She may be hanging up her sneakers, but she will remain deeply rooted in the sport.
WNBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and all-around hoops icon Candace Parker is taking her talents off the court and into the boardroom, Andscape Reports. Fresh off her retirement announcement, Parker has landed a groundbreaking new role as the president of Adidas Women’s Basketball.
This isn’t just a career move for Parker, it’s the culmination of a long-standing relationship with the brand that began on the courts of her hometown. For Parker, Adidas wasn’t just a sponsor; it was family.
Parker’s adidas journey started in 2003, when she laced up her signature Pro Models as a young athlete on her AAU team. The iconic three stripes were also there as she dominated Illinois high school basketball, becoming the first female in the state to throw down a dunk at the tender age of 15. Her dominance on the court, proudly sporting adidas gear, solidified a partnership destined for greatness.
“It had become more like a family,” Parker said to Andscape, reflecting on her early days with Adidas. This family bond, built on a shared passion for the game, naturally extended into her collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, another Adidas school.
Now, as president of adidas Women’s Basketball, Parker has a unique opportunity to influence the future of the sport she loves. She’ll oversee the brand’s product line, ensuring top-notch gear for the next generation of female ballers. But her impact goes beyond sneakers. Parker is poised to be a driving force behind innovative strategies and empowering initiatives, inspiring young athletes to chase their dreams on the hardwood.
Candace Parker’s legacy as a player is undeniable. Her new role at Adidas shows a continued dedication to women’s basketball, ensuring her influence will inspire the next generation of hoopers to dream big and reach even higher.
Cover photo: Candace Parker Named President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas / Credit: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Adidas