ESPN REPORT : Legendary Tennessee Basketball Player Candace Parker has been named as the The Greatest of All Time in College women’s Basketball, beating Diana Taurasi of UConn, Cheryl Miller of USC, and Lynette WOODARD of Kentucky…….👇👇👇👇👇
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Candace Parker Crowned the GOAT of Women’s College Basketball, Surpassing Legends Taurasi, Miller, and Woodard
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Date: May 12, 2025
In a monumental announcement that has sparked discussion across the basketball world, ESPN has officially named former Tennessee Lady Vols star Candace Parker as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in women’s college basketball. Parker, a two-time NCAA champion and national icon, triumphed over other legendary finalists including Diana Taurasi of UConn, Cheryl Miller of USC, and Lynette Woodard of Kansas, all of whom left indelible marks on the sport.
The decision was the culmination of a months-long ESPN fan poll, supported by a panel of analysts, coaches, and former players. It celebrated achievements on and off the court, leadership, influence, statistical dominance, and championship legacy.
A Historic Honor
For Candace Parker, this accolade cements her place at the very top of a sport she has helped shape over the last two decades. A force at the University of Tennessee from 2005 to 2008 under the tutelage of the late Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, Parker’s collegiate resume is unmatched in modern history.
“This is beyond humbling,” Parker said during an ESPN segment announcing the honor. “To be even mentioned in the same sentence as Diana, Cheryl, and Lynette is something I would have never dreamed of growing up. It’s a tribute not just to me, but to my teammates, to Coach Summitt, and to the entire Lady Vol family.”
Dominance in Orange and White
Candace Parker’s impact on the college game was immediate. Redshirting her freshman year due to injury, she debuted in the 2005-06 season with a level of skill, athleticism, and poise rarely seen in the women’s game.
Standing 6-foot-4 and equipped with guard-like agility and vision, Parker became the first woman to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game. Her dynamic versatility made her virtually unguardable, whether scoring in the post, leading fast breaks, or defending all five positions.
During her three-year career at Tennessee, Parker amassed a host of accolades:
Two NCAA National Championships (2007, 2008)
Two-time NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
Two-time Wooden Award winner (2007, 2008)
Naismith Player of the Year (2008)
Career averages of 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game
But beyond statistics, it was Parker’s leadership and competitive fire that defined her. Playing much of her final NCAA Tournament run with a dislocated shoulder, she led the Lady Vols to back-to-back national titles, showcasing toughness and commitment that resonated with fans and peers alike.
The Competition: A Field of Titans
While Parker’s credentials are staggering, the other finalists also had cases for GOAT status.
Diana Taurasi redefined clutch at UConn, leading the Huskies to three consecutive national titles from 2002 to 2004. Nicknamed “White Mamba,” Taurasi brought a killer instinct, basketball IQ, and championship pedigree that translated into an illustrious WNBA and Olympic career.
Cheryl Miller, often described as the most dominant women’s player of the 1980s, led USC to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1983 and 1984. Her combination of skill, physicality, and showmanship laid the foundation for modern women’s basketball. In a pre-WNBA era, Miller’s legend grew through her Olympic success and later influence as a coach and broadcaster.
Lynette Woodard starred at the University of Kansas before women’s basketball was an NCAA-sanctioned sport, amassing over 3,600 career points—a record that still stands. Woodard later became the first female member of the Harlem Globetrotters, shattering gender barriers in a male-dominated basketball world.
Each of these women has profoundly influenced the game, making Parker’s selection even more significant.
Influence Beyond the Hardwood
Parker’s legacy extends far beyond the court. As a mother, broadcaster, and entrepreneur, she has continued to blaze trails for women in sports. She became the first WNBA player to win MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season (2008), and she led both the Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky to WNBA titles.
On television, Parker has become a leading voice for women’s sports, delivering sharp analysis on NBA and NCAA broadcasts while using her platform to advocate for gender equity and racial justice.
“She’s been a pioneer,” said former teammate and ESPN analyst Kara Lawson. “Candace represents a new era—one where women can be elite athletes, powerful voices, and cultural leaders all at once.”
Reactions from the Basketball World
The announcement drew widespread praise, including from Parker’s legendary college coach, Pat Summitt, who was remembered fondly during the ESPN special.
“Coach Summitt believed in me when I didn’t always believe in myself,” Parker said, holding back tears. “Everything I am as a player, I owe to her.”
Diana Taurasi, Parker’s longtime friend and competitor, also responded to the news with grace. “Candace deserves it. We’ve battled, we’ve teamed up, and I’ve seen up close what makes her great. If I can’t be the GOAT, I’m glad it’s her.”
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert added: “This recognition is well-deserved. Candace Parker has changed the game at every level—high school, college, pro, international. She is a true icon of the sport.”
A New Generation’s North Star
For aspiring young players, Parker’s GOAT status serves as inspiration. Her journey—marked by resilience, brilliance, and balance—has become a blueprint for excellence in women’s athletics.
“This is a huge win for women’s basketball,” said South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley. “Recognizing greatness like Candace’s helps us grow the game and honor those who’ve paved the way.”
As women’s college basketball enjoys unprecedented popularity—with record ratings, NIL deals, and superstar freshmen—Parker’s story offers both historical context and a vision for the future.
Final Thoughts
Candace Parker’s selection as the greatest college women’s basketball player of all time is not just a personal achievement—it’s a celebration of a career that has helped elevate the sport itself. From the hardwood of Knoxville to the global stage, Parker has carried the legacy of women’s basketball with grace, grit, and greatness.
In crowning her as the GOAT, ESPN and the basketball community are not merely recognizing trophies or statistics, but honoring an entire era defined by Parker’s excellence.
As she herself put it: “It’s bigger than basketball. It’s about legacy. It’s about leaving the game better than we found it.
