, Williams filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The couple parted ways after eight years of marriage, agreeing to joint custody of their daughter, Lailaa. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Parker and Williams have maintained a cooperative co-parenting dynamic, prioritizing Lailaa’s well-being. Parker has often spoken about the importance of her daughter in her life, describing her as the “center of my entire universe.” This commitment to family would later influence her next chapter in love.
A New Chapter with Anna Petrakova
After her divorce, Candace Parker found love again with Anna Petrakova, a former professional basketball player from Russia. The two first met in 2012 while playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the WNBA offseason. What began as a close friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship over time. Parker and Petrakova kept their relationship private for several years, navigating their feelings carefully. According to Petrakova, they initially “denied it to ourselves for three years” before accepting their love, a process complicated by Russia’s anti-LGBTQ policies, which posed significant risks at the time.
In early 2019, Parker proposed to Petrakova during a family trip to Mexico, with Lailaa playing a heartwarming role by holding a cake that read, “Will you marry us?” The couple tied the knot in a low-key ceremony on December 14, 2019, surrounded by close family and friends. They chose to keep their marriage under wraps initially, prioritizing privacy due to both personal preference and external pressures. It wasn’t until December 2021, on their second wedding anniversary, that Parker publicly announced their marriage via Instagram, sharing heartfelt wedding photos and revealing that they were expecting their first child together.
Building a Family Together
Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova have since welcomed two children, expanding their blended family. Their first son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, was born on February 11, 2022. Named in part after Parker’s father, Larry, Airr’s arrival was celebrated with joy, with Parker noting on Instagram, “We are in absolute love and utter appreciation that Goose chose us.” In May 2024, Petrakova gave birth to their second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, with his middle name paying tribute to Parker’s late Tennessee coach, Pat Summitt. The couple announced Hartt’s birth on June 10, 2024, humorously noting their shift to “zone defense” as a family of five.
Parker’s daughter, Lailaa, from her previous marriage, has embraced her role as a big sister. Parker has emphasized the importance of including Lailaa in their family dynamic, ensuring she feels loved and valued. Petrakova has also embraced her role as a bonus parent to Lailaa, fostering a strong bond. The family’s journey has been marked by love, resilience, and a commitment to authenticity, with Parker stating in a TIME interview that she came out publicly to set an example for Lailaa, encouraging her to be proud of who she is and their family.
Anna Petrakova: A Basketball Star in Her Own Right
Anna Petrakova, born on December 4, 1984, in Budapest, Hungary, and raised in Russia, is no stranger to the basketball world. The daughter of Viktor Petrakov, a former player for the Soviet Union’s national team, Petrakova followed in her father’s footsteps. She moved to the United States in 2002 to play college basketball at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she learned English and earned accolades as the Sun Belt Conference’s Player of the Year. Professionally, she played for Russia’s national team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, finishing fourth, and won titles with UMMC Ekaterinburg, waaronder the EuroLeague Women in 2012–13.
Petrakova’s shared passion for basketball with Parker has been a cornerstone of their relationship. Their mutual understanding of the demands of professional sports has strengthened their bond, with Parker praising Petrakova as her “calm, my support, my voice of reason” in an Instagram post. Together, they navigate the challenges of parenting, retirement, and advocacy, with Parker now serving as president of women’s basketball for Adidas post-retirement.
A Legacy Beyond the Court
Candace Parker’s marriage to Anna Petrakova reflects her commitment to living authentically and embracing love in all its forms. After retiring from the WNBA in April 2024, Parker expressed her desire to focus on family, business ventures, and advocacy. Her journey with Petrakova, from teammates to life partners, is a testament to resilience and love, inspiring fans worldwide. As they raise their three children—Lailaa, Airr, and Hartt—Parker and Petrakova continue to build a legacy of love, support, and breaking barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Candace Parker married to now?
Candace Parker is married to Anna Petrakova, a former Russian professional basketball player. They tied the knot in December 2019. - Was Candace Parker previously married?
Yes, Candace Parker was previously married to former NBA player Shelden Williams from 2008 to 2016. They share a daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams. - How did Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova meet?
Parker and Petrakova met in 2012 while playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the WNBA offseason. Their friendship turned romantic after three years. - How many children do Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova have?
The couple has two sons, Airr Larry (born February 2022) and Hartt Summitt (born May 2024). Parker also has a daughter, Lailaa, from her previous marriage. - Why did Candace Parker keep her marriage to Anna Petrakova private initially?
Parker and Petrakova kept their marriage private due to personal preference and Russia’s anti-LGBTQ policies, which posed risks at the time. They announced their marriage in 2021 to set an example for their daughter, Lailaa.