Who is Candace Parker Married to? A Closer Look at Her Life with Anna Petrakova
The Marriage of Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova
Candace Parker, a two-time WNBA MVP and one of the most celebrated basketball players in the world, stunned her fans when she revealed that she had remarried. In December 2021, Candace Parker shared a heartfelt Instagram post announcing her marriage to Anna Petrakova, a former Russian basketball player. The surprise revelation included another significant detail—the couple was expecting their first child together.
Anna Petrakova was not just a supportive spouse but an accomplished athlete in her own right. Born in Hungary and raised in Russia, Petrakova had an illustrious career playing professional basketball, representing Russia in the 2012 London Olympics and winning multiple EuroLeague championships:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. The couple’s relationship blossomed when they were teammates at UMMC Ekaterinburg, a prestigious Russian basketball club where both played during WNBA off-seasons.
Candace and Anna kept their marriage private for two years, celebrating their union and shared life out of the public eye. Their decision to come forward was personal but powerful, particularly for Candace, who always encouraged her daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, to be authentic and proud of who she is.
What Brought Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova Together?
Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova first crossed paths in the basketball world, where their mutual passion for the sport ignited their friendship. Both women had long, successful careers, but as teammates at UMMC Ekaterinburg, they began spending more time together, eventually realizing their deep connection. In an interview with Time, Parker shared how the relationship evolved, explaining, “It was one night after practice. We kissed, and it felt different. It took us some time to realize what we were truly feeling”:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
This period of transition was a significant moment for Parker, who had previously been married to former NBA player Shelden Williams. The two share a daughter, Lailaa Nicole, who was born in 2009. Parker’s divorce from Williams in 2016 was a difficult chapter, but through it all, she remained focused on her daughter and her career. When Candace began building a life with Anna, her love for basketball and her commitment to her family solidified her decision to open up about her personal journey.
The Secret Wedding: A Private Ceremony
Candace and Anna tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2019, but the world didn’t learn about their marriage until two years later. In her Instagram post commemorating their second wedding anniversary, Parker described Anna as her “happy home,” reflecting on their love and shared dreams of starting a family together. Their announcement was not just about celebrating love but about embracing their authentic selves and creating a life filled with love and support:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Anna Petrakova: The Woman Behind the Athlete
Anna Petrakova’s basketball career speaks volumes. Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1984, Petrakova was raised in Russia, where she developed a deep love for the sport, following in the footsteps of her father, Viktor Petrakov, a former player for the Russian national team. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key player for several Russian clubs, including UMMC Ekaterinburg, CSKA Moscow, and Spartak Moscow:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Her accolades include representing Russia at the 2012 London Olympics, where the Russian women’s basketball team finished in fourth place, and winning championships in the EuroLeague and Europe SuperCup:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. After retiring in 2017, Petrakova transitioned into coaching, sharing her expertise with the next generation of players in Russia.
Achievements in European and International Basketball
Throughout her career, Petrakova demonstrated not only athletic prowess but also resilience and leadership. Her journey took her across continents, but she always stayed grounded in her love for basketball and the values she learned from her father. By the time she met Candace Parker, Petrakova had established herself as a respected figure in the international basketball community.
Building a Family: Candace and Anna’s Parenthood
The couple’s desire to build a family became a reality when Anna gave birth to their first child, Airr Larry Petrakov-Parker, in February 2022. Candace’s love for her family shines through her social media, where she frequently posts about her daughter Lailaa and her son Airr. Parker’s devotion to her children is evident, and she has spoken openly about the importance of setting a strong example for them.
Parker’s relationship with Lailaa Nicole Williams, her daughter from her previous marriage, remains central to her life. She often credits Lailaa as the inspiration behind many of her life choices, including her decision to come out and publicly celebrate her love for Anna:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Airr Larry Petrakov-Parker: Welcoming Their First Child Together
In February 2022, Parker and Petrakova welcomed their son Airr into the world. Parker’s announcement on Instagram captured the joy and love they felt, writing, “We are in absolute love and utter appreciation that Goose chose us”:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. The couple’s growing family is a testament to their strong bond, and both women are excited to share their future together, embracing parenthood with love and enthusiasm.
Life Beyond Basketball
Both Candace and Anna have achieved remarkable success in their basketball careers, but their lives beyond the court are equally fulfilling. Candace, now retired from professional basketball, has continued to shape the sport through her role as an analyst for TNT Sports, covering NBA games and offering commentary during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. In 2024, she was named president of Adidas Women’s Basketball, a testament to her leadership and influence in the sports world:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
Future Plans for Their Growing Family
As both women focus on their family and careers, the future looks bright. Candace’s role in the sports world continues to grow, and Anna’s experience as a player and coach allows her to contribute meaningfully to the basketball community. Together, they have built a life that celebrates love, success, and family, and their journey is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Candace Parker’s wife?
Candace Parker is married to Anna Petrakova, a former professional basketball player from Russia. The two met while playing for the same team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, and married in 2019.
When did Candace Parker get married?
Parker married Anna Petrakova in 2019, but the couple did not announce their marriage publicly until 2021, on their second wedding anniversary.
How many children do Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova have?
Parker and Petrakova have one son, Airr Larry Petrakov-Parker, born in 2022. Candace also has a daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, from her previous marriage to Shelden Williams.
What does Anna Petrakova do now?
After retiring from professional basketball, Petrakova shifted her focus to coaching, sharing her knowledge with younger players in Russia.
Summary of Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova’s Life
| Person | Born | Career | Children | Spouse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candace Parker | April 19, 1986 | WNBA Player, Analyst | Lailaa, Airr | Anna Petrakova |
| Anna Petrakova | December 22, 1984 | Russian Basketball Player, Coach | Airr | Candace Parker |
References:
people.com/article/Anna-Petrakova-and-Candace-Parker
nickiswift.com/article/candace-parker-wife
wikipedia.org/wiki/Candace_Parker
