The Can-Do Mindset: Candace Parker’s Journey and the Evolution of Women’s Basketball

Few athletes in the world can match the resume and impact of Candace Parker. A three-time WNBA champion, NCAA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and league MVP, Parker’s career is a testament to both talent and tenacity. But how much of her success comes down to natural ability, and how much is owed to an unshakeable mindset instilled in her from a young age?

Parker’s story is about far more than basketball—it is a reflection of the values of family, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the court. Recently retired after 16 seasons in the WNBA, Parker’s legacy goes well beyond the stats; it’s grounded in her “can-do mindset”—a philosophy that’s shaped her as an athlete, role model, and mother.

Early Roots: Siblings and the “Can-Do” Mantra

Much of Parker’s competitive spirit was forged in her childhood, as the youngest of three siblings. Growing up, Parker idolized her older brothers—one of whom played professionally in the NBA alongside LeBron James, and another who became a doctor. In a household where ambition and support were paramount, Parker learned the importance of determination early. Her parents were instrumental, never holding her back because she was a girl, and always encouraging her to pursue her dreams as fiercely as her brothers did.

Her childhood nickname, “Can-Do,” originated with her mother—an early birthday gift that became a life-long mantra. It wasn’t just a motivational phrase but, as Parker later reflected, the acronym for her approach to life: Community, Authenticity, Negativity (and overcoming it), the journey (the dash), and Opportunity (creating and seizing it).

“‘Can-Do’ became my mantra, whether I was hitting big free throws or studying for a test,” Parker recalls. “It was about believing that I could, and that mindset stayed with me through every single challenge.”

The Making of a Champion

Candace Parker’s physical gifts are undeniable—standing at 6’4″, she possessed an ideal frame for basketball. But as she often jokes, those genetics from her parents were just the starting point. What truly differentiated Parker was her pursuit of greatness, forged through formative years of competition with her siblings and countless hours in the gym.

Her path, like that of many women’s athletes, was not paved with fortune or glamour from the outset. She entered the WNBA at a time when the league struggled for visibility and parity with men’s sports. Early career memories often included playing in high school-style gyms, with sponsorships from hotel chains like Holiday Inn Express.

“It reminded me of pioneers like Billie Jean King, who played for almost nothing, sacrificing so much so the next generation could thrive,” she said. “Today, people no longer see women’s sports as charity—they see it as a business. That’s progress, even if it isn’t all the way where we want it.”

Changing the Game: The Evolution of the WNBA

Compared to when Parker entered the league, the WNBA is nearly unrecognizable. Broadcasts have soared, venues are packed, and stars like Caitlin Clark are drawing massive attention and breaking attendance records.

“Now you can find the games, know the players, and root for your rivals. That visibility makes all the difference,” Parker explains. While top salaries like Clark’s current $78,000 might still seem modest compared with NBA contracts, the arc of growth is unmistakable. “In five to ten years, I believe there’ll be a WNBA franchise worth a billion dollars,” Parker predicts.

Despite her own superstardom, Parker often reflects on the broader journey for women’s basketball, acknowledging the trailblazers before her and the financial strides being made so players no longer must go overseas for higher pay. “I spent years playing in Russia, China, and Turkey because that’s where the best contracts were,” she says. “Thankfully, the landscape is changing.”

The Physical and Mental Toll of Greatness

A career as long and storied as Parker’s comes with a price. She is open about the physical sacrifices—ten knee surgeries, two foot surgeries, and one shoulder surgery are proof of her body’s relentless pounding. Retiring after her 16th season was less a choice than a necessity, as the daily routine of “activating just to activate” became untenable.

“I always look at the years, but really, it’s the mileage,” she jokes. “Athletes die twice—the first time is at retirement. That transition is tough, but I had great role models. Watching Kobe Bryant transition after his career inspired me to plan for life beyond basketball.”

Parker channels her famed competitiveness into family life: “Now, the challenge is dominoes or riding the Peloton. I’m sure my wife and kids are done with my need for competition,” she laughs, never quite conceding to give easy victories even to her children.

The Influence of Coaches and the Role of Leadership

Parker’s journey to greatness passed through the hands of legendary coaches, none more significant than Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee—a woman she credits with shaping her not just as a player, but as a leader and person. “Coach Summitt was an educator, a leader of women. She never asked of us what she wouldn’t do herself. Bosses push, leaders pull,” Parker explains.

Summitt’s lessons transcend the court—whether making eye contact or leading by example. “A role model isn’t just someone who says ‘do as I say.’ It’s ‘do as I do.’ That’s something I strive to live up to every day, especially as a parent.”

Her youngest child is named after Summitt—a daily commitment to carrying forward her legacy.

Looking Forward: The Lasting Impact of a Can-Do Life

Candace Parker’s story is about more than a basketball career. It’s about a mindset: seeing challenges as opportunities, defining success on one’s own terms, and inspiring others along the way. Whether by raising her own children to live courageously, mentoring the next generation, or advocating for the continued evolution of women’s sports, Parker embodies the Can-Do spirit given to her by family, coaches, and the game itself.

In a world that is finally waking up to the value of women’s sports, Parker stands at the forefront—a champion not only of basketball, but of possibility. Her legacy, like her competitive fire, is sure to burn for generations to come.