Many people know Candace Parkerthe future Hall of Fame basketball star, or Candace Parker, the TV analyst, but Parker wants to introduce you to another version of herself in the upcoming ESPN Films documentary.
Meet Candace Parker, the proud wife and mother of two, her “biggest goal and greatest achievement” so far.
“Candace Parker: Unapologetic,” released Nov. 12 on ESPN, offers a deeply personal look at the ups and downs of her life, on and off the basketball court. The documentary follows Parker through the 2022 season, the same year she welcomed a son with wife Anna Petrakova, and offers an exclusive look at the living legend’s story so far.
“There are so many different layers of people and I hope people see each other,” Parker told USA TODAY Sports. “I hope other wives, partners and mothers can relate to the balancing act that we as parents try to do. And from a sports perspective, competing and trying to win championships… That’s what I hope everyone sees.”
The film chronicles everything from Parker tearing his ACL in high school before his storied college career under legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, to the birth of his daughter in 2009 and his divorce from NBA star Shelden Williams , until Sky won its first ever WNBA title. in 2021.
In February, Parker signed with the the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, who will face the New York Liberty in the WNBA finals on Sunday.
Although Parker is no stranger to being in the spotlight, from her days in high school to winning two national championships with Tennessee and two WNBA titles with the Los Angeles Sparks (2016) and Chicago Sky (2021) , Parker said she was “nervous.” ” to peel back his many layers and open his personal life to the world.
“When everyone sees you in a vulnerable moment or sees your life, it’s scary,” Parker says. “I’m always nervous about letting people in because I consider myself a bit private.”
Here’s everything you need to know about his upcoming documentary film:
Candace Parker Shows Her Authenticity in Documentary
Authenticity is the goal of Parker’s documentary. This is why she chose to name the film “Unapologetic”.
“Being who you are is a super powerful thing and something I grew up with myself,” Parker says. “You should never apologize for what you choose to do, what makes you happy and what you pursue in life. That’s what gave me the courage to make (the documentary)… that’s why it’s called ‘Unapologetic’.”
Being yourself doesn’t always come naturally to Parker, especially in a world that “tries to put people in boxes,” she says. But she hopes to show others “how it’s possible to put those fears aside, to put aside the expectations of the world and just be yourself.”
She credits her family with inspiring her to forge her own path. “You’ll see in my upbringing (in Naperville, Ill.), it was always positive. That was my nickname. My dad called me ‘can-do’… It’s cool to see the evolution until NOW.”
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Candace Parker: It’s ‘really hard’ not to make WNBA Finals
Parker, 37, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering surgery to repair a broken foot in July. She averaged 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 18 games while playing through her foot injury, before opting for surgery as “the only option for she is healthy again and avoids further injury,” the Aces said. said.
Although Parker has found other ways to impact the game from the sidelines, the 2016 WNBA Finals MVP said not being able to suit up and play in the title series was “really tough.” The best-of-five series begins Sunday against Liberty.
“I’d be lying to you if I said it’s easy not to be on the field, because I think the playoffs are honestly my favorite time,” Parker said. “You play to be there. But I think just finding other ways, whether it’s advice or things that I see on the field to try to help… Just being able to be present and be there in the group.”
When does the Candace Parker documentary start?
“Candace Parker: Unapologetic” will debut on ESPN on November 12 at 9 p.m. ET. The documentary film will be available to stream on ESPN+ immediately thereafter.
