Only 22 years old, Candace Parker (Naperville (Ill.) Central, Class of 2004) is already the most decorated women's basketball player of all time.
Back in high school, she overcame a torn ACL to lead Naperville Central to state titles as a junior and senior,
twice earning Gatorade National Player of the Year honors. Before moving on to the University of Tennessee, Parker made history
by becoming the first female to win the dunk contest at the McDonald's All-American Game. With the
Lady Volunteers, Parker won two national titles as well as the 2008 Naismith Award as the nation's top college player.
Then, with the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks this past year, she was named league MVP as well as Rookie of
the Year. Parker, who also won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, has changed the game with her athleticism,
explosiveness and ability to dunk. We caught up with Parker to discuss life before she was big enough to earn
endorsement deals from adidas and Gatorade.
GIRL: What do you miss most about high school?
Parker: I just miss the overall feeling of everybody being in class and extracurricular activities together.
I grew up with the same people and we went from kindergarten to graduation together. It was
neat to see all the different ways people chose to go.
GIRL: Who did you look up to when you were in high school?
Parker: I remember looking up to [Houston Comets forward] Tina Thompson. She was my idol
when I was younger and I would try to watch all of her games.
GIRL: As the face of women's basketball, what does it mean to be a role model for younger girls?
Parker: It means a lot -- it really does. I try to be the best role model I can be and am glad I
can inspire people. I feel like my generation was the first generation that got to grow up
wanting to be like other female athletes, and I had so many female role models like Mia Hamm in soccer, Tina Thompson in
basketball. It's kind of like the passing
of the torch now, and I feel I have a
responsibility to young people.
GIRL: What was the highlight of
your high school career?
Parker: I have two. The first was winning
the state championship and
going 35-0 during my junior year. The
second was my first game back from my
ACL injury.
GIRL: Did you worry the ACL injury would take
away your explosiveness and change your game?
Parker: I did worry a lot when I first tore it and I doubted myself a lot. I had just started dunking
the year prior to when I tore it and wasn't sure if I would still be able to. But I had a great rehab,
worked hard and let everything take care of itself.
GIRL: What advice would you give to a high school player who wants to be in your position
someday?
Parker: Always be the last one in the gym. You have to love what you do, and I feel like if you
love basketball you have to be willing to work harder than everybody.
Ryan Canner-O'Mealy covers high school sports for ESPN RISE.