Naperville Central HS star Candace Parker jersey retirement for Chicago Sky set for Monday night WNBA game against Las Vegas Aces
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Candace Parker will become the second WNBA player to have her number retired by more than one team.

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

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

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 will join 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 should be a special night for Parker.

Her jersey gets raised to the rafters at halftime.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
California family revives beloved Christmas tradition with surprise sleepover visit

California Family Reinvigorates Cherished Christmas Tradition with Unforeseen Sleepover Reunion

A family in California has revived a cherished Christmas tradition, capturing the…
Downfall of newlywed who murdered wife as tragic note reveals secret

Tragic Unveiling: Newlywed’s Descent After Wife’s Murder and Discovery of Hidden Note

On the surface, the Kenney family seemed like the epitome of a…
Stabbing spree, chemical attack at Japan factory injures 15

Shocking Attack in Japanese Factory: Chemical Release and Stabbings Leave 15 Injured

In a shocking incident at a tire factory in central Japan, fifteen…
Joe Rogan mocks President Trump ripping Biden and Obama in White House plaques

Joe Rogan Criticizes Trump for Comments on Biden and Obama in White House Plaques Discussion

In a recent podcast episode released on Thursday, Joe Rogan described the…
Bensenville man Ismael Andrade Pino accused of trying to kidnap Jewel employee with special needs from York Road store: officials

Bensenville Resident Faces Charges for Alleged Kidnapping Attempt of Special Needs Employee at York Road Jewel Store

A 53-year-old resident of Bensenville faces serious allegations after being accused of…
WATCH: Video shows suspect push trooper to ground before stealing patrol cruiser on Christmas Day

Shocking Christmas Day Incident: Suspect Overpowers Trooper and Steals Patrol Cruiser – Caught on Camera!

A suspect has been apprehended following a dramatic incident on Christmas Day,…
Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65

Legendary The Cure Guitarist Perry Bamonte Passes Away at 65: A Tribute to His Musical Legacy

Perry Archangelo Bamonte, the renowned guitarist and keyboardist known for his long…
Ritzy island giving away FREE homes worth millions but there's a catch

Dream Island Offers Free Luxury Homes: Discover the Surprising Catch!

An island in Massachusetts is offering multi-million dollar homes at no cost,…