Events

News

 Driving the news: Naperville Central alum and three-time WNBA champion Candace Parker had her jersey retired Monday night by the Chicago Sky, a tribute to her two seasons with the team and her role in bringing the 2021 championship to Chicago.

Details:

• The ceremony took place at halftime of the Sky’s game against the Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena.

• Parker’s No. 3 jersey now hangs in the rafters alongside the team’s championship banner.

• She was a WNBA All-Star in both seasons with the Sky, earning All-WNBA First Team honors in 2022.

• Parker is now the second Chicago Sky player to have her jersey retired, joining teammate Allie Quigley.

Why it matters: The ceremony celebrated Parker’s journey from Naperville Central High School to professional and Olympic success, inspiring the next generation of athletes in Illinois and across the nation. Her story emphasizes perseverance, growth, and giving back to her roots.

The big picture: Parker led Naperville Central to back-to-back state championships in 2003 and 2004, finishing her high school career with a 59–0 record over her final two seasons. She has since become a two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and one of the greatest athletes from Naperville.

What’s next: Parker also recently authored “The Can-Do Mindset”, reinforcing her message of determination and resilience. Earlier this summer, her L.A. Sparks jersey was retired, marking a historic milestone for the Hall of Famer.

The bottom line: Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey retirement cements her legacy in WNBA and Chicago history, honoring a hometown hero who has inspired countless athletes and left a lasting impact on the sport.

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Market

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🗞️ In Other News…

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