In a groundbreaking and emotional tribute to one of the most iconic athletes in women’s basketball history, **ESPN has officially named Candace Parker the Greatest Women’s College Basketball Player of All Time**, placing her ahead of all-time greats **Diana Taurasi (UConn)**, **Cheryl Miller (USC)**, and **Lynette Woodard (Kansas)** in a comprehensive fan and analyst poll.
The announcement has sparked celebration among **Tennessee Lady Vols fans**, former teammates, and the broader basketball world, as Parker’s revolutionary impact on the game is now recognized with the sport’s most prestigious individual distinction. Known for her unmatched versatility, dominance on both ends of the floor, and leadership under legendary coach Pat Summitt, Parker redefined what it meant to be a big in women’s hoops.
From her **dunking debut in high school**, to leading **Tennessee to back-to-back national championships in 2007 and 2008**, Parker’s college career was filled with firsts. She was the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game and the first to win **both the Wooden Award and Naismith Player of the Year** twice during her college tenure.
“She changed the game,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “Candace brought power, finesse, basketball IQ, and charisma in a way that resonated across generations. You could build a team around her—or a league.”
The voting process, which spanned over a month, saw Parker pull ahead of Diana Taurasi in the final week, thanks to overwhelming fan support and a surge in social media campaigns highlighting her achievements. Cheryl Miller, often regarded as the pioneer of modern women’s basketball, and Lynette Woodard, the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball, were also strongly considered.
But it was Parker’s legacy—extending from the hardwood to the broadcast booth and beyond—that sealed the honor. Even after her college career, she continued to inspire a new generation of athletes as a WNBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and vocal advocate for gender equity in sports.
“I’m honored beyond words,” Parker said in response to the recognition. “Tennessee is where I grew into the player—and person—I am today. This isn’t just about me; it’s about every woman who has ever dreamed big.”
Her crowning as the **GOAT** is more than a personal accolade—it’s a celebration of what she represents: excellence, resilience, and the future of wom
en’s basketball.
